Several years ago Michna Assayss published his book, Bono on Bono. It was the sum total of a series of interviews spread over a considerable period of time and reflects Bono’s thinking on a wide variety of topics. Who cares what Bono thinks? You may not, however, the band is legend and Bono’s iconic status cuts a wide cultural swath. One bit from the book that I appreciated quite a bit recounted Bono’s comments on his faith. Here’s one of my favorite interchanges:
Assayas: “Christ has his rank among the world’s great thinkers. But Son of God isn’t that a bit 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 Confucious. But actually Christ doesn’t allow you that. He doesn’t let you off the hook. Christ says: No. I am not saying I’m a teacher, don’t call me teacher. I am not saying I’m a prophet. I’m saying “I am the Messiah.” I’m saying: “I am God incarnate.” And people say: No, no please, just be a prophet. A prophet we can take. Your a bit eccentric. We’ve had John the Baptist eating locusts and wild honey, we can handle that. But don’t mention the “M” word! Because, you know, we are going to have to crucify you. And he goes: No, no. I know you’re expecting me to come back with an army, and set you free from these creeps, but actually I am the Messiah. At this point, everyone starts staring at their shoes, and says: Oh, my God, he’s gonna keep saying this. So what you’re left with is: either Christ was who He said He was- the Messiah- or a complete nutcase. I mean, we’re talking nutcase on the level of Charles Manson. This man was like some of the people we’ve been talking about earlier. This man was strapping himself to a bomb, and had “King of the Jews” on his head, and was they were putting him on the cross, was going: OK, martyrdom, here we go. Bring on the pain! I can take it. I’m not joking here. The idea that the entire course of civilization for over half of the globe could have its fate changed and turned upside down by a nutcase, for me, that’s farfetched.”
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I still don’t like his never ending condescention. He reminds me a bit of an Al Gore with a Brit accent and a different religion.
His sunglasses are a living analogy.
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@Danny. Interesting. I’ve not thought of Bono as condescending. I think he’s aggressive and provocative with regard to world poverty and the inherent moral challenge to the affluent west presented by the extreme suffering of the Global South. I can see your point, though, but I guess I’ve not looked at it that way.
I’m just happy to hear someone in the public eye be bold about their faith. Oh, and I love U2….
I suppose all activists run the risk of appearing condescending or elitist when their passions erupt. He seems much more in control of his communications than most – though not quite to the level of say Mother Theresa. Hey, he’s a musician for cryin’ out loud (No offense, Dwight). I just would wish the rest of the Celebrities would climb out of their limos and follow Bono’s example and put THEIR considerable financial resources where their radical and bratty mouths are. They whine…while (whether or not you agree with all that he says) Bono DOES. I think he’s come a long way.
Love his interview quote. One of my favorite songs is U2′s “End of the World”. A haunting soliloquy by Judas Iscariot.
I take it this is a response to Dean Munday’s recent blog topic?
I saw a video of him recently where he said,”Stop asking God to bless what you are doing. Get involved with what God is doing—because it’s already blessed.” Loved that!
@Jill, not a response, rather an different perspective. But, yes, his blog post was the inspiration for my post.
Bono’s ideas of redistributung wealth to the global south would make everyone who is spending OPM feel good about themselves. Meanwhile,some have come to their senses http://www.dambisamoyo.com
Danny, I am not sure I have heard Bono advocate a redistribution of wealth. I’ve heard him raise the issue of extreme poverty and the relative ease with which the global community could address this issue. I’ve heard him say that simply throwing money at the problem will not solve the problem as corrupt Third World governments are a signifcant issue in this ongoing tragedy. However, money is needed now to stop the senseless deaths (One Campaign). I’ve heard him praise President Bush for doing more than any other President to address the AIDS epidemic in Africa. As one who work in the realm of public policy I have found him to have a remarkable grasp on the complexity of the problem.
DepravityGirl(jk),
Not hearing anything from Bono other than a worldview of limited good. Perhaps thats all the media want to reveal of him.
MOstly, when I see an article about Bono I turn the page and mumble under my breath “shut up and sing”. I think we all fall for the “could you imagine what would happen if Tiger Woods became a Christian? Can you imagine if Michael Jordan became a Christian?” to which I reply…..and how would God be glorified anymore either way?
Should we keep our mouths shut about our faith, until we get it “just right”? What about worrying if we offend other Christians? Go Bono! We have an audience of One.
Yes we can keep our mouths shut and sooth our own guilt by having bono do our bidding.
Danny: You appear to have an axe to grind when it comes to celebrities, and in this case your vitriol is aimed at Bono.
Bono has said many things which have been deemed as controversial over the years. I myself was put off by him for a period of time when I only listened to the snippets which the media used from his statements.
But whenever I take the time to actually read his comments and take them in context, I find he is a very wise and passionate man.
Sure, he is a “singer,” but that does not mean he should shut and sing. I am a package designer, does that mean I should shut up and make boxes? I hope not.
I think sometimes we let our political leanings blurr not only our world view, but our Chirstian view also. I know I have been guilty of judging many people by their headlines and sound bites in the past.
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