In a follow up interview three years after their first controversial conversation, this was a very inspirational moment in the conference. Three churches active in responding to Bono's first call to action were highlighted and many other issues were discussed. The only point of conflict in the conversation came when Pastor Hybels prodded Bono about his church participation. While Bono's answer probably satisfied no one, it is clear his passions are spiritually informed.I also find it interesting that so many pastors and speakers alluded to at least partially being shamed into action by "this rock star" as if Bono was some ordinary rock musician and they were embarrassed to be challenged by him. I find that rather confusing, since Bono has always been passionately involved in social causes of one sort or another almost since the inception of his career. Bono is not just some rock musician - he has been challenging all of us to act for decades now! There is no shame in listening to a guy like this...
There were a couple of interesting quotes and stories I enjoyed. The first was at the close of Bono's argument for Christian grace in the world - "Whenever I see grace, I am moved by God." Amen.
He also told the story of one depressing day walking through New York's Central Park, considering giving up on his "social work." Long inspired by the long-thought impossible idea of putting a man on the moon, Bono was struck to discover an old man selling an old collection of New York Times newspapers. The edition he had for sale? Several copies of the paper with the headline: "Man Walks On Moon." An angel with the New York Times...we must allow God to encourage us with His angels, but we must never forget the work is always going to be hard.
A good conversation.
