Sacred Spaces

I've started a book about a figure in our culture that absolutely fascinates me. He's the lead singer of one of the biggest bands in Rock and roll history. He also is one of the leading voices in fighting poverty and AIDS in Africa. His name is Paul Hewson -better known as Bono. But even more than his music with a little band called U2, I am fascinated by his faith. His faith is definitely controversial and a source of heated discussion- from the foul language slips to the all out partying recorded back in the late 80's. But somewhere in the midst of all this immerges a figure who has met with a number of governments to eliminate debt in third-world countries, recites scripture from the stage in his shows, and talks frankly with people about his faith in God. Regardless of what some mainline Christians think of Bono, I think we have a lot of learn from him. He takes very seriously all the Biblical references to encouraging the oppressed, clothing the naked, defending the widow, etc. He is THE leading activist in the AIDS epidemic in Africa. He helped start ONE.ORG to rasie awareness and support for those who need our aid the most. He has met with and enlisted the help from the Pope to Brad Pitt to conservative christians to rock stars. Not to mention, U2 has written and recorded praise songs like "40" and "Yahweh" on their Cd's (being careful to avoid the stigma of neing labeled as a Chrsitian band). On this topic alone, I feel that social activism is something that every follower of Jesus should really consider and put into practice. We are being "out-loved" by people who bear no loyalty to Jesus Christ and for this- I feel shamed. I now wonder if we can ever separate social activism with our walks of faith. OR, should the two always be one and the same? We should always be speaking out to defend the helpless. More scripture is dedicated to this than most of the trivial arguments we focus so much energy on defending instead. This is the problem Bono ultimately has with the church. we should be spending our time loving, not arguing and fighting. I think that he's right. Now, I don't always see eye to eye on everything he has ever said, but I think we can gain a lot of wisdom from him. Search you heart, and tell me what you think about all this. Much love, chris