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[Ednote: On the bottom of the page is Bono's hand signal to the crowd puts him into the Masonic class possibly a Kabalist. The way he holds his fingers is very specific. I recommend Texe Marrs' book "Codex Magica" ISBN: 1930004044 which is a real eye opener and an excellent tool for discernment. I turn the sound off and watch their hands tell the story.] |
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Bono’s Religion: “… I stopped going to churches and got into a different kind of religion. Don’t laugh. That’s what being a rock “n” roll band is: showbiz is shamanism, music is worship. Whether it’s worship of women or their designer, the world or its destroyer, whether it comes from that ancient place we call the soul or simply the spinal cortex, whether the prayers are on fire with a dumb rage or dove-like desire, the smoke goes upward, to God, to God or something you replace God with -- usually yourself.” “Words and music did for me what even solid, even rigorous, religious argument could never do—they introduced me to God, not belief in God, more an experiential sense of GOD.” Bono believes Jesus is NOT the only way: “God’s Spirit moves through us and the world at a pace that can never be constricted by any one religious paradigm.” “Be wary of people who think theirs is the only way. Unilateralism before God is dangerous.”
Bridging All Faiths: U2’S 2005 Vertigo tour promoted Bono’s All-Faith agenda. The word ‘coexist’ appeared on a giant screen - the ‘c’ represented by the Islamic crescent, the ‘x’ by the Star of David and the ‘t’ by the Christian cross. Then the big screen displayed the words, “EVERYTHING YOU KNOW IS WRONG.” Bono on Sin: “…Christian society is … colored by notions of sin and punishment.” “Somewhere in the back of the religious mind is this idea that we reap what we sow (that) is missing the entire New Testament and the concept of grace completely.” “Jesus Christ only speaks of judgment once. It is not all about the things that the church bangs on about. It is not about sexual immorality,..” “…grace will replace karma, love will replace the strict laws...”
Bono on Worship: “Worship is the highest art form.” “Music is Worship.” “Music is the language of the Spirit. Its first function is praise to creation – praise to the beauty of the woman lying next to you, or the woman you would like to lie next to you.” Music is “the only medicine that would still the demons of the moody and insecure King Saul of Israel. It is a thought that still inspires: Marilyn sang for Kennedy, the Spice Girls for Prince Charles.” Bono on Religion: “"Religion is ceremony and symbolism... We’re made for religion!” Yet, “I began to see religion as the perversion of faith. I began to see God everywhere else. In girls,…” “I also have enormous respect for my friends who are atheists, most of whom are, and the courage it takes not to believe.” Bono on David: “David was a star, the Elvis of the Bible… with his lust for power, lust for women, lust for life…” Bono on the Holy Spirit: “The Spirit is described in the Holy Scriptures as much more anarchic than any established religion credits.” Bono on his fondness for the F-Word: “We really f** ked that up…We really f**ked up our corner of the Christian market. I think carrying moral baggage is very dangerous for an artist.” U2's song "Wake Up Dead Man," begins with the words, "Jesus help me/I'm alone in this world and a f****d up world it is, too/Tell me, tell me the story, the one about eternity and the way it's all gonna be/Wake up, wake up dead man." Regarding his use of the F-word on live on T.V., Nov. 2003, “There are some obscenities in our culture, ..that language was genuine exuberance. It was a great moment for our band. If you’re Irish, you love language, and if you do, you’re going to fall on the occasional expletive; it’s the percussive side of language.” God warns us in His Word that great deception will identify the end times! Beware of, look out for, and be cautious about deceivers who walk according to the dictates of their own hearts. “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age.” Titus 1:8, 2:11. Redemption is found only through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It is evidenced by a surrendered life of willing obedience to God’s Word. It is not found through good deeds and charitable works. The genuine believer longs to please the Lord through obedience to God’s Word and is grieved when he sins. “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments... For many deceivers have gone out into the world…whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God…If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” 2 John 1:6-11. God is very serious concerning his charge not to have fellowship with, nor encourage, nor give false teachers access to God’s people. The information presented in this article, comprised from dozens interviews and articles, will hopefully help you make an informed decision as well as give you a glimpse at the bigger picture, the strategy, behind it all. Please read all the way to the end The blurring of the line between Secular and Christian occurs as secular performers attempt to portray themselves as Christians- and Christians buy it. Bono: U2’s Bono, social activist, Irish rocker, is the rising star and spokesman of “Christian” pop culture: "I'm a scribbling, cigar-smoking, wine-drinking, Bible-reading band man... A show off (laughs)...who loves to paint pictures of what I can't see...a husband, father, friend of the poor and sometimes the rich. An activist traveling salesman of ideas, chess player, part time rock star, and opera singer, in the loudest folk group in the world." (Self-description in Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas.) (photo 1992). Biographer Matt McGee says of Bono: “NICKNAMES/ALTER-EGOS: The Antichrist, Alton Dalton, The Mother Teresa of Abandoned Songs, The Sonic Leprechaun, The Fly, Mirrorball Man, Mister MacPhisto (a favorite on-stage persona, a gold lame-suited cross between the devil and Elvis…).“Described … as "a bloody exasperating child", Bono (birth name Paul Hewson) got a reputation at an early age for being both absent-minded yet argumentative...traits which earned him the unholy and ironic nickname "the Antichrist" from both family and friends. “Bono...who couldn't play guitar or really carry a tune (yet), but whose earnest charm, intense poetic songwriting, and theatrical persona ultimately won him the position as the band's frontman and songwriter. These traits are also what earned Bono and U2 their worldwide fame (and, at times, notoriety). “As the group's lead singer and lyricist, Bono has written songs which have taken people on spiritual journeys, turned them on sexually, or inspired them to change.” (http://atu2.com/band/bono/) It behooves every believer to check the claims and beliefs of those who call themselves Christians to see if they line up with Scripture. Is God a force? Is Jesus the only way? Jesus says He is. Bono says He isn’t. Is God concerned about unrighteousness, immorality? God says He is. Bono says He isn’t. Is the first function of the language of the spirit to praise creation? Is unilateralism before God dangerous? Are sin and punishment mere notions of Christian society? We are to walk in truth. We are to discern error and reject it. BONO’S EXPLODING POPULARITY Bono is big and his popularity is exploding. “The Irish Quartet,” which as of Nov. 2004, had “sold 120 million albums and won 14 Grammy’s, cut deals with three TV networks” for promotion of their music, played for 130 million viewers during the 2002 Super Bowl. (AZ Republic 11/21/2004). Secular media, such as the Arizona Republic, devote front page, top banner status to Bono day after day running full multi-page promotions when, what is often touted, the “World’s Greatest Rock Band” comes to town. Rock and roll devotees adore him. His popularity spans the decades and all ages. Bono’s platform for social change, debt relief, fundraising for aids in Africa, seems to have found an eager audience among Evangelicals, Catholics, Muslims, Jews, Hollywood celebrities and the MTV crowd alike. Mega-churches, Church Leadership conferences and Christian colleges provide Bono platforms and access to the people of God. For instance, the upcoming Leadership Conference at Willowcreek has Bono on the docket. He makes no apologies about being a smoking, drinking, partying, foul mouthed rock star and chides people who are bound by such restrictions. “… Bono has been openly critical of American faith and the "so-called Christian society" that he says is held captive by the bottom line and colored by notions of sin and punishment. “Nonetheless, he continues to look for partners wherever he can find them.” (Religion News Service, 2006) ... “…especially in the United States, Bono realizes that any effort at social change must include an appeal to Americans' faith-based instincts.” He speaks on college campuses about building a Christian worldview. Promise Keepers brought him in years ago to lead worship at a big PK convention. Magazines such as Christianity Today, CCM Magazine, Relevant, and web sites such as Thunderstruck and Beliefnet.com (all-faith website) continually keep Bono before us and have Christians young and old convinced that Bono is akin to modern day Jesus or prophet. Irish tabloids love him as he stumbles out of bars in the wee hours, providing continual photo ops and gossip for their rags. He has graced the covers of dozens of secular magazines. Bono is adored by the world. He has had audiences with the late Pope, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, heads of State, Prime ministers of Britain and Italy, Canada, and more, U.S. Presidents, U.S. Sec. of State Condoleeza Rice, former U.S. Sec. of State Colin Powell, U.S. Treasury Sec. Paul O’Neill, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Bill Gates, (See: Appendix A, photos). He performed the dedication of Clinton’s presidential library in Arkansas. He is a nominee for the Nobel Peace prize. He won Time Magazine's "Person of the Year" designation in 2005. He was the keynote speaker at the Feb. 2, 2006, Presidential Prayer Breakfast. How can it be that Bono is heard by both the world and the Church? I exhort you to consider carefully what is laid before you. God’s Word says, “They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us: he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” (1 John 2:5,6). How can it be that Bono is loved equally alike by the world and the Church? Of His own Jesus says “…the world has hated them because they are not of the world…If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet, because you are not of the world …the world hates you.” (John 17:14, 15:19). The message of the false prophet, no matter how it is dressed up in “Christian” terminology, is ultimately designed to please the world, to endorse unregenerate man, to turn man away from the Truth of God’s Word unto another gospel. “Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative (sin, hell, repentance, judgment). “Let’s set aside our differences and work together for World Peace” is the mantra of the False Prophet. People flock to hear the soft gospel that requires no one to leave the world. When you see a person, or religious organization hyped by Prime Time television be certain and know for a fact- it is promoting its own! The media, secular as well as religious, are fond of crafting headlines and articles posturing the Hollywood celebrity, the vulgar rap star or the sensual pop singer as sincere a Christian. Liberal “Christians” are quick to hold them up with admiration to the Christian community as fellow brothers and sisters, role models even, in Christ. However, you don’t have to research far before many claims falls flat. Too few people search out the claim to see if there is any truth to it. Let’s take a closer look. Bono teaches astonishing lies. He is redefining the gospel for the Biblically illiterate across the land. Bono’s work goes far beyond merely appealing for aid on behalf of the poor. His work is bringing about social and religious change. It is bringing in another Gospel. BONO’S BELIEFS “Bono's personal faith impacts and informs the second thrust of his work, which is an appeal for a 21st century reimagining of Christian essentials. It's an effort to sidestep divisive issues of sexual morality and partisan politics for a return to caring for the "least of these.” Bono has been willing to work with almost anyone who will listen -- Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim -- to harness the power of faith groups to aid the poor. (Religion News Service, 2006) http://atu2.com/news/article.src?ID=4225&Key=&Year=&Cat= Bono believes all faiths are equally valid and warns against those who believe Jesus is the only way. He says, “God’s Spirit moves through us and the world at a pace that can never be constricted by any one religious paradigm. I love that.” (Beliefnet.com, 2001 “I don’t talk about my faith much, because the people you might want to talk with, you don’t want to hang out with. To have faith in a time of religious fervor is a worry. And as you know, I do have faith, and I’m worried about even the subject because of the sort of fanaticism that is the next-door neighbor of faith. The trick in the next few years will be not to decry the religious instinct, but to accept that this is a hugely important part of people’s lives. And at the same time to be very wary of people who believe that theirs is the only way. Unilateralism before God is dangerous." Be very wary of people who believe that theirs is the only way? This is a direct contradiction to God’s Word! Jesus Christ Himself declares He is the only way! “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). There are no second choices, opinions or options, no alternate paths. Jesus is the sole avenue of salvation. There is not one way for Christians and another way for Muslims. Bono’s god is “a force of love and logic.” No where does the Bible teach this! This is what deceiving spirits teach. “That there’s a force of love and logic behind the universe is overwhelming to start with, if you believe it. But the idea that that same love and logic would choose to describe itself as a baby born in sh*t and straw and poverty, is genius. And brings me to my knees, literally. Christ’s example is being demeaned by the church if they ignore the new leprosy, which is AIDS. 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, in the Chicago Sun Times.) Irrelevant? What is the great commission? We, as believers, we are to go forth preaching Jesus, preaching the Gospel, leading people to salvation through Jesus Christ. Many wonderful organizations, such as Rotary Club, have been ministering to the poor and suffering for decades. That, however, will do nothing towards the salvation of those souls for eternity. “Bono most recently wrote the forward to They’ve Hi-jacked God, a stinging critique of the modern Church by Adam Harbinson. In his endorsement of the book, Bono writes, “Adam Harbinson takes on the Church as mausoleum for the ‘dead’ Christ and the Church as handcuffs …. I find solace in places I never could have imagined…the quiet sprinkling of my child’s head in Baptism, a gospel choir drunk on the Holy Spirit in Memphis, or the back of a cathedral in Rome watching the first cinematographers play with light and color in stain glass stories of the Passion. I am still amazed at how big, how enormous a love and mystery God is- and how small are the minds that attempt to corral this life force into rules and taboos, cults and sects.”” (Steve Beard, 3/9/05) He sees traditional Christianity merely as “rules and taboos, and the Church handcuffs.” Bono finds solace in esoteric externals created by man such as lighting and ceremony or rousing choirs. In this interview by Jann S. Wenner with Bono in the November 3, 2005 issue of Rolling Stone, Bono again reiterates his god is a force. Rolling Stone: What is your religious belief today? What is your concept of God? Bono: If I could put it simply, I would say that I believe there's a force of love and logic in the world, a force of love and logic behind the universe. And I believe in the poetic genius of a creator who would choose to express such unfathomable power as a child born in "straw poverty"; i.e., the story of Christ makes sense to me. Rolling Stone: How does it make sense? Bono: As an artist, I see the poetry of it. It's so brilliant. That this scale of creation, and the unfathomable universe, should describe itself in such vulnerability, as a child. That is mind blowing to me. I guess that would make me a Christian. Although I don't use the label, because it is so very hard to live up to. I feel like I'm the worst example of it, so I just kinda keep my mouth shut. Rolling Stone: Do you pray or have any religious practices? Bono: I try to take time out of every day, in prayer and meditation. I feel as at home in a Catholic cathedral as in a revival tent. I also have enormous respect for my friends who are atheists, most of whom are, and the courage it takes not to believe.” While Bono rarely misses an opportunity to lambaste and chide orthodox Christianity and believers, who is it that receives Bono’s praise and respect? Atheists! Atheists and the courage it takes not to believe. Bono reveals his lack of understanding of Biblical salvation. Bono likes the “poetry” of the story of Christ, appreciates the brilliance of god coming to earth in the vulnerability of a child, and concludes “I guess that makes me a Christian.” “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different Gospel, which is not another; but there are some who …want to pervert the gospel of Christ. “But if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we preached…let him be accursed. I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9. Bono cannot explain his faith. He writes, “Explaining belief has always been difficult. How do you explain a love and logic at the heart of the universe when the world is so out of kilter with this? Has free will got us crucified? And what about the dodgy characters who inhabit the tome known as the Bible, who hear the voice of God? Explaining faith is impossible: vision over visibility; instinct over intellect. A songwriter plays a chord with the faith that he will hear the next one in his head. “One of the writers of the psalms was a musician, a harp-player whose talents were required at "the palace" as the only medicine that would still the demons of the moody and insecure King Saul of Israel. It is a thought that still inspires: Marilyn sang for Kennedy, the Spice Girls for Prince Charles. (“Psalm Like it Hot,” Bono, U.K. Guardian, Oct. 31, 1999). "Religion is ceremony and symbolism. Writers live off symbolism, and performers live off ceremony. We're made for religion! And yet you see this country, Ireland, ripped over religion, and you see the Middle East. Right now, unless tolerance comes with fervor, you'll see it in the United States." (Bono in The New York Times, quoted in Thunderstruck) “I don’t doubt God. I have firm faith absolutely in God. It’s religion I’m doubting.”(Bono on Larry King Live, Dec. 1). Bono’s influence cannot be dismissed. One fan relates, “I think the more I listen to people who have experienced the Spirit in places like U2 concerts, the more I keep noticing what barriers organized religion puts in front of people who want to find God…” (Next Wave Mag. June 2004). “The Spirit,” Bono says, “is described in the Holy Scriptures as much more anarchic than any established religion credits.” (Beliefnet.com, 2001). This is a curious choice of words to describe the “Spirit described in God’s Word.” Is he referring to the Holy Spirit as “Anarchic”? This is especially curious in light of the fact that Bono’s “Bible” Version of choice is Eugene Peterson’s The Message and Peterson substitutes the word “anarchist” in place of “the man of sin, the lawless one, the son of perdition.” Consider this passage from The Message, “Don't fall for any line like that. Before that day comes, a couple of things have to happen. First, the Apostasy. Second, the debut of the Anarchist, a real dog of Satan… He'll defy and then take over every so-called god or altar. Having cleared away the opposition, he'll then set himself up in God's Temple as "God Almighty." You'll also remember that I told you the Anarchist is being held back until just the right time. But the time will come when the Anarchist will no longer be held back, but will be let loose. But don't worry. The Master Jesus will be right on his heels and blow him away. The Master appears and--puff!--the Anarchist is out of there. The Anarchist's coming is all Satan's work…” (2 Thess. 2:3-9). Webster’s defines Anarchy as “Want of government; a state of society, when there is no law or supreme power, or when the laws are not efficient, and individuals do what they please with impunity; political confusion.”
Asked what makes man evil? Bono replied, “What makes man evil? I think—I mean, if you ask a big question like that, and you have to look into—you have to be responsible and to follow those questions through to the people and study the people who have asked them over eons, over centuries. And you get to the great books of wisdom, and you get to the scriptures, in my case. (Bono on Larry King, Dec. 1).
“…. There are 2,103 verses of Scripture pertaining to the poor. Jesus Christ only speaks of judgment once. It is not all about the things that the church bangs on about. It is not about sexual immorality, and it is not about megalomania, or vanity. It is about the poor.” (Bono quoted by Thunderstruck)
Is this true? Is Jesus only concerned about the poor? If we were to eradicate poverty, raise the standard of living for all persons on the globe, what would that accomplish? Mark 8:36, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” We have but look at some of the world’s rich to discover financial gain is not the answer. It will not solve the problem of spiritual poverty. Some of the most tragic, lost, empty impoverished souls are fabulously wealthy. They are worshiped and adored by the world, yet are miserable, tormented, lost souls- because the answer to man’s problems is not found in materialistic gain- it is found in relationship with Jesus Christ.
What of the claim that Jesus is not concerned about sexual immorality? Millions of the Biblically illiterate believe sexual immorality is not important, thanks to such statements from Bono and Eugene Peterson’s own rendition of scripture, The Message, which provides loop-holes for sex outside of marriage as long as it’s within the context of committed relationships. Jesus often spoke of judgment, as did the apostles and all of the prophets. And God’s Word is certainly clear on immorality. If we indulge our fleshly lusts, we will reap God’s judgment.
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” 1Corinthians 6:9,10.
“Oasis’ Noel Gallagher– Q/HM, March/April 2002 “Before going to see U2 in Manchester recently, me and my girlfriend were saying, “I wonder what it is with Bono and God?” We sat around a table (with Bono) and had a three hour conversation about his religious philosophy, which is basically, “Go to God, tell Him what all your flaws are and say, Can you work with me?” which is completely different to the “Don’t drink, don't screw, don’t take drugs and always go to church’ bollucks you get taught in school.” (Posted on Al Menconi Ministries.)
Yes, Noel. Bono’s gospel is completely different. It’s a gospel more to his own liking. It is non offensive and pleasing to the flesh. “Who will listen, the word of the Lord is offensive to them.” Jeremiah 6:10. The gospel is offensive to man because it convicts man of sin and requires they turn from their wicked ways and live, not for their own pleasure, but for Christ.
This photo by Tony Kelly, March 1996, has appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine and several other publications. Bono is shown here French kissing Oasis band member Liam Gallagher.
Relevant magazine says of Bono, “…Bono has also broken down stereotypes within church walls and pointed out the errors of some evangelical communities in need of scolding.
“One myth often associated with contracting AIDS is that it stems from sexual irresponsibility, often traced to same-gender relations. “It’s a remarkable thing, the idea that there’s some sort of hierarchy to sin,” Bono says, “It’s something I can never figure out, the idea that sexual immorality is somehow much worse than, say, institutional greed. Somewhere in the back of the religious mind is this idea that we reap what we sow (that) is missing the entire New Testament and the concept of grace completely.”
Bono, the religious mind did not think this up! This comes from the very mind of God Himself! Is Bono then saying, God is missing the entire New Testament and concept of grace completely? The principle of sowing and reaping runs from beginning to end of God’s Word, with example after example for our instruction. The wise heed it. Aids would not be at epidemic proportions today if people were not indulging in promiscuity. (Yes, there are innocent victims, but the root is sin, rebellion against God and his laws.) There is a direct link between sowing and reaping.
Gal 6:7, 8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
If we would treat the problem—man’s rebellion against God, man’s need for a Savior-- rather than treating the symptoms- now there would be a solution! If we would lead that sinner to salvation through Jesus Christ, Jesus would make that man into a new creation, fill his soul with peace, joy, abundant and eternal life, heal his body and his spirit as that man walks with Him, Jesus would take care of all that man’s needs. Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. To a world drowning in hopelessness, groaning in spirit, searching for answers, if you knew the solution wouldn’t you offer it (Jesus) rather a pill and alcohol? Why sing the song of despair? These lyrics from U2’s "Xanax And Wine" My cell is ringing, no ID/I want to know
who’s calling/My garden’s overgrown All I want is a picture of you/All I want
is to get right next to you Take me, save me from myself I’m going nowhere/Where I am, it is
a lot of fun All I want is a picture of you/All I want
is to get right next to you Take me, save me from myself Don’t you worry ‘bout your mind/Seems
I worry all the time/Don’t you worry, you’ll be fine There is no fiction/That will truly fit
this situation/I’m documenting every detail/Every conversation Bono on Music, Worship & Religion
At the Presidential Prayer Breakfast Bono told reporters, “Worship is the highest art form….” (Thunderstruck)
“Music is the language of the spirit,” says Bono. “Its first function is praise to creation – praise to the beauty of the woman lying next to you, or the woman you would like to lie next to you.” (Beliefnet2001)
Praise creation? Praise the beauty of woman? Paganism worships and serves the creation. Christianity worships and serves the Creator.
The new man puts to death the sinful desires of the flesh, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes. Many of Bono’s songs stir up and celebrate unbridled lust. Consider the following:
Lyrics from Rattle and Hum "Desire" “Yeah
“Lover, I'm on the street/Gonna go where the bright lights And the big city meet/With a red guitar on fire Desire
“She's a candle burning in my room/Yeah I'm like the needle, needle and spoon Over the counter with a shotgun/Pretty soon everybody got one/And the fever when I'm beside her Desire
“And the fever getting higher/ Desire, desire Burning, burning
“She's the dollars/She's my protection/Yeah she's a promise/In the year of election/ Oh sister, I can't let you go Like a preacher stealing hearts/In a traveling show For love or money, money, money/Money, money, money, money, money/Money, money, money
“And the fever, getting higher Desire, desire, desire, desire Desire, desire.” U2 Lyrics to "Salome" (Zooromancer mix) Baby please/Baby please don’t go Salome/Salome/Salome/Salome Baby please/Baby, what’s that tune Salome/Salome/Salome/Salome/Salome/Salome I got to get you/Got to, got to get you/I
got to get you/Got to, got to get you Baby please/I got to get you/Got to, got
to get you Shake it, shake it, shake it Salome/Shake
it, shake it, shake it Salome/Shake it, shake it, shake it Salome/Shake
it, shake it, shake it Salome/Shake it, shake it, shake it Salome I got to get you/Got to, got to get you Lyrics to all U2 songs may be found at: http://atu2.com/lyrics
Rom 1:23-25 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man… Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, … Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator,…”
“Psalms and hymns were my first taste of inspirational music. I liked the words, but I wasn’t sure about the tunes…I remember them as droned and chanted rather than sung. But they prepared me for the honesty of John Lennon, the baroque language of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, the open throat of Al Green and Stevie Wonder. When I hear these singers, I am reconnected to a part of me I have no explanation for…my “soul” I guess. Words and music did for me what even solid, even rigorous, religious argument could never do—they introduced me to God, not belief in God, more an experiential sense of GOD.
“Over art, literature, girls, my mates, the way into my spirit was a combination of words and music. As a result, the Book of Psalms always felt open to me and led me to the poetry of Ecclesiastes, the Song of Solomon, the book of John…My religion could not be fiction, but it had to transcend facts. It could be mystical, but not mythical.”
Please don’t miss what he’s saying here. Psalms and hymns “prepared him for… John Lennon, Bob Dylan,” etc. When he “hears these singers” he is “reconnected to his “soul.”” Words and music introduced him “not to belief in God, but an experiential sense of God.” The way into his spirit was via “words and music.” As a result of words and music, the Psalms “felt open” and “led” him to the “poetry” of other books. His religion had to “transcend facts”- reaching into the mystical.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. ” “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber…Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. If anyone enter by Me, he will be saved.” (John 14:6, 10:1,7,9).
On the Road to Emmaus, Jesus didn’t bring words and music. He didn’t appear to them with a new teaching. He began with Moses and the Prophets and expounded all the Scriptures those things concerning Himself. Jesus was known to them in the breaking of the bread (the Scriptures). Their eyes were opened and they knew Him. He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures…and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations…” (Luke 24:27,30,31,25,45,47)
“My mother was Protestant, my father Catholic…I kept myself awake thinking of the clergyman’s daughter and let my eyes dive into the cinema of the stained glass. These Christian artists had invented the movies. Light projected through colour to tell their story. In the seventies the story was “the Troubles,” and the Troubles came through rocks thrown more in mischief than in anger. The message was the same: the country was to be divided along sectarian lines…so my Goliath became religion itself: I began to see religion as the perversion of faith. I began to see God everywhere else. In girls, … still—despite the lofty King James translation—the scriptures. I loved these stories for the basest reasons. These were action movies, with some hardcore men and women, the car chases, the blood and guts. There was very little kissing.
“David was a star, the Elvis of the Bible, if we can believe the chiseling of Michelangelo. And unusually for such a “rock star,” with his lust for power, lust for women, lust for life, he had the humility of one who knew his gift worked harder than he ever would. He even danced naked front of his troops -- the biblical equivalent of the royal walkabout. David was definitely more performance artist than politician.
“Anyway, I stopped going to churches and got into a different kind of religion. Don’t laugh. That’s what being a rock “n” roll band is: showbiz is shamanism, music is worship. Whether it’s worship of women or their designer, the world or its destroyer, whether it comes from that ancient place we call the soul or simply the spinal cortex, whether the prayers are on fire with a dumb rage or dove-like desire, the smoke goes upward, to God to God or something you replace God with -- usually yourself. ”
“Years ago, lost for words and with 40 minutes of recording time left before the end of our studio time, we were still looking for a song to close our third album, War. We wanted to put something explicitly spiritual on the record to balance the politics and romance of it; like Bob Marley or Marvin Gaye would. We thought about the psalms -- Psalm 40. There was some squirming. We were a very "white" rock group, and such plundering of the scriptures was taboo for a for a white rock group unless it was in the "service of Satan." Psalm 40 is interesting in that it suggests a time in which grace will replace karma, and love will replace the very strict laws of Moses (in other words, fulfill them). I love that thought. David, who committed some of the most selfish as well as selfless acts, was depending on it. That the scriptures are brim full of hustlers, murderers, cowards, adulterers and mercenaries used to shock me. Now it is a source of great comfort.” (“Psalm Like It Hot”, Bono, The Guardian (U.K.) Oct 31,1999)
Bono on Johnny Cash: “Not since John the Baptist has there been a voice like that crying in the wilderness. Every man knows he is a sissy compared to Johnny Cash.” (Bono from the liner notes of “The Essential Johnny Cash as quoted on Thunderstruck.) “Johnny Cash doesn’t sing to the damned, he sings with the damned, and sometimes you feel he may prefer their company.” (Bono from the liner notes of Cash’s “Love, God, Murder, as quoted on Thunderstruck.)
Bono refers to himself in one of his songs as a son of Cain. Recall, Gen. 4, God was not pleased with and did not accept Cain’s offering. 1 John 3:12 tells us Cain was of the wicked one and that he attacks the righteous because his own works were evil. “Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.” BONO’s Fondness for the “F” Word.
“U2 has often been seen as a Christian rock band.” Bono: “We really f** ked that up, though. We really f**ked up our corner of the Christian market. I think carrying moral baggage is very dangerous for an artist.” (Beliefnet2001)
U2's song "Wake Up Dead Man," begins with the words, "Jesus help me/I'm alone in this world and a f****d up world it is, too/Tell me, tell me the story, the one about eternity and the way it's all gonna be/Wake up, wake up dead man."
The crude rock star was the first person to use the “f” word on live T.V. in November of 2003. The Federal Communications Commission rejected complaints from the Parents Television Council, who said Bono's use of a four-letter word was offensive. “The commission's enforcement bureau ruled on Monday that the singer's language was "fleeting and isolated". U2 won best original film song for a track used in Gangs of New York at the ceremony in January. The commission said offensive speech was language that depicted or described acts or body parts used in sexual or excretory acts. It also had to be measured against contemporary community standards. Bono's language, it said, may have been "crude and offensive, but, in the context presented here, did not describe sexual or excretory organs or activities". It also ruled that Bono's use of the word was an exclamation or an expletive. It therefore did not breach US laws on broadcast indecency rules.”
The FTC were not the only ones going to bat in defense of Bono’s use of the “f” word. Preachers and Bono followers rose up in his defense.
Brian Walsh, a Christian Reformed minister at the University of Toronto, argues that “Bono’s language in the song – invoking the adjective form of the gerund that got him in trouble with the FCC last year (the “f” word)… is actually less harsh than the words used by the Hebrew psalmist.”
Whoa! Completely stunning statement!
Bono himself has to say this of his internationally aired choice of descriptive words: “I guess I don’t speak American, but I thought I did. There are some obscenities in our culture, and this is nowhere near the top of the list. I never meant to be offensive. That language was genuine exuberance. It was a great moment for our band. If you’re Irish, you love language, and if you do, you’re going to fall on the occasional expletive; it’s the percussive side of language. For me, it is preposterous to have good, conservative people whom I like and respect taking on an expletive while the right to pack heavy ammo goes by. It says something eloquent, if not pretty, about where we are.” (Bono, New York Times.)
Did you catch all this? Do we see Bono repent? Did he fall on his face like Isaiah and cry “Woe is me, I am undone, I’m a man of unclean lips and dwell among a people of unclean lips” as he saw his filthiness in light of God’s holiness? No, Bono excuses, justifies, blames. First, he tries the excuse that he thought the F-Word was part of the American language. Doesn’t everybody in America use it? Next, he attempts to justify the F-Word as being not as bad as some. Then he calls the language genuine exuberance! Christian, do you let the F-Words roll in your exuberance? Usually, “hallelujahs” and “praise Gods” burst from our lips, don’t they? Then he excuses his choice of words as being due to his nationality, “if you’re Irish, you love language”- and if you love language, says Bono, you’re going use profanity, because it’s the percussive side of language. And finally Bono ends by turning the blame on conservatives. Why does the world love him? “Bono has thrived on embracing contradictions all his life and certainly doesn't try to censor himself. Beard credits Bono's staying power to his willingness to ignore the industry's play-book for fame. "[He's] one of rock 'n' roll's most effective and enigmatic spiritual provocateurs. He makes pitches for the Bible, gets nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, and then makes news for getting pardoned by the FCC for using the F-word on television. He has always been introspective, provocative, and willing to snub the conventional wisdom of how to be a rock star. He seems to be in the MTV world but not of it. Every rocker of faith owes a debt of gratitude to Bono for paving the way with his winsome, clever, and creative appeal. “Cameron Strang, editor of Relevant magazine and CEO of Relevant Media Group, calls Bono "a spiritual father to many in my generation," who along with his band mates has created the music that has become "the soundtrack of our lives." From their first album to their latest, Strang says, the music "has always seemed to reflect the spiritual climate of my generation. This grungy, aging rocker from Ireland has given a voice to the struggles, hopes and spirituality of millions around the world." (Scott Calhoun, U2's Rock 'n' Roll Soul @U2, August 17, 2004) PREACHERS ARE BONO’S NO. 1 FANS “Preachers are Bono’s No. 1 Fans,” writes Chicago Sun Times religion writer Cathleen Falsani. “It's only rock 'n' roll, but clergy like it. It's hard to imagine a group of teenagers sitting around listening to a Blink 182 or N.E.R.D. album -- liner notes in one hand, Bible in the other -- trying to pick out lyrics that quote Scripture or allude to spiritual truths.
“See, back in the day, for many fans of the Irish rock band U2 -- particularly those with religious predilections -- combing through the band's lyrics for biblical images or references to Jesus Christ and his teachings was almost a sport. Like a cross between a hermeneutical "capture the flag" and a theological "Where's Waldo?"
“A few years back, when asked about the role faith plays in the band’s music, Bono said “Maybe we have to sort of draw our fish in the sand. It’s there for people who are interested. It shouldn’t be there for people who aren’t.” I doubt anyone who simply enjoys U2’s “The Playboy Mansion” because it’s got a good beat and you can dance to it might not care that the song contains an allusion to the Gospel of John where Jesus describes the afterlife, saying, “In my father’s house there are many mansions.””
An allusion to John 14:2 “In my Father’s House are many mansions? Can you find it?
"The Playboy Mansion" If Coke is a mystery /And Michael Jackson,
history If O.J. is more than a drink/And a big mac
bigger than we think I never bought a lotto ticket/I never parked
in anyone's space Don't know if I can hold on/Don't know if
I'm that strong/Don't know if I can wait that long Then will there be no time for sorrow/Then
will there be no time for shame Then will there be no time of sorrow/Then
will there be no time for shame I ask, why sort through the corn husks of the world’s lyrics for the occasional obscure and vague reference alluding to a generic spirituality? Why not feed on the abundance of God’s lyrics- the very words God Himself has written for us-- words that are profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped! As Spurgeon so rightly put it, “God does not bid us sift a mountain of chaff where here and there a grain of wheat in it, but the Bible is winnowed corn—we have but open the granary door and find it.”
Psa 81:10-12, I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.
“Now some of those especially devoted fans who spent a good deal of the 1980s looking for God in U2's songs have apparently found what they were looking for, and recently assembled their discoveries in a book.
“Get Up Off Your Knees, Preaching the U2 Catalogue is a collection of 32 sermons inspired by U2 songs, written by Protestant and Catholic clergy. Co-editor Episcopal priest Beth Maynard writes “We wanted the book to be as spiritually diverse as possible within the Christian community, and so we have for example an American Roman Catholic sermon on “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” next to one by an evangelical Protestant from Northern Ireland, and the two are just totally different in every way. I think it’s pretty cool, because U2 have been about breaking those kinds of barriers down since the beginning. We wanted to help widen the vision within our own tribe. Very spiritually rich things are happening at U2 concerts. We wanted to help...leaders…notice how fruitful U2’s material is. I think the church can learn from that. Art is there to be dialogued with. If we can’t bring a theological assessment to pop culture, we’re really handicapped in our growth as believers.” (Next Wave mag. June 04).
For a look at the sort of spiritual material giving fodder to today’s spiritually bankrupt preachers consider: ““The title Get Up Off Your Knees” comes from the U2 song “Please,” “perhaps written from the perspective of the Creator,…””suggests Maynard.
Lyrics from “Please”: Your Catholic blues/Your convent shoes/Your stick-on tattoos/Now they’re making the news. Your holy war/Your northern star/Your sermon on the mount/From the boot of your car/ Please, please, please Get up off your knees/ Please, please, please, Leave me out of this, please.”
“Eugene Peterson of The Message, states in the book that U2 have essentially a prophetic call.” Peterson equates Bono to the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel in his forward to the book Get Up Off Your Knees. “We can’t fit God into our plans, we must fit into his. We can’t use God—God is not a tool or appliance or credit card. Prophets confront us with the sovereign presence of God in our lives. If we won’t face up, they grab us by the scruff of our necks and shake us into attention. Isaiah alternately rebuked and comforted, Ezekiel did street theater. U2 writes songs and goes on tour, singing them.” (Next-wave Mag, 6/04)
Lyrics from the Joshua Tree, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For: “I have kissed honey lips/Felt the
healing in her fingertips ”But I still haven't found what I'm looking for/But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
“I believe in the kingdom come/Then
all the colors will bleed into one/Bleed into one “You broke the bonds and you/Loosed the chains/Carried the cross And my shame/All my shame/You know I believe it
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for/But I still haven't found what I'm looking for But I still haven't found what I'm looking for/But I still haven't found what I'm looking for.”
Why would anyone turn to Bono for answers or insight? He still hasn’t found what he’s looking for. God says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart.”
Maynard writes, “Anybody who tries to help people engage with the Bible is always looking for meaningful life-connections,” says Maynard. “U2 lyrics come to mind when we are in search of good contemporary reference points for proclaiming the Gospel. Their work is a natural for culturally-aware preachers to draw on. U2 models a kind of thoughtful fresh engagement with spirituality. U2 are models for faith-engaging culture.”
Folks, this is completely “Emergent Church” lingo. Notice, they are not trying to call people to repentance, to turn from sin, lay down one’s life and follow the commandments of the Bible.
BONO and THE MESSAGE Bono is a big promoter of The Message. “When Bono was asked about his favorite reading materials, “…there’s a translation of Scriptures- the New Testament and the Books of Wisdom—that this guy Eugene Peterson has undertaken. It has been a great strength to me. He’s a poet and a scholar, and he’s brought the text back to the tone in which the books were written.” (www.atu2.com/news/connection/peterson)
“There is something deliciously ironic about having the world’s most well-known rock star promoting the Bible,” writes Steve Beard, editor of Good News magazine and founder of www.thunderstruck.org. “The singer has been anything but timid promoting The Message, a version of the Bible in contemporary language written by Eugene Peterson. When asked by Rolling Stone magazine his reaction to having The Message quoted in concert arenas around the world, Peterson said: “Pleased, very pleased. Bono is singing to the very people I did this work for. I feel that we are allies in this.”
Could it be that Peterson’s Message appeals to the worldly, the unregenerate because it allows them to continue in their sin while believing themselves saved? (Please see Appendix B for side by side comparison of sample scriptures where God’s meaning and tone have been completely demolished and in many instances replaced with Scripture’s antithesis.)
Rolling Stone Magazine asked Bono: How big an influence is the Bible on your songwriting? How much do you draw on its imagery, its ideas? Bono: It sustains me. Rolling Stone: As a belief, or as a literary thing? Bono: As a belief. These are hard subjects to talk about because you can sound like such a dickhead. I'm the sort of character who's got to have an anchor. I want to be around immovable objects. I want to build my house on a rock, because even if the waters are not high around the house, I'm going to bring back a storm. I have that in me. So it's sort of underpinning for me. I don't read it as a historical book. I don't read it as, "Well, that's good advice." I let it speak to me in other ways. They call it the rhema. It's a hard word to translate from Greek, but it sort of means it changes in the moment you're in. It seems to do that for me. Rolling Stone: You're saying it's a living thing? Bono: It's a plumb line for me. In the Scriptures, it is self-described as a clear pool that you can see yourself in, to see where you're at, if you're still enough. I'm writing a poem at the moment called "The Pilgrim and His Lack of Progress." I'm not sure I'm the best advertisement for this stuff. (Rollingstone Nov. 3, 2005)
Discussing the Bible and your beliefs “are hard subjects to talk about because you can sound like such a dickhead?” (Please forgive me for printing such vulgarity but churches are bringing in this potty-mouthed rock star to teach their congregations. A true Christian loves to talk about God’s Word, knows what he believes, loves to share his beliefs, and doesn’t worry about impressing others.) And don’t miss this: Bono says Scripture changes depending upon the moment you’re in.
Building a Bridge to ONE World Religion
On the tables at the 2006 Presidential Prayer Breakfast, a gathering of Christians, Jews, and Muslims, were wristbands imprinted with the word “ONE” on them. The platform was given to keynote speaker Bono to tell us what God is saying to this generation. He exhorted the crowd not to miss what God was doing. Bono, using his D.A.T.A. and One initiatives, has been rallying the world for several years to become ONE.
The Bible spells out Satan’s scheme for uniting all religions into a One World Religion. The method for accomplishing this is by getting theologically opposite groups to set aside their doctrine, beliefs, and differences and come together to work for a common cause such as peace on earth, world hunger, or aids.
“For years, many evangelicals -- Bono's target audience -- weren't sure what to make of the drinking, partying, salty-mouthed Irishman and his rock band. “In recent years, much of that skepticism has fallen away.”He's a doer," President Bush said of Bono at the breakfast. "The thing about this good citizen of the world is he's used his position to get things done."” (Bono, After Years of Skepticism, Finds Partner in Religion, Kevin Eckstrom, Religion News Service, 2/3/2006) Bono was introduced at the Breakfast by Senator Norm Coleman , Republican, Minnesota, by these words, “Our message today comes from a person who has gotten the attention of the world, by walking with God, talking about things that matter, letting his light shine. He's an extraordinary musician, charismatic leader, and unabashedly, uniquely himself. …our speaker this morning is known around the world as a person of conscience, a person of influence, but most of all, a person of faith. His organization is called DATA -- Debt, AIDS, Trade in Africa. They are working to bring people, organizations, leaders and politicians together to make a unified effort to change the future of Africa. On your tables are these white wristbands which are appropriately printed with the word "ONE." He's come to challenge us to reach across the boundaries, to care for the poor and to walk the talk of our faith. Ladies and gentlemen: Bono.” http://www.atu2.com/news/article.src?ID=4229&Key=&Year=&Cat=9
“Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. President, First Lady, King Abdullah of Jordan, Norm [Senator Coleman], distinguished guests...Please join me in praying that I don't say something we all regret.” [laughter] “That was for the FCC,” Bono added. [Making light of the charges brought before the FCC for his use of the F-Word, on live T.V].
After a few more stabs at humor, Bono addresses the multi-faith group, “I presume the reason for this gathering is that all of us are here -- Muslims, Jews, Christians -- are all searching our souls for how to better serve our family, our community, our nation, our God... And some of us are not very good examples, despite what Norm says. I am certainly searching. Yes, it is odd, having a rock star at the breakfast, but maybe it's odder for me than for you. Because you see, I have avoided religious people most of my life. Maybe it's something to do with having a father who was a Protestant and a mother who was Catholic [sic] in a country where the line between the two was, quite literally, often a battle line….I remember how my mother would bring us to chapel on Sundays... and my father used to wait outside. One of the things that I picked up from my father and my mother was the sense that religion often gets in the way of God. For me, at least, it got in the way. Seeing what religious people, in the name of God, did to my native land... and even in this country, seeing God's second-hand car salesmen on their TV cable channels, offering indulgences for cash... In fact, all over the world, seeing the self-righteousness roll down like a mighty stream from certain corners of the religious establishment.
”I must confess, I changed the channel. I wanted my MTV. So, even though I was a believer -- and perhaps because I was a believer -- I was cynical... not about God, but about God's politics. There you are, Jim [Wallis, author of the book God's Politics].” (Transcript from Presidential Prayer Breakfast, Feb., 2, 2006). http://www.atu2.com/news/article.src?ID=4229&Key=&Year=&Cat=9
He wanted his MTV! We can’t fault Bono for being turned off by the televangelist hucksters, yet where does he turn? To MTV, even though he claims he was a believer. For those who don’t know, MTV is an orgy of unbridled lust, sexual seduction, explicit sexual images, writhing bodies, sexual dialogue and vulgar profanity.
What draws Bono to Christianity? Is it Jesus Christ? “There is a radical side to Christianity I am attracted to,” Bono told Star Hits magazine in 1987. “Without a commitment to social justice, it is empty.”(Quoted in The Arizona Republic, Nov. 21, 2004)
"I think it was...a very strategic decision that if we're going to have a broad movement, we can't just have people we like," said Christian Scharen, a theology professor at Yale Divinity School with an upcoming book about U2. And, to an extent that he even once thought unthinkable, Bono is willing to work with those he once ignored. "If me, 10 years ago, had heard what I am saying," Bono said, "I wouldn't have believed me." (Religion News Service, 2006).
”Bono’s work with churches reflects just how politically savvy he is, and underscores his third goal, which is harnessing the power of American religion to shape the outcome of American politics, or at least the U.S. budget.”
Many in the Evangelical community have been Bono’s strongest promoters. “Bono is now widely seen as summoning Christians to a higher calling. "He's ready to be used by God in whatever ways he can," said Richard Cizik, the Washington-based director for the National Association of Evangelicals, "and if we were all so willing, the world would be a better place.”” (Religion News Service, 2006) Christianity today said of Bono’s Presidential speech, “He waxed prophetic.”
A couple years ago, CCM stars, Jars of Clay and Michael W. Smith joined Bono in his New D.A.T.A Initiative – “to launch the ‘ONE’ campaign, “The One campaign will recruit Americans everywhere we gather—in churches and synagogues, on the Internet and college campuses, at community meetings and concerts. The ONE campaign will be promoted with the help of a diverse coalition of faith-based and antipoverty groups, religious leaders, celebrity spokespeople, corporate partnerships with AOL, House of Blues, and the NBA World Vision is pleased to support the ONE campaign. “It is time for each of us to be ONE,” said Rev. David Beckmann, President of Bread for the World. (CCM Magazine).
“Grammy award winning recording artist Michael W. Smith came to the ONE campaign launch representing the coalition of top names in the Christian music industry who have become DATA Artists. I’m pleased to be …doing whatever I can to help the ONE campaign draw awareness.” Dikembe Mutombo of the NBA states “I support the ONE campaign because all change starts with the power of one.”
“Bono…has been playing concerts nationwide. At each performance, Bono interrupts the music to deliver variations on this riff: The first time I heard about America, it was because a man had landed on the moon. But now I want to talk about my generations’ challenge—not putting a man on the moon but bringing mankind back down to Earth by addressing extreme poverty. Take out your cellphones, the riff continues; make this place into a Christmas tree. With that the lights go out, leaving darkness punctuated by the fairy lights of 10,000 waving gadgets. “There’s some light in the world,” Bono’s voice calls out, proving that rock stars can say ordinary things and yet somehow sound profound. “We are powerful when we work together as ONE.” With the lights down, Bono sings while the campaign does its thing on the large screen behind him. An invitation flashes up urging fans to text-message their names to the One campaign’s number, and soon a zillion bytes are zinging to a special aerial on the roof, erected by Sun Microsystems. The aerial relays the info to the campaign’s database, and a few of the names appear like movie credits on the screen. The fans get text messages right back. Please visit www.one.org. And thank you, from Bono.
“Bono is not One’s only weapon. A who’s who of stars illuminates the campaign’s TV commercial, which has been given free airtime by MTV, ABC, and Fox because it features the likes of George Clooney and Cameron Diaz. Among the Hollywood royalty is one incongruous figure: silver-haired televangelist Pat Robertson, he of the Hollywood-equals-cesspool rhetoric. Robertson appears on the One campaign commercial right before Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, the rapper whose main contribution to the world is Bad Boy Entertainment.
“Robertson? Ah this is the political strategy. The message mavens of One aim ..for a coalition of the flanks: for Bill Moyers liberals and lovers of Christian-contemporary music. Last year a version of this left-right pincer helped get an Africa trade bill through Congress; liberal development types made common cause with churches and the business lobby. Today, One is betting that the televangelist-Bad Boy, sects and violence combo can build a permanent big-tent movement...” (Sebastian Mallaby, Washington Post, 5/25/05)
“What Doth Bono Have To Do With Rick Warren?” An article appeared in the May 2005 Christianity Today, ““The world’s poorest peopled continent, Africa, is the thread tying U2’s front man to the Orange County pastor. Rick Warren, who recently hosted Rwanda’s president for Saddleback Church’s 25th anniversary, will soon launch [has launched] his PEACE plan connecting U.S. churches to churches in Africa and around the world. Bono…has been preaching debt-relief and AIDs programs for African nations for years now. Oddly, it’s Bono, Warren, and their fans on Capitol Hill who can get politicians to work past culture war name-calling...Issues like poverty, hunger, and AIDS can bring together liberals and evangelicals…to work for social justice.,” says David Brooks, in The New York Times. “…liberals and conservatives can go on bashing each other for being godless hedonists and primitive theocrats, or they can set those differences off to one side and work together to help the needy.”
Is anyone aware, devout Christians everywhere have been diligently helping the needy AND sharing the Gospel for centuries where God has called each to minister? It has not required the setting aside of our doctrines and beliefs! Why are we now eager to do so?
“When I look at the evangelical community, I see a community in the midst of a transformation—branching out beyond the traditional issues of abortion and gay marriage, and getting in involved in programs to help the needy…I see Chuck Colson deeply involved in Sudan. I see Richard Cizik of the NAE drawing up a service agenda that goes way beyond the normal turf of Christian conservatives.” (www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/121/51.0.htm)
U2 performed at mega-rock concert 2005 Live8 alongside Madonna, (as did CCM band Jars of Clay.) Huge satellite coverage enabled millions of the world’s population to tune in. The purpose of Live 8 was supposedly to raise money and awareness for global poverty. But one must wonder if under the surface it is merely another subtle scheme to bring all of the world’s religions and pagans one step closer to unity.
The vulgar and blasphemous Madonna, shape shifted yet again, has been presenting herself these past few years as a religious person, a follower of Kaballa, a family woman. However, her true character regularly rears its ugly head, like at the MTV awards- viewers jaws dropped as they witnessed her lusty lesbian performance with raunchy pop stars Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, a performance crowned with a very sensual French kiss with Britney. During Live 8, Madonna just couldn’t resist thrusting a defiant middle finger at the camera as a message to Americans. God calls us to come out from among them, not join with them. “Be not imitators of evil.” “What do the sons of God have in common with the Belial?”
Nevertheless, huge multitudes of Christians are hell-bent on joining hands with the world and false religions. Other events such as the annual Friendship Fest – “A historic gathering between Christians and Muslims” began in Morocco, May. 6-8, 2005. NAE states “the goals of Friendship Fest are to make use the universal language of music to bridge cultures and make friends, to set a good example of religious tolerance by engaging in respectful dialogue.”
Event engineers: Creation Fest co-founder Harry Thomas, NAE’s Richard Cizik, and National Clergy Council’s Rob Schenck. “This 3-day high profile musical celebration Friendship Fest is part of a broader initiative to promote cross-cultural dialogue. Dialogue will focus on specific outcomes – common ground that can be established in the categories of religion, family life, education, humanitarian relief, human rights, and the media. Dialogue participants will be by ‘invitation only,’ with a limited number of ‘observers’ welcome to experience each exchange.” “I assure you that the church wants
to continue building bridges of friendship with the followers
of all religions, in order to seek the true good of every person
and of society as a whole,” Pope Benedict XVI said... (“Pope
seeks ‘bridges of friendship’ with Muslims,”
Reader, can you see what is happening? The bridge that is uniting all faiths into One is world poverty and social justice.
Do not underestimate the power and influence of Bono. Keep your eyes on the scruffy Irish Rocker. Bono wants us all in the global choir. He’s a pro--he shames governments into compliance, uses the concert stage to sell rock and rollers and the church platform to maneuver “faith” groups into Global Oneness. It couldn’t be clearer than on U2’s 2005 Vertigo tour, “the band’s big idea was co-existence: harmony between people, nations and continents. The word ‘coexist’ appeared on a giant screen - the ‘c’ represented by the Islamic crescent, the ‘x’ by the Star of David and the ‘t’ by the Christian cross.” (Irish Examiner.com 6/29/05)
Rev 17:13, “These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.”
“They are united in the promotion of the same object. Though in some respects wholly independent of each other, yet they may be regarded as, in fact, so far united that they tend to promote the same ultimate end.” (Barnes). “The princes of these kingdoms, and their subjects, become, in time, of one religion.” (Gill)
IN CONCLUSION
As noble a goal as aiding the poor, we do not see Jesus, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, Stephen, any of them, turning aside from boldly preaching the Gospel, from preaching repentance and remission of sins through salvation in Jesus Christ. We do not see them rallying the world, joining hands with followers of false religions, approaching Caesar, Herod, the Roman government requesting money for social causes, setting aside their beliefs and differences, agreeing not to speak in the name of Jesus, so they can work together for the common good, for the poor, for world peace. We don’t see Peter and John caving into political correctness, shrinking back from boldly preaching in Jesus’ Name when they were commanded and threatened (just as we are today) not to speak at all or teach anymore in the name of Jesus. They did not say, Sure thing mate, we’ll set aside our beliefs so we can all work together, we won’t speak in Jesus name anymore because it might offend someone of a different religion or culture, I’ll quit preaching Jesus so we can all get along. No! There can never be world peace apart from the Prince of Peace. There is no peace for the wicked. There is no peace apart from Salvation.
Isa 32:17,18, And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;
Not works of righteousness done by men, no, not by the best of men; for peace does not arise and flow from thence, because there is no justification by them, no salvation through them, without which there can be no true solid peace; nor the work of righteousness in men, which is their sanctification, and is ... the work of God, and follows upon the pouring forth of his Spirit… (Gill)
There is a huge movement underfoot to divert and neutralize Christians from their real purpose which is to be witnesses for the saving power of Jesus Christ.
It is my firm conviction we are witnessing the formation of a One World Religion over which the antichrist will sit. Please consider carefully- are you on the narrow road, which few find, or are you a part of the inclusive multitude racing down the broad road to destruction?
By Rodger Davis. August 2, 2006. Permission is granted to share with friends for the purpose of informing and warning those that may be unaware--a different gospel is going forth and the great apostasy is well underway. ………………….. Bono is a big promoter of The Message. “When Bono was asked about his favorite reading materials, “…there’s a translation of Scriptures- the New Testament and the Books of Wisdom—that this guy Eugene Peterson has undertaken. It has been a great strength to me. He’s a poet and a scholar, and he’s brought the text back to the tone in which the books were written.” (www.atu2.com/news/connection/peterson)
“There is something deliciously ironic about having the world’s most well-known rock star promoting the Bible,” writes Steve Beard, editor of Good News magazine and founder of www.thunderstruck.org. “The singer has been anything but timid promoting The Message, a version of the Bible in contemporary language written by Eugene Peterson. When asked by Rolling Stone magazine his reaction to having The Message quoted in concert arenas around the world, Peterson said: “Pleased, very pleased. Bono is singing to the very people I did this work for. I feel that we are allies in this.”
Could it be that Peterson’s Message appeals to the worldly, the unregenerate because it allows them to continue in their sin while believing themselves saved? (Please see Appendix B for side by side comparison of sample scriptures where God’s meaning and tone have been completely demolished and in many instances replaced with Scripture’s antithesis.)
Rolling Stone Magazine asked Bono: How big an influence is the Bible on your songwriting? How much do you draw on its imagery, its ideas? Bono: It sustains me. Rolling Stone: As a belief, or as a literary thing? Bono: As a belief. These are hard subjects to talk about because you can sound like such a dickhead. I'm the sort of character who's got to have an anchor. I want to be around immovable objects. I want to build my house on a rock, because even if the waters are not high around the house, I'm going to bring back a storm. I have that in me. So it's sort of underpinning for me. I don't read it as a historical book. I don't read it as, "Well, that's good advice." I let it speak to me in other ways. They call it the rhema. It's a hard word to translate from Greek, but it sort of means it changes in the moment you're in. It seems to do that for me. Rolling Stone: You're saying it's a living thing? Bono: It's a plumb line for me. In the Scriptures, it is self-described as a clear pool that you can see yourself in, to see where you're at, if you're still enough. I'm writing a poem at the moment called "The Pilgrim and His Lack of Progress." I'm not sure I'm the best advertisement for this stuff. (Rollingstone Nov. 3, 2005)
Discussing the Bible and your beliefs “are hard subjects to talk about because you can sound like such a dickhead?” (Please forgive me for printing such vulgarity but churches are bringing in this potty-mouthed rock star to teach their congregations. A true Christian loves to talk about God’s Word, knows what he believes, loves to share his beliefs, and doesn’t worry about impressing others.) And don’t miss this: Bono says Scripture changes depending upon the moment you’re in.
Building a Bridge to ONE World Religion
On the tables at the 2006 Presidential Prayer Breakfast, a gathering of Christians, Jews, and Muslims, were wristbands imprinted with the word “ONE” on them. The platform was given to keynote speaker Bono to tell us what God is saying to this generation. He exhorted the crowd not to miss what God was doing. Bono, using his D.A.T.A. and One initiatives, has been rallying the world for several years to become ONE.
The Bible spells out Satan’s scheme for uniting all religions into a One World Religion. The method for accomplishing this is by getting theologically opposite groups to set aside their doctrine, beliefs, and differences and come together to work for a common cause such as peace on earth, world hunger, or aids.
“For years, many evangelicals -- Bono's target audience -- weren't sure what to make of the drinking, partying, salty-mouthed Irishman and his rock band. “In recent years, much of that skepticism has fallen away.”He's a doer," President Bush said of Bono at the breakfast. "The thing about this good citizen of the world is he's used his position to get things done."” (Bono, After Years of Skepticism, Finds Partner in Religion, Kevin Eckstrom, Religion News Service, 2/3/2006) Bono was introduced at the Breakfast by Senator Norm Coleman , Republican, Minnesota, by these words, “Our message today comes from a person who has gotten the attention of the world, by walking with God, talking about things that matter, letting his light shine. He's an extraordinary musician, charismatic leader, and unabashedly, uniquely himself. …our speaker this morning is known around the world as a person of conscience, a person of influence, but most of all, a person of faith. His organization is called DATA -- Debt, AIDS, Trade in Africa. They are working to bring people, organizations, leaders and politicians together to make a unified effort to change the future of Africa. On your tables are these white wristbands which are appropriately printed with the word "ONE." He's come to challenge us to reach across the boundaries, to care for the poor and to walk the talk of our faith. Ladies and gentlemen: Bono.” http://www.atu2.com/news/article.src?ID=4229&Key=&Year=&Cat=9
“Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. President, First Lady, King Abdullah of Jordan, Norm [Senator Coleman], distinguished guests...Please join me in praying that I don't say something we all regret.” [laughter] “That was for the FCC,” Bono added. [Making light of the charges brought before the FCC for his use of the F-Word, on live T.V].
After a few more stabs at humor, Bono addresses the multi-faith group, “I presume the reason for this gathering is that all of us are here -- Muslims, Jews, Christians -- are all searching our souls for how to better serve our family, our community, our nation, our God... And some of us are not very good examples, despite what Norm says. I am certainly searching. Yes, it is odd, having a rock star at the breakfast, but maybe it's odder for me than for you. Because you see, I have avoided religious people most of my life. Maybe it's something to do with having a father who was a Protestant and a mother who was Catholic [sic] in a country where the line between the two was, quite literally, often a battle line….I remember how my mother would bring us to chapel on Sundays... and my father used to wait outside. One of the things that I picked up from my father and my mother was the sense that religion often gets in the way of God. For me, at least, it got in the way. Seeing what religious people, in the name of God, did to my native land... and even in this country, seeing God's second-hand car salesmen on their TV cable channels, offering indulgences for cash... In fact, all over the world, seeing the self-righteousness roll down like a mighty stream from certain corners of the religious establishment.
”I must confess, I changed the channel. I wanted my MTV. So, even though I was a believer -- and perhaps because I was a believer -- I was cynical... not about God, but about God's politics. There you are, Jim [Wallis, author of the book God's Politics].” (Transcript from Presidential Prayer Breakfast, Feb., 2, 2006). http://www.atu2.com/news/article.src?ID=4229&Key=&Year=&Cat=9
He wanted his MTV! We can’t fault Bono for being turned off by the televangelist hucksters, yet where does he turn? To MTV, even though he claims he was a believer. For those who don’t know, MTV is an orgy of unbridled lust, sexual seduction, explicit sexual images, writhing bodies, sexual dialogue and vulgar profanity.
What draws Bono to Christianity? Is it Jesus Christ? “There is a radical side to Christianity I am attracted to,” Bono told Star Hits magazine in 1987. “Without a commitment to social justice, it is empty.”(Quoted in The Arizona Republic, Nov. 21, 2004)
"I think it was...a very strategic decision that if we're going to have a broad movement, we can't just have people we like," said Christian Scharen, a theology professor at Yale Divinity School with an upcoming book about U2. And, to an extent that he even once thought unthinkable, Bono is willing to work with those he once ignored. "If me, 10 years ago, had heard what I am saying," Bono said, "I wouldn't have believed me." (Religion News Service, 2006).
”Bono’s work with churches reflects just how politically savvy he is, and underscores his third goal, which is harnessing the power of American religion to shape the outcome of American politics, or at least the U.S. budget.”
Many in the Evangelical community have been Bono’s strongest promoters. “Bono is now widely seen as summoning Christians to a higher calling. "He's ready to be used by God in whatever ways he can," said Richard Cizik, the Washington-based director for the National Association of Evangelicals, "and if we were all so willing, the world would be a better place.”” (Religion News Service, 2006) Christianity today said of Bono’s Presidential speech, “He waxed prophetic.”
A couple years ago, CCM stars, Jars of Clay and Michael W. Smith joined Bono in his New D.A.T.A Initiative – “to launch the ‘ONE’ campaign, “The One campaign will recruit Americans everywhere we gather—in churches and synagogues, on the Internet and college campuses, at community meetings and concerts. The ONE campaign will be promoted with the help of a diverse coalition of faith-based and antipoverty groups, religious leaders, celebrity spokespeople, corporate partnerships with AOL, House of Blues, and the NBA World Vision is pleased to support the ONE campaign. “It is time for each of us to be ONE,” said Rev. David Beckmann, President of Bread for the World. (CCM Magazine).
“Grammy award winning recording artist Michael W. Smith came to the ONE campaign launch representing the coalition of top names in the Christian music industry who have become DATA Artists. I’m pleased to be …doing whatever I can to help the ONE campaign draw awareness.” Dikembe Mutombo of the NBA states “I support the ONE campaign because all change starts with the power of one.”
“Bono…has been playing concerts nationwide. At each performance, Bono interrupts the music to deliver variations on this riff: The first time I heard about America, it was because a man had landed on the moon. But now I want to talk about my generations’ challenge—not putting a man on the moon but bringing mankind back down to Earth by addressing extreme poverty. Take out your cellphones, the riff continues; make this place into a Christmas tree. With that the lights go out, leaving darkness punctuated by the fairy lights of 10,000 waving gadgets. “There’s some light in the world,” Bono’s voice calls out, proving that rock stars can say ordinary things and yet somehow sound profound. “We are powerful when we work together as ONE.” With the lights down, Bono sings while the campaign does its thing on the large screen behind him. An invitation flashes up urging fans to text-message their names to the One campaign’s number, and soon a zillion bytes are zinging to a special aerial on the roof, erected by Sun Microsystems. The aerial relays the info to the campaign’s database, and a few of the names appear like movie credits on the screen. The fans get text messages right back. Please visit www.one.org. And thank you, from Bono.
“Bono is not One’s only weapon. A who’s who of stars illuminates the campaign’s TV commercial, which has been given free airtime by MTV, ABC, and Fox because it features the likes of George Clooney and Cameron Diaz. Among the Hollywood royalty is one incongruous figure: silver-haired televangelist Pat Robertson, he of the Hollywood-equals-cesspool rhetoric. Robertson appears on the One campaign commercial right before Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, the rapper whose main contribution to the world is Bad Boy Entertainment.
“Robertson? Ah this is the political strategy. The message mavens of One aim ..for a coalition of the flanks: for Bill Moyers liberals and lovers of Christian-contemporary music. Last year a version of this left-right pincer helped get an Africa trade bill through Congress; liberal development types made common cause with churches and the business lobby. Today, One is betting that the televangelist-Bad Boy, sects and violence combo can build a permanent big-tent movement...” (Sebastian Mallaby, Washington Post, 5/25/05)
“What Doth Bono Have To Do With Rick Warren?” An article appeared in the May 2005 Christianity Today, ““The world’s poorest peopled continent, Africa, is the thread tying U2’s front man to the Orange County pastor. Rick Warren, who recently hosted Rwanda’s president for Saddleback Church’s 25th anniversary, will soon launch [has launched] his PEACE plan connecting U.S. churches to churches in Africa and around the world. Bono…has been preaching debt-relief and AIDs programs for African nations for years now. Oddly, it’s Bono, Warren, and their fans on Capitol Hill who can get politicians to work past culture war name-calling...Issues like poverty, hunger, and AIDS can bring together liberals and evangelicals…to work for social justice.,” says David Brooks, in The New York Times. “…liberals and conservatives can go on bashing each other for being godless hedonists and primitive theocrats, or they can set those differences off to one side and work together to help the needy.”
Is anyone aware, devout Christians everywhere have been diligently helping the needy AND sharing the Gospel for centuries where God has called each to minister? It has not required the setting aside of our doctrines and beliefs! Why are we now eager to do so?
“When I look at the evangelical community, I see a community in the midst of a transformation—branching out beyond the traditional issues of abortion and gay marriage, and getting in involved in programs to help the needy…I see Chuck Colson deeply involved in Sudan. I see Richard Cizik of the NAE drawing up a service agenda that goes way beyond the normal turf of Christian conservatives.” (www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/121/51.0.htm)
U2 performed at mega-rock concert 2005 Live8 alongside Madonna, (as did CCM band Jars of Clay.) Huge satellite coverage enabled millions of the world’s population to tune in. The purpose of Live 8 was supposedly to raise money and awareness for global poverty. But one must wonder if under the surface it is merely another subtle scheme to bring all of the world’s religions and pagans one step closer to unity.
The vulgar and blasphemous Madonna, shape shifted yet again, has been presenting herself these past few years as a religious person, a follower of Kaballa, a family woman. However, her true character regularly rears its ugly head, like at the MTV awards- viewers jaws dropped as they witnessed her lusty lesbian performance with raunchy pop stars Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, a performance crowned with a very sensual French kiss with Britney. During Live 8, Madonna just couldn’t resist thrusting a defiant middle finger at the camera as a message to Americans. God calls us to come out from among them, not join with them. “Be not imitators of evil.” “What do the sons of God have in common with the Belial?”
Nevertheless, huge multitudes of Christians are hell-bent on joining hands with the world and false religions. Other events such as the annual Friendship Fest – “A historic gathering between Christians and Muslims” began in Morocco, May. 6-8, 2005. NAE states “the goals of Friendship Fest are to make use the universal language of music to bridge cultures and make friends, to set a good example of religious tolerance by engaging in respectful dialogue.”
Event engineers: Creation Fest co-founder Harry Thomas, NAE’s Richard Cizik, and National Clergy Council’s Rob Schenck. “This 3-day high profile musical celebration Friendship Fest is part of a broader initiative to promote cross-cultural dialogue. Dialogue will focus on specific outcomes – common ground that can be established in the categories of religion, family life, education, humanitarian relief, human rights, and the media. Dialogue participants will be by ‘invitation only,’ with a limited number of ‘observers’ welcome to experience each exchange.” “I assure you that the church wants
to continue building bridges of friendship with the followers
of all religions, in order to seek the true good of every person
and of society as a whole,” Pope Benedict XVI said... (“Pope
seeks ‘bridges of friendship’ with Muslims,”
Reader, can you see what is happening? The bridge that is uniting all faiths into One is world poverty and social justice.
Do not underestimate the power and influence of Bono. Keep your eyes on the scruffy Irish Rocker. Bono wants us all in the global choir. He’s a pro--he shames governments into compliance, uses the concert stage to sell rock and rollers and the church platform to maneuver “faith” groups into Global Oneness. It couldn’t be clearer than on U2’s 2005 Vertigo tour, “the band’s big idea was co-existence: harmony between people, nations and continents. The word ‘coexist’ appeared on a giant screen - the ‘c’ represented by the Islamic crescent, the ‘x’ by the Star of David and the ‘t’ by the Christian cross.” (Irish Examiner.com 6/29/05)
Rev 17:13, “These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.”
“They are united in the promotion of the same object. Though in some respects wholly independent of each other, yet they may be regarded as, in fact, so far united that they tend to promote the same ultimate end.” (Barnes). “The princes of these kingdoms, and their subjects, become, in time, of one religion.” (Gill)
IN CONCLUSION
As noble a goal as aiding the poor, we do not see Jesus, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, Stephen, any of them, turning aside from boldly preaching the Gospel, from preaching repentance and remission of sins through salvation in Jesus Christ. We do not see them rallying the world, joining hands with followers of false religions, approaching Caesar, Herod, the Roman government requesting money for social causes, setting aside their beliefs and differences, agreeing not to speak in the name of Jesus, so they can work together for the common good, for the poor, for world peace. We don’t see Peter and John caving into political correctness, shrinking back from boldly preaching in Jesus’ Name when they were commanded and threatened (just as we are today) not to speak at all or teach anymore in the name of Jesus. They did not say, Sure thing mate, we’ll set aside our beliefs so we can all work together, we won’t speak in Jesus name anymore because it might offend someone of a different religion or culture, I’ll quit preaching Jesus so we can all get along. No! There can never be world peace apart from the Prince of Peace. There is no peace for the wicked. There is no peace apart from Salvation.
Isa 32:17,18, And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;
Not works of righteousness done by men, no, not by the best of men; for peace does not arise and flow from thence, because there is no justification by them, no salvation through them, without which there can be no true solid peace; nor the work of righteousness in men, which is their sanctification, and is ... the work of God, and follows upon the pouring forth of his Spirit… (Gill)
There is a huge movement underfoot to divert and neutralize Christians from their real purpose which is to be witnesses for the saving power of Jesus Christ.
It is my firm conviction we are witnessing the formation of a One World Religion over which the antichrist will sit. Please consider carefully- are you on the narrow road, which few find, or are you a part of the inclusive multitude racing down the broad road to destruction?
By Rodger Davis. August 2, 2006. Permission is granted to share with friends for the purpose of informing and warning those that may be unaware--a different gospel is going forth and the great apostasy is well underway. ………………….. Bono is a big promoter of The Message. “When Bono was asked about his favorite reading materials, “…there’s a translation of Scriptures- the New Testament and the Books of Wisdom—that this guy Eugene Peterson has undertaken. It has been a great strength to me. He’s a poet and a scholar, and he’s brought the text back to the tone in which the books were written.” (www.atu2.com/news/connection/peterson)
“There is something deliciously ironic about having the world’s most well-known rock star promoting the Bible,” writes Steve Beard, editor of Good News magazine and founder of www.thunderstruck.org. “The singer has been anything but timid promoting The Message, a version of the Bible in contemporary language written by Eugene Peterson. When asked by Rolling Stone magazine his reaction to having The Message quoted in concert arenas around the world, Peterson said: “Pleased, very pleased. Bono is singing to the very people I did this work for. I feel that we are allies in this.”
Could it be that Peterson’s Message appeals to the worldly, the unregenerate because it allows them to continue in their sin while believing themselves saved? (Please see Appendix B for side by side comparison of sample scriptures where God’s meaning and tone have been completely demolished and in many instances replaced with Scripture’s antithesis.)
Rolling Stone Magazine asked Bono: How big an influence is the Bible on your songwriting? How much do you draw on its imagery, its ideas? Bono: It sustains me. Rolling Stone: As a belief, or as a literary thing? Bono: As a belief. These are hard subjects to talk about because you can sound like such a dickhead. I'm the sort of character who's got to have an anchor. I want to be around immovable objects. I want to build my house on a rock, because even if the waters are not high around the house, I'm going to bring back a storm. I have that in me. So it's sort of underpinning for me. I don't read it as a historical book. I don't read it as, "Well, that's good advice." I let it speak to me in other ways. They call it the rhema. It's a hard word to translate from Greek, but it sort of means it changes in the moment you're in. It seems to do that for me. Rolling Stone: You're saying it's a living thing? Bono: It's a plumb line for me. In the Scriptures, it is self-described as a clear pool that you can see yourself in, to see where you're at, if you're still enough. I'm writing a poem at the moment called "The Pilgrim and His Lack of Progress." I'm not sure I'm the best advertisement for this stuff. (Rollingstone Nov. 3, 2005)
Discussing the Bible and your beliefs “are hard subjects to talk about because you can sound like such a dickhead?” (Please forgive me for printing such vulgarity but churches are bringing in this potty-mouthed rock star to teach their congregations. A true Christian loves to talk about God’s Word, knows what he believes, loves to share his beliefs, and doesn’t worry about impressing others.) And don’t miss this: Bono says Scripture changes depending upon the moment you’re in.
Building a Bridge to ONE World Religion
On the tables at the 2006 Presidential Prayer Breakfast, a gathering of Christians, Jews, and Muslims, were wristbands imprinted with the word “ONE” on them. The platform was given to keynote speaker Bono to tell us what God is saying to this generation. He exhorted the crowd not to miss what God was doing. Bono, using his D.A.T.A. and One initiatives, has been rallying the world for several years to become ONE.
The Bible spells out Satan’s scheme for uniting all religions into a One World Religion. The method for accomplishing this is by getting theologically opposite groups to set aside their doctrine, beliefs, and differences and come together to work for a common cause such as peace on earth, world hunger, or aids.
“For years, many evangelicals -- Bono's target audience -- weren't sure what to make of the drinking, partying, salty-mouthed Irishman and his rock band. “In recent years, much of that skepticism has fallen away.”He's a doer," President Bush said of Bono at the breakfast. "The thing about this good citizen of the world is he's used his position to get things done."” (Bono, After Years of Skepticism, Finds Partner in Religion, Kevin Eckstrom, Religion News Service, 2/3/2006) Bono was introduced at the Breakfast by Senator Norm Coleman , Republican, Minnesota, by these words, “Our message today comes from a person who has gotten the attention of the world, by walking with God, talking about things that matter, letting his light shine. He's an extraordinary musician, charismatic leader, and unabashedly, uniquely himself. …our speaker this morning is known around the world as a person of conscience, a person of influence, but most of all, a person of faith. His organization is called DATA -- Debt, AIDS, Trade in Africa. They are working to bring people, organizations, leaders and politicians together to make a unified effort to change the future of Africa. On your tables are these white wristbands which are appropriately printed with the word "ONE." He's come to challenge us to reach across the boundaries, to care for the poor and to walk the talk of our faith. Ladies and gentlemen: Bono.” http://www.atu2.com/news/article.src?ID=4229&Key=&Year=&Cat=9
“Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. President, First Lady, King Abdullah of Jordan, Norm [Senator Coleman], distinguished guests...Please join me in praying that I don't say something we all regret.” [laughter] “That was for the FCC,” Bono added. [Making light of the charges brought before the FCC for his use of the F-Word, on live T.V].
After a few more stabs at humor, Bono addresses the multi-faith group, “I presume the reason for this gathering is that all of us are here -- Muslims, Jews, Christians -- are all searching our souls for how to better serve our family, our community, our nation, our God... And some of us are not very good examples, despite what Norm says. I am certainly searching. Yes, it is odd, having a rock star at the breakfast, but maybe it's odder for me than for you. Because you see, I have avoided religious people most of my life. Maybe it's something to do with having a father who was a Protestant and a mother who was Catholic [sic] in a country where the line between the two was, quite literally, often a battle line….I remember how my mother would bring us to chapel on Sundays... and my father used to wait outside. One of the things that I picked up from my father and my mother was the sense that religion often gets in the way of God. For me, at least, it got in the way. Seeing what religious people, in the name of God, did to my native land... and even in this country, seeing God's second-hand car salesmen on their TV cable channels, offering indulgences for cash... In fact, all over the world, seeing the self-righteousness roll down like a mighty stream from certain corners of the religious establishment.
”I must confess, I changed the channel. I wanted my MTV. So, even though I was a believer -- and perhaps because I was a believer -- I was cynical... not about God, but about God's politics. There you are, Jim [Wallis, author of the book God's Politics].” (Transcript from Presidential Prayer Breakfast, Feb., 2, 2006). http://www.atu2.com/news/article.src?ID=4229&Key=&Year=&Cat=9
He wanted his MTV! We can’t fault Bono for being turned off by the televangelist hucksters, yet where does he turn? To MTV, even though he claims he was a believer. For those who don’t know, MTV is an orgy of unbridled lust, sexual seduction, explicit sexual images, writhing bodies, sexual dialogue and vulgar profanity.
What draws Bono to Christianity? Is it Jesus Christ? “There is a radical side to Christianity I am attracted to,” Bono told Star Hits magazine in 1987. “Without a commitment to social justice, it is empty.”(Quoted in The Arizona Republic, Nov. 21, 2004)
"I think it was...a very strategic decision that if we're going to have a broad movement, we can't just have people we like," said Christian Scharen, a theology professor at Yale Divinity School with an upcoming book about U2. And, to an extent that he even once thought unthinkable, Bono is willing to work with those he once ignored. "If me, 10 years ago, had heard what I am saying," Bono said, "I wouldn't have believed me." (Religion News Service, 2006).
”Bono’s work with churches reflects just how politically savvy he is, and underscores his third goal, which is harnessing the power of American religion to shape the outcome of American politics, or at least the U.S. budget.”
Many in the Evangelical community have been Bono’s strongest promoters. “Bono is now widely seen as summoning Christians to a higher calling. "He's ready to be used by God in whatever ways he can," said Richard Cizik, the Washington-based director for the National Association of Evangelicals, "and if we were all so willing, the world would be a better place.”” (Religion News Service, 2006) Christianity today said of Bono’s Presidential speech, “He waxed prophetic.”
A couple years ago, CCM stars, Jars of Clay and Michael W. Smith joined Bono in his New D.A.T.A Initiative – “to launch the ‘ONE’ campaign, “The One campaign will recruit Americans everywhere we gather—in churches and synagogues, on the Internet and college campuses, at community meetings and concerts. The ONE campaign will be promoted with the help of a diverse coalition of faith-based and antipoverty groups, religious leaders, celebrity spokespeople, corporate partnerships with AOL, House of Blues, and the NBA World Vision is pleased to support the ONE campaign |
