Cool.  Popcorn? |
Posted on 08/02/2005 5:58:50 PM PDT by HallowThisGround
Here's remarkable statement by U2 lead singer, Bono, in which he discusses the difference between Karma and Grace in his new book Bono on Conversion.
It’s a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma. . . . You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics—in physical laws—every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It’s clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the Universe. I’m absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that “as you reap, so will you sow” stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff. . . .
I’d be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I’d be in deep sh-t. It doesn’t excuse my mistakes, but I’m holding out for Grace. I’m holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity.
I love the idea that God says: Look, you cretins, there are certain results to the way we are, to selfishness, and there’s mortality as part of your very sinful nature, and let’s face it, you’re not living a very good life, are you? There are consequences to actions. The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death. That’s the point. It should keep us humbled… It’s not our own good works that get us through the gates of Heaven.
Why is it that prominent pastors always stumble at the simplest Gospel presentation when given a large public audience (like on the Larry King show), but a foul-mouthed rock star can give an elaborate explanation of the scandal of Grace? Perhaps the question reveals the answer already.
I am just going to sit back and watch this one.
Because the Good Lord, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, has a sublime sense of humor.
| Cool. Popcorn? |
Most interesting.
I read this the other day, and it seemed to me he did a bang-up job of describing salvation through grace. My observation there was that when the likes of BONO comes out with this, it's tantamount to stones singing the glories of God. If we're not going to tell the good news, God will provide, even through a mouthpiece like this. Quite sobering.
And, the Lord uses the foolish to confound the wise.
Well, Jesus did choose some roughnecked fishermen from the backwaters of Galilee to be His preachers.
I don't understand why you're surprised. Bono has always worn his Christianity on his sleeve, and many U2 songs have openly Christian themes, going all the way back to their first album.
Consider this. God can speak through just about anyone or anything He chooses. He spoke throught a Jackass in the Old Testament, and even through an unbeliever in the New Testament (Ciaphas The High Priest).
"I love the idea that God says: Look, you cretins, there are certain results to the way we are, to selfishness, and there’s mortality as part of your very sinful nature, and let’s face it, you’re not living a very good life, are you? There are consequences to actions. The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death. That’s the point. It should keep us humbled… It’s not our own good works that get us through the gates of Heaven."
Salvation through the Grace of Christ.
Well, I'm glad to ponder that it won't just be Gregorian chant the choirs will be singing in heaven.
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(John Lennon) Instant Karma's gonna get you Gonna knock you right on the head You better get yourself together Pretty soon you're gonna be dead What in the world you thinking of Laughing in the face of love What on earth you tryin' to do It's up to you, yeah you Instant Karma's gonna get you Gonna look you right in the face Better get yourself together darlin' Join the human race How in the world you gonna see Laughin' at fools like me Who in the hell d'you think you are A super star Well, right you are Well we all shine on Like the moon and the stars and the sun Well we all shine on Ev'ryone come on Instant Karma's gonna get you Gonna knock you off your feet Better recognize your brothers Ev'ryone you meet Why in the world are we here Surely not to live in pain and fear Why on earth are you there When you're ev'rywhere Come and get your share Well we all shine on Like the moon and the stars and the sun Yeah we all shine on Come on and on and on on on Yeah yeah, alright, uh huh, ah Well we all shine on Like the moon and the stars and the sun Yeah we all shine on On and on and on on and on Well we all shine on Like the moon and the stars and the sun Well we all shine on Like the moon and the stars and the sun Well we all shine on Like the moon and the stars and the sun Yeah we all shine on Like the moon and the stars and the sun |
Actually coming from a background without Gregorian chants I find them rather refreshing/relaxing. Guess it is something different to me. But I wouldn't want them 24/7/eternity.
Wiser than Spong!
True
good one
I know Bono has a big following, but I don't find anyone to be Christian who vilifies governments for not stealing from their citizens to support "THEIR" causes.
Our nation gives away more money than any other nation on the face of planet earth, and gets nothing but kicked in the teeth for it. Our citizens are vilified and trashed for not forking over more. Our citizens freely donate money out of their own pockets on a massive scale. Where's the thanks?
Sorry, no Bono fan here.
I've never heard this before, what is this supposed to mean? Why would anyone refer to God's grace as a scandal?
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