A “Bono fide” response to Christ’s unique identity and work

I came across an interesting blog post on U2’s Bono and his direct response to questions of faith. Occasionally, I have wondered about Bono’s real views on Christ as media and religious groups often like to speculate and disparage or leverage celebrities’ views on these topics.

I do not present this because Bono is any more significant to God than anyone else but merely for the reason that Bono stood up and provided a humble, clear, and direct response to a challenge to Christ’s identity and highlighted the unique gift of grace (all Christ’s work) that sets Christianity apart from all other worldviews. Sadly, many “Christians” would not stand up like this when put on the spot especially when they are a public figure. Additionally, his response seems genuine and hits at the core of how many people like to view Christ as merely a “good guy” and how that is unacceptable and nonsensical. He even addresses karma, its role in other faiths, and why it pales in comparison to God’s gift of grace.

As C.S. Lewis states (and Bono touches upon): “I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic…

How can I share the Gospel with my friends?

Question:

Hi Sumair,

Summer’s nearly over, and school’s about to start. I’m excited, but very upset that I have to graduate this year. This brings me to feeling nervous about how I can bring my friends to church, because as you had told me before, if not me, who? Last Sunday the pastor quoted Paul Harvey in his sermon, saying “Too many Christians are no longer fishers of men, but have become keepers of the aquarium.”, in a sense that as Christians, we have forgotten to save our other brothers and sisters who have not come to know God, and we only concentrate on keeping people in church. My goal this year is to bring a friend to church so that he/she may come to know God. Do you have any tips or advice?

Answer:

Hi Sister,

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to submit your honest and heartfelt inquiry. I am touched by your question because in order to ask it one must (a) believe God is real, (b) understand the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), and © is compelled by the Love of Christ to share the Good News with others. (2 Corinthians 5:14)

“we have forgotten to save our other brothers and sisters who have not come to know God”
A few comments before I answer your primary question, firstly it is likely semantics but it is important to note when you say “save our brothers and sisters who have not come to know…