It’s late so just a quick post tonight.
I was able to hear Jim Wallis, editor and CEO of Sojourners, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena tonight. Jim has been a proponent for the integration of faith, politics and culture for years, and has been an especially important voice in the evangelical community. He is currently on a book tour promoting his most recent work, The Great Awakening: reviving faith and politics in a post-religious right America.
He had some great words of commendation for Bono in his presentation. He recalled how Bono made such an important impact at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit a couple of years ago. Speaking about that event one pastor told him, “When I came I wasn’t sure if Bono was a Christian; when I left I wasn’t sure if I was.” Bono has a way of doing that to people! Jim speaks of meeting with Bono on numerous occasions and of Bono’s love of politics and theology. He always has questions for Jim. During one particular conversation Jim and Bono were discussing Luke 4:18-19. Jim unequivocally stated “if the good news does not bring hope for the poor than it is not good news. To that Bono replied, “I want to tattoo Luke 4 on my forehead!”
Some other thoughts from Jim (not related to Bono):
- There are two hungers in the world today: one for spirituality and one for social justice.
- Two things have changed recently in America: there is now a praying left and evangelicals have become socially conscious.
- MLK never endorsed a candidate; he made the candidates take his agenda.
- The religious right is being replaced by Jesus. The answer to a religious right is not a religious left.
- Every generation asks two questions: What is acceptable? and What is possible?
- Politicians are blown by the wind. We are called to be wind changers.
As the California primary is now just hours away, I don’t want to underestimate its significance, but it really is not as important as what happens after the election. Rather than elect “one of our own” (this is most often just another form of coercion), we as Christians must work for systemic change by being a voice for Micah 6:8 – justice, mercy and humility. I’m much more concerned about the role I play in lobbying whoever is in congress or the White House than in getting “my” candidate elected. I’m still idealistic enough to think that this “new activism” can make a difference.
I guess that wasn’t a short post after all….
Great points... thanks for sharing them.
Posted by: Mike | February 05, 2008 at 04:03 PM
You are so right,and your statements so correct. Frankly I don't beleive a word that falls from thier mouths in politics.
Having meet certain people and knowing things I feel sick on who can bring peace to a world that seems to lack so much in the next election.
Here in the "land of plenty" we have much. I want to social justice in the world. My heart also calls out to the Haitians who are turned away time and time again off the coast of Florida.
Our government pick and chooses who it saves outside of the country. They play with people's lives.
What are the answers... where is the social justice.
Blessings,
Ella
Posted by: Ella | February 08, 2008 at 01:25 AM
Bono's message is one that should be echoing from pulpits across America. Man! I got choked up! He's right! It resonated with me. It made me want to take action..........but what action! I am a "comfortable Christian". I attend my bible teaching church. The pastor adheres to solid biblical teaching. But no call to action!! It seems we're all asleep with our eyes wide open. Numb. Comfortable. Not really making a difference in this world full of needs. The truth is, the "poor" would not be welcome in my church. Would not feel welcome anyway unless they had a nice set of clothes on and could talk the Sunday morning talk.... Father, what to do...
I am at a point of confusion and disillusionment in regards to the church and politics. Does being a Christian really mean the only person I can vote for is a Republican? The great effort "Christians" put into getting "their man" into office...........Sometimes it feels like the pharisees of Jesus's day. We are still trying to bully and coerce the Romans. It does not feel right!
Posted by: Spaceman Spiff | February 24, 2008 at 06:17 PM