A handful of people who know I'm a big U2 fan told me about Bono's speech at the National Prayer Breakfast. It is already being called, "Bono's Best Sermon Yet". Here is the download of the entire talk: Download bono_at_national_prayer_breakfast.doc And if you would prefer to listen and watch here is the video: Bono at National Prayer Breakfast. After you take it in, tell me what you think? Should he stick to rock--roll? Is he right on? Where is he right on and where did he lose you? And just to wet your appetite, here is the beginning:
If you're wondering what I'm doing here, at a prayer breakfast, well, so am I. I'm certainly not here as a man of the cloth, unless that cloth is leather. It's certainly not because I'm a rock star. Which leaves one possible explanation: I'm here because I've got a messianic complex. Yes, it's true. And for anyone who knows me, it's hardly a revelation. Well, I'm the first to admit that there's something unnatural...something unseemly...about rock stars mounting the pulpit and preaching at presidents, and then disappearing to their villas in the south of France. Talk about a fish out of water. It was weird enough when Jesse Helms showed up at a U2 concert...but this is really weird, isn't it? You know, one of the things I love about this country is its separation of church and state. Although I have to say: in inviting me here, both church and state have been separated from something else completely: their mind. Mr. President, are you sure about this?
Ack - can you get a pdf version up for us Mac users?
Posted by: Jonathan | February 04, 2006 at 09:09 PM
Jonathan, there you have it! Eric just posted a TrackBack so that you can get a pdf. Now gives us your reaction.
Posted by: Dave Ferguson | February 04, 2006 at 10:05 PM
I particularly liked what Bono said about rather than ask to be blessed, start doing what God has already blessed. I do think that a person can get a bit off-balanced in thinking that taking care of the needs of the poor and needy should be the main message we carry. Being fed, clothed and healthier are all good things, but only temporary, compared with the fact that Christ came to give all people eternal life. So I guess Bono is doing great things, his heart is in the right place, but without the good news of the Gospel, his help is limited. I do believe that for people to hear the Gospel, they need to be fed, clothed etc. because it can prepare their hearts to listen. So I guess my mercy (limited as it is!!) has a higher goal. Does that make sense??? Love, f
Posted by: francie | February 06, 2006 at 11:50 AM
I'm not someone who usually comments but you two things going on here that peak my interests (1) Bono (2) the gospel. If only half the American preachers could get up and preach with such passion the world would change faster that we can imagine. Seeing Bono's spirituality and his heart as a Christ-follower in his music and interviews you know he is genuine. He is totally right about being apart of something God is already blessing, in ministries around the world that are reaching people these are being blessed and I think if we can get off doctrine and unite as Christ-followers and not some baptists and catholics and christian church people working together we can accomplish not only making these poor people healthier and feeding them and help ridding them of corrupt politics but also be able to share the greatest news ever with them. To comment on the comment above I really don't think we can separate the good news and helping those in need. In America we have separated them and that is why we have lots of white collar churches (whether black or white or multi-cultural churches). To follow Christ is to have the whole picture- not only Jesus saying I have come to seek and save the lost but also the story of the Samaritan that stopped and helped man on the road to Jerico. A friend of mine was talking about how we have left out the doing part of the gospel. We have stopped letting our light shine so that they (being the unsaved) would see your good works and glorify God in heaven.
Posted by: Ben Boles | February 08, 2006 at 11:59 AM
Hi Dave, just an FYI - the CNN link is now asking for people to subscribe to their video service. However, people can still get in for free on C-Span.Org under their video section.
I watched it! All I can say is, Bono's at least on the right track. I don't think DAD would be disappointed and really, whether he's a Christian or not; can any of us fault him or judge him for doing DAD's work?
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