Bono Talks Jesus

[ironhorse]

Excerpted from the book, Bono by Michka Assayas

 

Bono: My understanding of the Scriptures has been made simple by the person of Christ. Christ teaches that God is love. What does that mean? What it means for me: a study of the life of Christ. Love here describes itself as a child born in straw poverty, the most vulnerable situation of all, without honor. I don’t let my religious world get too complicated. I just kind of go: Well, I think I know what God is. God is love, and as much as I respond [sighs] in allowing myself to be transformed by that love and acting in that love, that’s my religion. Where things get complicated for me, is when I try to live this love. Now that’s not so easy.

 

Michka Assayas: What about the God of the Old Testament? He wasn’t so “peace and love”?

 

Bono: There’s nothing hippie about my picture of Christ. The Gospels paint a picture of a very demanding, sometimes divisive love, but love it is. I accept the Old Testament as more of an action movie: blood, car chases, evacuations, a lot of special effects, seas dividing, mass murder, adultery. The children of God are running amok, wayward. Maybe that’s why they’re so relatable. But the way we would see it, those of us who are trying to figure out our Christian conundrum, is that the God of the Old Testament is like the journey from stern father to friend. When you’re a child, you need clear directions and some strict rules. But with Christ, we have access in a one-to-one relationship, for, as in the Old Testament, it was more one of worship and awe, a vertical relationship. The New Testament, on the other hand, we look across at a Jesus who looks familiar, horizontal. The combination is what makes the Cross.

 

Bono: I really believe we’ve moved out of the realm of Karma into one of Grace.

 

Michka: Well, that doesn’t make it clearer for me.

 

Bono: You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics; in physical laws every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It’s clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the universe. I’m absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that “as you reap, so you will sow” stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff.

 

Michka: I’d be interested to hear that.

 

Bono: That’s between me and God. But I’d be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I’d be in deep s—. It doesn’t excuse my mistakes, but I’m holding out for Grace. I’m holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity.

 

Michka: The Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. I wish I could believe in that.

 

Bono: But I love the idea of the Sacrificial Lamb. I love the idea that God says: Look, you cretins, there are certain results to the way we are, to selfishness, and there’s a mortality as part of your very sinful nature, and, let’s face it, you’re not living a very good life, are you? There are consequences to actions. The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death. That’s the point. It should keep us humbled . It’s not our own good works that get us through the gates of heaven.

 

Michka: That’s a great idea, no denying it. Such great hope is wonderful, even though it’s close to lunacy, in my view. Christ has his rank among the world’s great thinkers. But Son of God, isn’t that farfetched?

 

Bono: No, it’s not farfetched to me. Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: he was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually Christ doesn’t allow you that. He doesn’t let you off that hook. Christ says: No. I’m not saying I’m a teacher, don’t call me teacher. I’m not saying I’m a prophet. I’m saying: “I’m the Messiah.” I’m saying: “I am God incarnate.”

If only we could be a bit more like Him, the world would be transformed. When I look at the Cross of Christ, what I see up there is all my s— and everybody else’s. So I ask myself a question a lot of people have asked: Who is this man? And was He who He said He was, or was He just a religious nut? And there it is, and that’s the question.

[Guest Furball]

 

Bono: That’s between me and God. But I’d be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I’d be in deep s—. It doesn’t excuse my mistakes, but I’m holding out for Grace. I’m holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity.

 

 

 

 

I can relate. When i was a christian, i never felt saved. I just hoped that in the end i would be forgiven and allowed into heaven by grace, and not my religious walk. I remember how heart breaking it was to realize that if god did exist, that he didn't want me. 

[Blood]

What a bunch of gobbledygook. Go back to selling iPods dude. 

[FarflungWanderer]

I mean, the guy has his opinions. I don't think a celebrity's thoughts will change mine.

 

Hey, guys, is this an appeal to authority?

[FreeThinkerNZ]

I mean, the guy has his opinions. I don't think a celebrity's thoughts will change mine.

 

Hey, guys, is this an appeal to authority?

I think so.  Or perhaps an appeal to celebrity.  Or an appeal to aging rock star has-beens.

[pratt]

the way he answered about OT God not being "peace and live" is so typical, avoiding to answer, and talking about jesus,,,

 

jesus ficking christ,,,,, come to think of it,,,,, i used to reply with that kind of answers too,,,,, what a dickhead i was

[mymistake]

Excerpted from the book, Bono by Michka Assayas

 

Bono: My understanding of the Scriptures has been made simple by the person of Christ. Christ teaches that God is love. What does that mean?  

 

 

[mymistake]

God is love but God is also just.

 

[sdelsolray]

Tin Pony just loves that Bono dude.  It's almost hero worship.

[florduh]

I don’t let my religious world get too complicated. I just kind of go: Well, I think I know what God is. God is love...

 

Anyone remember Thumbelina the Mud Wrestler?

 

God is love, unicorns, rainbows, fluffy puppies......I wouldn't want to look too deeply or think too much. 

[sdelsolray]

Anyone remember Thumbelina the Mud Wrestler?

 

God is love, unicorns, rainbows, fluffy puppies......I wouldn't want to look too deeply or think too much. 

 

Perhaps Thumbelina is an alt for Bono.

[Ravenstar]

Of course he does.. figures.

 

I've disliked him ever since he sold out his post punk roots for pop

 

ugh… the guy gets off on his celebrity and his 'i'm such an activist do-gooder' persona. Don't you ever just want to rip those stupid sunglasses off his face?

 

"Bono.. hey, guess what. You are a singer… and maybe a musician, you are not Gandhi, stahp already. You are embarrassing to all us salty Irish folk.

 

 

Sorry - I've been wanting to say that for years - thanks for the opportunity!  

[Fweethawt]

Yeah, the glasses need to go. I thought they looked stupid the FIRST time I saw him wearing them. Let alone the thousandth time...

[Fweethawt]

Anyone preaching the "God is Love" bullshit either can't read, or never bothered to read the bible.

[midniterider]

I call your Bono and raise you a Tom Cruise!

 

[FreeThinkerNZ]

http://www.versobooks.com/blogs/600-richard-dienst-the-case-against-saint-bono

 

 

 

Richard Dienst: The Case Against 'Saint Bono'

By Andrea D'Cruz / 24 June 2011

Activists are set to stage a protest against the tax status of U2 during the band's headline performance at Glastonbury festival this evening. Adding to the tax-centred criticism of Bono, Verso presents an extract from The Bonds of Debt by Richard Dienst that exposes further hypocrisy. Dienst untangles Bono's problematic relationship with George W. Bush over the war in Iraq, as well as his deeply misleading claims to represent the people of the Global South.

 

[bornagainathiest]

I see.

 

Unable or unwilling to present a defense of his own faith, Ironhorse cuts-n-pastes someone else's.

 

1 Peter 3 : 15 & 16, NIV.

 

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

 

I'm asking you to give us an answer, Ironhorse.

Please give us the reason for the hope you have.  Not your belief, but the reason.  So a statement of what you believe will not do.  You have to say why you believe.  And this 'why' has to be reasoned and reasonable, as per the quote.  The time for carefully-worded statements of personal faith is over.  Now the Bible demands that you say why you believe.

 

Why, Ironhorse?

[Guest Furball]

 

 

Bono: That’s between me and God. But I’d be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I’d be in deep s—. It doesn’t excuse my mistakes, but I’m holding out for Grace. I’m holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity.

 

 

 

 

I can relate. When i was a christian, i never felt saved. I just hoped that in the end i would be forgiven and allowed into heaven by grace, and not my religious walk. I remember how heart breaking it was to realize that if god did exist, that he didn't want me. 

 

It sounds like even as a believer, bono isn't sure if he is saved. One of the many problems with this religion, uncertainty. Why was this posted here anyways, shouldn't this have been posted in the totally off topic section? I am not sure what ironhorse thought was going to happen, maybe we would read that and re-convert? I haven't noticed that christians are posting in any of the other sections, are they only allowed to post in the den?

[Guest Furball]

 

 

Bono:  Grace defies reason and logic. 

 

 

His own words should have woken him up to the fact that his religion is pure fantasy. He must be still wearing those giant bug blinders. I am irish and i can't stand that guy. That article above just sounds like more unintelligent ramblings that we get on here from the other xtians. Ray comfort says the reason we don't understand these christian answers is because they are using what he calls, zion speak. -whatever

[Burny]

Nevermind the fact that Jesus never actually said he was "God incarnate" either. Nice try though bonehead. And even if he did say it - so what? I'm God Incarnate. Worship me Bono!

 

Fu(k, I'm so sick of all these BS justifications to warp a 2,000 y.o. myth into making oneself feel better.

[ironhorse]

Concerning CoolCats comments:

 

-From what I have read on Bono he is sure of his faith.

 

-I was not expecting his celebrity to magically convert. I know many U2 fans who are not Christian.

 

-Bono wears the eye glasses because he has Glaucoma. A chronic eye condition that makes you very sensitive to light.

 

-Ex-Christians often posts Pat Robertson videos or refer to other TV "reverends" as being representative of

 of the Christian faith. These people are not, in my opinion, examples of the Christian faith I have experienced.

 

-I know there is a forum where Christians are not allowed to see or post, but I can read threads in most forums. I have posted news events a few times in Totally Off Topic. I'm glad I am allowed to express my faith in the Lion's Den.

[bornagainathiest]

Concerning CoolCats comments:

 

-From what I have read on Bono he is sure of his faith.

 

-I was not expecting his celebrity to magically convert. I know many U2 fans who are not Christian.

 

-Bono wears the eye glasses because he has Glaucoma. A chronic eye condition that makes you very sensitive to light.

 

-Ex-Christians often posts Pat Robertson videos or refer to other TV "reverends" as being representative of

 of the Christian faith. These people are not, in my opinion, examples of the Christian faith I have experienced.

 

-I know there is a forum where Christians are not allowed to see or post, but I can read threads in most forums. I have posted news events a few times in Totally Off Topic. I'm glad I am allowed to express my faith in the Lion's Den.

 

Now that you've expressed your faith Ironhorse, defend it - just as scripture says you should.

 

1 Peter 3 : 15 & 16, NIV.

 

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

 

I'm asking you to give us an answer, Ironhorse.

Please give us the reason for the hope you have.  Not your belief, but the reason.  So a statement of what you believe will not do.  You have to say why you believe.  And this 'why' has to be reasoned and reasonable, as per the quote.  The time for carefully-worded statements of personal faith is over.  Now the Bible demands that you say why you believe.

 

Why, Ironhorse?

[mymistake]

Concerning CoolCats comments:

 

-From what I have read on Bono he is sure of his faith.

 

 

Just like Muslims are sure of their faith.  Just like Hindus are sure of their faith.  Just like members of all the other religions are sure of their faith.

 

Experiencing the emotion that you are sure does not make you right.  If you let that emotion close your mind to new ideas or evidence then it can cause you to be wrong.

[FreeThinkerNZ]

Bono's faith is different to IH's faith and to every other "xian"'s faith because all of them cherry pick their own religion out of the bible.  There are 40k+ denominations, let alone all the individual interpretations, so why would reading about another person's take on it convert anyone?

 

I was an FTNZian.  Now I have an open mind and don't claim to know shit that I can't know.

[duderonomy]

Concerning CoolCats comments:

 

-From what I have read on Bono he is sure of his faith.

 

-I was not expecting his celebrity to magically convert. I know many U2 fans who are not Christian.

 

-Bono wears the eye glasses because he has Glaucoma. A chronic eye condition that makes you very sensitive to light.

 

-Ex-Christians often posts Pat Robertson videos or refer to other TV "reverends" as being representative of

 of the Christian faith. These people are not, in my opinion, examples of the Christian faith I have experienced.

 

-I know there is a forum where Christians are not allowed to see or post, but I can read threads in most forums. I have posted news events a few times in Totally Off Topic. I'm glad I am allowed to express my faith in the Lion's Den.

Ironhorse, why aren't TV "reverends" representative of the Christian faith to you?

 

Also, why did you post this here? What's your point? Shouldn't you be looking to Jesus instead of Bono vs. TV preachers as role models?

 

You are eager to say which denominations you wouldn't be part of, but you won't say which one you are part of.

You want to say "Happy Easter" but you won't answer a question about what the Bible says about Jesus rising from the dead because you say the question is off topic...in your own Happy Easter thread. 

Now you tell us Pat Robertson and etc. don't represent the Christian faith, but it seems that to you Bono does?

 

Ironhorse, you are going to have to go a little further and discuss these things in sincerity. If you've taken up the mantle of Jesus here, you also, as BAA correctly pointed out, have taken on the responsibility to explain your faith. Remember the Bible says there will be those Christians that cause the name of Christ to be blasphemed. I think you've already done that here, maybe without realizing it, but from now on...you don't want to be that guy, do you?

 

I'm asking you to get serious and talk with us about Jesus, the Bible, and your faith in some terms beyond a bumper sticker theology. You can at least do that, can't you?  You don't have to go the second mile, Ironhorse, I won't hold you to that. But you can at least go the first mile, can't you?