Related articles and links |  1 of 3

The article on Bono was interesting yet troubling ["Bono's American Prayer," March]. I deeply respect Bono's efforts in Africa and agree with him that the U.S. church has the tendency to ignore this tragedy, but Bono's theology seems shaky.

His modified Christianity seems to compartmentalize his relationship with Christ. He doesn't want to be a "poster child" for Christianity, but aren't we all supposed to be witnesses for Christ, rock stars or not?

Bono also expresses his disdain for institutionalized religion and does not attend church regularly. The Bible teaches us to be members of the body of Christ in order to grow spiritually.

Perhaps Bono doesn't want to come out strongly as a Christian so he can still appear on awards shows, drop the f-word excessively, appear drunk, and cross-dress on cd covers.

Allyson Gehring
Highlands Ranch, Colorado

May Bono's humanitarian efforts for Africa—a realm of concern pioneered and sustained by Christians—reap abundant fruit.

I do not want Bono's apparent bitterness to distort the longstanding reality of effective Christian outreach to Africa. All my life I have watched churches send and support compassion to Africa.

My church today is blessed with many African refugees. I personally know as many missionaries devoted to Africa as I know of rock stars. And they trust in more than just money and AIDS drugs to make a difference there.

But bless Bono for bringing money and drugs to the table.

Joel Mark Solliday
Maple Grove, Minnesota

It is disheartening to see CT using its front cover for Bono, who uses disgusting language on television and now instructs the Christian church (which he left long ago) on church matters.

Christian missions in Africa have cared for lepers, the dying, and the downtrodden in disease-ridden, forgotten places. Mission hospitals in Africa stand as lonely bulwarks against AIDS. The Christian church in Uganda has devised the only comprehensive program that has begun to reduce AIDS there.

Spare us instruction on moral matters from someone who needs his mouth washed out with soap.

Priscilla Weese
Wheaton, Illinois

Thank you for your decision to feature Bono on your cover. I cannot emphasize enough the impact that Bono and U2 have had on me and friends of my generation.

Even through his "bitter" stage, those of us who were really listening at my Christian university did not analyze this man as a sport. He was not our role model. He was our voice, our beating heart, our angst, and our anger. He was the child who wasn't afraid to argue with his heavenly Father, yell at him, cry with him, rejoice in him.

In 1991, when I was a college junior, my Achtung Baby cassette rolled itself raw as I absorbed the most important songs of my life as both an artist and a Spirit-led human: "Until the End of the World," in which Bono takes on the role of Judas at the Last Supper; "Acrobat," where he grapples with his tug-of-war of spirit and flesh; and "Ultraviolet," a celebration of God's light leading the way.

It is both ridiculous and disconcerting to me that some Christian critics and doubters of Bono are so eager to draw lines in the sand. Why wouldn't you want this man on your team? It's clear that in Bono's criticisms of the church, he's lumping himself right in there.

Bono has stood before millions of "secular" fans as he lifts high the names of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and, yes, Jesus. Show me any other secular celebrity of modern times who has done it so boldly, and with such a loud megaphone.

next page... |  1 of 3

May 2003, Vol. 47, No. 5