Pure and Undefiled Religion: Why Bono may be a Better Christian than You
By David Cooper
Once in a while, a truly great musician comes along makes rock-and-roll history. Artists such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Elvis, Jim Morrison, and Bob Dylan have made their permanent mark in the American psyche, and indeed in the musical consciousness of the world. After almost 25 years, U2 has earned their spot among the musical greats.
What makes U2 great is difficult to define. In the first place, they have achieved a longevity and relevance rarely enjoyed by rock bands. U2 has managed to craft a musical formula that has endured from the teenage punk sounds of Boy to the soulful melodies of All You Can 't Leave Behind. Their open faith and charitable works have given hope to millions. They have been described as the last great rock band, but if Bono has his way, they won't be going anywhere for a very long time.
Born Paul David Hewson in Dublin, Ireland, Bono is the lead singer of the rock group U2. As a teenager, Bono helped form the band in 1976 with three schoolmates. Early on, the band had little musical talent. What they lacked in talent, however, they more than made up in enthusiasm. They soon grew into accomplished musicians, destined to make their mark in music history.
In addition to the musical brilliance of the band, Bono has proven to be a quite effective political lobbyist. His work for the relief of third-world debt and AIDS in Africa has been the subject of much media attention. He was also an honored guest at the Republican and Democratic conventions. Books have been written about the greatness of U2, but few discuss the faith and work of its leader. Before one can understand why Bono does what he does, one must first understand where he came from.
The Life of Bono
Paul Hewson's early years were unique. He was born to a protestant mother and a Roman Catholic
father, a mixed marriage rare in the strife-torn Dublin of the 1960s. Before his death, his father Bobby described young Paul as a "bloody exasperating" child but one who was also very curious. He was always extremely optimistic and enthusiastic, traits that would remain for the rest of his life.
When he was 15, Hewson's mother died of an an-eurysm while attending her own father's funeral. The pain of this loss can be seen in much of his music. It was at this time that Hewson became interested in music and took up the guitar, drinking up the sounds of emerging punk music. During this time, young Hewson acquired his nickname, "Bono," from a hearing aid store called "Bono Vox." Somewhat prophetically, his friend Guggi, christened him with this Latin name meaning "good voice."
By the time Bono was 17, two more very important things had happened. He had met Alison Stewart, the woman who was to become his wife of over twenty years, and he had answered Larry Mullen Jr.'s advertisement on the school bulletin board to start a band. The result was U2.
The Faith of Bono
Dublin in the 1960s and 1970s was the scene of much religious violence and hatred. Bono saw evidence of this in his own family. It was his disgust with the sectarian conflict that drove him to the Shalom fellowship, a non-denominational charismatic home-church in Dublin.
It was at Shalom that three members of U2 would find Christ. Bono, Dave Evans, nicknamed "The Edge," and Larry became excited with their newfound faith, but it was Bono who lead the way. Bassist Adam Clayton would remain an agnostic. Bono was the first one interested in the Bible studies and fellowship meetings that would shape the faith of one of rock's most influential icons. It was at Shalom that Bono found the inspiration for his music, and ironically, it was his music that drove him from Shalom.
Many members of the Shalom fellowship began to condemn U2's music and their "involvement in the world." Bono, Edge, and Larry all struggled intensely between their passion for the Kingdom and their passion for their music. In the end, they choose a synthesis of both. Music permeated by their faith. This was unacceptable to many in Shalom and the members of the band eventually left, turning their back forever on organized religion. Their spiritual nourishment would come now through informal fellowships: theological discussion with Christian friends, on-the road Bible studies and the like. Although Bono had turned his back to religion, he had embraced Christ with a renewed fervor: "I have this hunger in me...every where I look; I see evidence of the Creator. But I don't see it as a religion, which has cut my people in two. I don't see Jesus Christ as being any part of a religion. Religion to me is almost what like when God leaves—and people devise a set of rules to fill the space." He later said "I often wonder if religion is the enemy of God. It's almost like religion is what happens when the Spirit has left the building."
Bono's reluctance to talk about his faith has sparked much criticism from the Christian community. However, it is evident the critics have never listened to his words or his music—at least not with any depth. Bono has always made the reasons for his reticence very plain:
The problem is, when I [talk about religion], the way it turns out in the tabloid papers here and in England is, 'Bono Pontificates on the Holy Trinity.' And then we're off! But at the same time, I can't let them gag me. There are the uninformed, unfocused thoughts of a student of these things, not a master.
U2 has also always been uncomfortable with the desire by many to label them as a "Christian" band. American pop-evangelicalism was trying to sanitize pop culture for the consumption of their squeaky-clean teens. While U2 was excited about Christ and learning about His Word in the early days of their conversion, they were ignorant of what Christianity meant for most of the world. Their first experience with American Christianity was revolting. Television evangelists and the like were largely unknown in their native Ireland. Bono said, "When I see these racketeers, these snake-oil salesmen on these right-wing television stations, asking not for your $20 or your $50, but your
$100 in the name of Jesus Christ, I want to throw up."
It was this initial revulsion that caused U2 to react they way they did to their "Christian" label. Bono and the others have acknowledged that manner in which they dealt with the labeling unnecessarily alienated much of the Christian community. However, in their attempts to reconcile with Christians, they remain uncompromising. Bono's views on the purpose of his music are very clear. When discussing his faith and music he said, "I believe carrying moral baggage is very dangerous for an artist. If you have a duty, it's to be true and not cover up the cracks. I love hymns and gospel music, but the idea of turning your music into a tool for evangelism is missing the point. Music is the language of the Spirit anyway. Its first function is praise to creation." But Bono's faith does not end here. Still the ever enthusiastic, optimistic boy from Dublin, he eagerly carries his faith to the next logical step—action.
The Works of Bono
In 1985, an energetic young man performed to raise money for famine relief in Africa. During the course of the show, the young man leaped from the stage into the crowd below, still crooning people to action. That man was Bono, and the concert was Live Aid 1985.
Bono's stage diving stunt was the genesis of U2's international fame and political activism. Shortly before their release of The Joshua Tree U2 involved themselves with Band Aid and Live Aid, movements designed to encourage action on famine relief. Few knew this Irish rock group, as popular as they were, was on the edge of superstardom.
Live Aid 1985 signified a transformation of the band. While The Joshua Tree was the culmination of what they had been building musically. Live Aid was the beginning of Bono's new mission—using rock-and-roll to change the world.
Since Live Aid, U2 has championed the cause of the needy everywhere. From third-world debt relief to funding for AIDS relief in Africa, U2 has used their star-power to help those suffering around the globe. For Bono, it is his Christian duty. "To me, faith in Jesus Christ that is not aligned to social justice—not aligned with the poor—is nothing."
Bono recognizes God's blessing in his life. He knows he has been given a gift and feels bound to use it for the greater good of humanity—loving his neighbor as himself. Bono recognizes the power of fame. "Celebrity is currency and we want to spend it this way," he says on his campaign for AIDS relief. His fervency for his faith has often been the force behind strong indictments against the church. "Christ's example is being demeaned by the Church if they ignore the new leprosy, which is AIDS." Perhaps speaking prophetically, he goes on, "the Church is the sleeping giant here. If it wakes up to what's really going on in the rest of the world, it has a real role to play. If it doesn't, it will be irrelevant."
Bono's anger with the church over this issue is not unwarranted. In a poll of American evangelicals in 2002, only 3 percent said they would "definitely help" an orphan of AIDS. Bono's assessment of Christianity is sadly on-target.
Judgementaiism, a kind of sense that people who have AIDS, well, they got it because they deserve it. Well, from my studies of the Scriptures, I don't see a hierarchy to sin. I don't see sexual immorality registering higher up on the list than institutional greed... problems we suffer from in the West.
Bono's tireless work on behalf of the poor has required much sacrifice. He delayed production of his 2000 album All That You Can 't Leave Behind for over a year to work with groups like Jubilee 2000, a coalition devoted to third-world debt relief. He has traveled across the globe, spending countless hours with economists and international bankers, learning and teaching along the way. His path has taken him to the halls of power across the globe, and he counts Presidents, Prime Ministers and even the Pope as partners in his mission. Bono's politics are not a betrayal of his faith, but the fruit of it. These are the works of Bono, the evidence of a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ.
"Go Ye and Do Likewise"
Jesus said that the entire law and prophets could be summed up in two simple commandments. The first was to love your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and the second was to love your neighbor as yourself. The apostle James defined pure and undefiled religion as simply helping orphans and widows in their affliction, and keeping oneself from the sins of this world.
Bono is a shining example of what true faith in Christ is all about. He does not put himself up as any type of Christian to be emulated, and would likely be uncomfortable with this article. However, Bono's faith is one that should be emulated.
He is not bound by a building, a denomination, or a prayer book. He is bound by a love of Jesus Christ for the grace He extended. Yet, if Bono is such a good Christian, why has the Christian community rejected him? The answer is simple. The church is worried about the wrong things.
Today's Christian culture is obsessed with externalities. We create our Christian music, Christian television, movies, and magazines. We have Christian colleges and businesses. We have created a parallel culture, one which believes a squeaky-clean image is evidence of true faith. This culture rejects U2, and many like them, because they do not fit into the acceptable mold. They drink, they smoke, and they curse at their concerts and on national television. However, the church has missed the point. Obsession with externalities has blinded the church to the true issue. Jesus ate with sinners and reprobates. He loved all men as He loved himself. All he asked is that we do likewise. Christ did not give us a set of rules to follow as evidence of faith, He simply told us to love God and our fellow man, and to help them in their affliction. For as we help one another, we do the same to Him.
Bono's faith acknowledges and embraces this pivotal tenet of Christianity. His music proclaims his love for God and His children. His concerts explode with an effervescent attitude of worship that affects all who experience it. As James said, faith without works is dead. Bono's faith is alive and evident in all aspects of his life. The church would do well to learn from his example.
Once in a while, a truly great musician comes along makes rock-and-roll history. Artists such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Elvis, Jim Morrison, and Bob Dylan have made their permanent mark in the American psyche, and indeed in the musical consciousness of the world. After almost 25 years, U2 has earned their spot among the musical greats.
What makes U2 great is difficult to define. In the first place, they have achieved a longevity and relevance rarely enjoyed by rock bands. U2 has managed to craft a musical formula that has endured from the teenage punk sounds of Boy to the soulful melodies of All You Can 't Leave Behind. Their open faith and charitable works have given hope to millions. They have been described as the last great rock band, but if Bono has his way, they won't be going anywhere for a very long time.
Born Paul David Hewson in Dublin, Ireland, Bono is the lead singer of the rock group U2. As a teenager, Bono helped form the band in 1976 with three schoolmates. Early on, the band had little musical talent. What they lacked in talent, however, they more than made up in enthusiasm. They soon grew into accomplished musicians, destined to make their mark in music history.
In addition to the musical brilliance of the band, Bono has proven to be a quite effective political lobbyist. His work for the relief of third-world debt and AIDS in Africa has been the subject of much media attention. He was also an honored guest at the Republican and Democratic conventions. Books have been written about the greatness of U2, but few discuss the faith and work of its leader. Before one can understand why Bono does what he does, one must first understand where he came from.
The Life of Bono
Paul Hewson's early years were unique. He was born to a protestant mother and a Roman Catholic
father, a mixed marriage rare in the strife-torn Dublin of the 1960s. Before his death, his father Bobby described young Paul as a "bloody exasperating" child but one who was also very curious. He was always extremely optimistic and enthusiastic, traits that would remain for the rest of his life.
When he was 15, Hewson's mother died of an an-eurysm while attending her own father's funeral. The pain of this loss can be seen in much of his music. It was at this time that Hewson became interested in music and took up the guitar, drinking up the sounds of emerging punk music. During this time, young Hewson acquired his nickname, "Bono," from a hearing aid store called "Bono Vox." Somewhat prophetically, his friend Guggi, christened him with this Latin name meaning "good voice."
By the time Bono was 17, two more very important things had happened. He had met Alison Stewart, the woman who was to become his wife of over twenty years, and he had answered Larry Mullen Jr.'s advertisement on the school bulletin board to start a band. The result was U2.
The Faith of Bono
Dublin in the 1960s and 1970s was the scene of much religious violence and hatred. Bono saw evidence of this in his own family. It was his disgust with the sectarian conflict that drove him to the Shalom fellowship, a non-denominational charismatic home-church in Dublin.
It was at Shalom that three members of U2 would find Christ. Bono, Dave Evans, nicknamed "The Edge," and Larry became excited with their newfound faith, but it was Bono who lead the way. Bassist Adam Clayton would remain an agnostic. Bono was the first one interested in the Bible studies and fellowship meetings that would shape the faith of one of rock's most influential icons. It was at Shalom that Bono found the inspiration for his music, and ironically, it was his music that drove him from Shalom.
Many members of the Shalom fellowship began to condemn U2's music and their "involvement in the world." Bono, Edge, and Larry all struggled intensely between their passion for the Kingdom and their passion for their music. In the end, they choose a synthesis of both. Music permeated by their faith. This was unacceptable to many in Shalom and the members of the band eventually left, turning their back forever on organized religion. Their spiritual nourishment would come now through informal fellowships: theological discussion with Christian friends, on-the road Bible studies and the like. Although Bono had turned his back to religion, he had embraced Christ with a renewed fervor: "I have this hunger in me...every where I look; I see evidence of the Creator. But I don't see it as a religion, which has cut my people in two. I don't see Jesus Christ as being any part of a religion. Religion to me is almost what like when God leaves—and people devise a set of rules to fill the space." He later said "I often wonder if religion is the enemy of God. It's almost like religion is what happens when the Spirit has left the building."
Bono's reluctance to talk about his faith has sparked much criticism from the Christian community. However, it is evident the critics have never listened to his words or his music—at least not with any depth. Bono has always made the reasons for his reticence very plain:
The problem is, when I [talk about religion], the way it turns out in the tabloid papers here and in England is, 'Bono Pontificates on the Holy Trinity.' And then we're off! But at the same time, I can't let them gag me. There are the uninformed, unfocused thoughts of a student of these things, not a master.
U2 has also always been uncomfortable with the desire by many to label them as a "Christian" band. American pop-evangelicalism was trying to sanitize pop culture for the consumption of their squeaky-clean teens. While U2 was excited about Christ and learning about His Word in the early days of their conversion, they were ignorant of what Christianity meant for most of the world. Their first experience with American Christianity was revolting. Television evangelists and the like were largely unknown in their native Ireland. Bono said, "When I see these racketeers, these snake-oil salesmen on these right-wing television stations, asking not for your $20 or your $50, but your
$100 in the name of Jesus Christ, I want to throw up."
It was this initial revulsion that caused U2 to react they way they did to their "Christian" label. Bono and the others have acknowledged that manner in which they dealt with the labeling unnecessarily alienated much of the Christian community. However, in their attempts to reconcile with Christians, they remain uncompromising. Bono's views on the purpose of his music are very clear. When discussing his faith and music he said, "I believe carrying moral baggage is very dangerous for an artist. If you have a duty, it's to be true and not cover up the cracks. I love hymns and gospel music, but the idea of turning your music into a tool for evangelism is missing the point. Music is the language of the Spirit anyway. Its first function is praise to creation." But Bono's faith does not end here. Still the ever enthusiastic, optimistic boy from Dublin, he eagerly carries his faith to the next logical step—action.
The Works of Bono
In 1985, an energetic young man performed to raise money for famine relief in Africa. During the course of the show, the young man leaped from the stage into the crowd below, still crooning people to action. That man was Bono, and the concert was Live Aid 1985.
Bono's stage diving stunt was the genesis of U2's international fame and political activism. Shortly before their release of The Joshua Tree U2 involved themselves with Band Aid and Live Aid, movements designed to encourage action on famine relief. Few knew this Irish rock group, as popular as they were, was on the edge of superstardom.
Live Aid 1985 signified a transformation of the band. While The Joshua Tree was the culmination of what they had been building musically. Live Aid was the beginning of Bono's new mission—using rock-and-roll to change the world.
Since Live Aid, U2 has championed the cause of the needy everywhere. From third-world debt relief to funding for AIDS relief in Africa, U2 has used their star-power to help those suffering around the globe. For Bono, it is his Christian duty. "To me, faith in Jesus Christ that is not aligned to social justice—not aligned with the poor—is nothing."
Bono recognizes God's blessing in his life. He knows he has been given a gift and feels bound to use it for the greater good of humanity—loving his neighbor as himself. Bono recognizes the power of fame. "Celebrity is currency and we want to spend it this way," he says on his campaign for AIDS relief. His fervency for his faith has often been the force behind strong indictments against the church. "Christ's example is being demeaned by the Church if they ignore the new leprosy, which is AIDS." Perhaps speaking prophetically, he goes on, "the Church is the sleeping giant here. If it wakes up to what's really going on in the rest of the world, it has a real role to play. If it doesn't, it will be irrelevant."
Bono's anger with the church over this issue is not unwarranted. In a poll of American evangelicals in 2002, only 3 percent said they would "definitely help" an orphan of AIDS. Bono's assessment of Christianity is sadly on-target.
Judgementaiism, a kind of sense that people who have AIDS, well, they got it because they deserve it. Well, from my studies of the Scriptures, I don't see a hierarchy to sin. I don't see sexual immorality registering higher up on the list than institutional greed... problems we suffer from in the West.
Bono's tireless work on behalf of the poor has required much sacrifice. He delayed production of his 2000 album All That You Can 't Leave Behind for over a year to work with groups like Jubilee 2000, a coalition devoted to third-world debt relief. He has traveled across the globe, spending countless hours with economists and international bankers, learning and teaching along the way. His path has taken him to the halls of power across the globe, and he counts Presidents, Prime Ministers and even the Pope as partners in his mission. Bono's politics are not a betrayal of his faith, but the fruit of it. These are the works of Bono, the evidence of a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ.
"Go Ye and Do Likewise"
Jesus said that the entire law and prophets could be summed up in two simple commandments. The first was to love your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and the second was to love your neighbor as yourself. The apostle James defined pure and undefiled religion as simply helping orphans and widows in their affliction, and keeping oneself from the sins of this world.
Bono is a shining example of what true faith in Christ is all about. He does not put himself up as any type of Christian to be emulated, and would likely be uncomfortable with this article. However, Bono's faith is one that should be emulated.
He is not bound by a building, a denomination, or a prayer book. He is bound by a love of Jesus Christ for the grace He extended. Yet, if Bono is such a good Christian, why has the Christian community rejected him? The answer is simple. The church is worried about the wrong things.
Today's Christian culture is obsessed with externalities. We create our Christian music, Christian television, movies, and magazines. We have Christian colleges and businesses. We have created a parallel culture, one which believes a squeaky-clean image is evidence of true faith. This culture rejects U2, and many like them, because they do not fit into the acceptable mold. They drink, they smoke, and they curse at their concerts and on national television. However, the church has missed the point. Obsession with externalities has blinded the church to the true issue. Jesus ate with sinners and reprobates. He loved all men as He loved himself. All he asked is that we do likewise. Christ did not give us a set of rules to follow as evidence of faith, He simply told us to love God and our fellow man, and to help them in their affliction. For as we help one another, we do the same to Him.
Bono's faith acknowledges and embraces this pivotal tenet of Christianity. His music proclaims his love for God and His children. His concerts explode with an effervescent attitude of worship that affects all who experience it. As James said, faith without works is dead. Bono's faith is alive and evident in all aspects of his life. The church would do well to learn from his example.
posted by Tim Hoskins at 2:00 PM
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