Left vs Right?

And so, the U2 concert has come and gone from Moncton NB, in what many have said, was “THE” Greatest music concert Moncton, well, The Maritimes, has ever seen. And too, the whole tour broke records for being the highest money-maker of all rock tours previously. If Greater Moncton was not on the world map before, it sure is now…

So, now that the proverbial dust has settled, the grounds cleaned up, and the last echoes of songs still in the minds of many a concert-goer, there are a myriad of thoughts, opinions, and even beliefs as to what, or “who” U2 is; as a band, and individuals…

As I touched upon last week, U2, like any entity and as individuals, have made some mistakes; what with the afore-mentioned ”ONE” Scandal, and its subsequent fall out, many had for a time, cast a skeptical eye at the Boys from Ireland. But, rally they did, explained the actual purpose and motives and directives of the “ONE” Campaign, and their message of bringing awareness to the plight those desperately in need…

For some however, they are just another rock and roll band; satanic worshipping, youth corrupting hooligans… without of course, even listening to their music, their words, and their countless quotes about their Christian Faith and deep-rooted beliefs.

Others of course have followed their paths for years, and have seen their ups and downs, and also their publically declared admittance to having ‘fallen’ at times, but, as Jesus does with ALL of us, they too are forgiven for their transgressions…Even the very famous Television evangelist Bill Hybels did an in-depth interview with lead singer Bono awhile back, and his challenge to the Christian Community as a whole, and also professed openly his faith.

Also, U2′s newer songs are also reflecting a ‘Return to God’ and repentance…

Can we do any less, as Jesus would in forgiving them, also be as forgiving? There are some, sadly, that still operate under a Pharisee mindset, in that they see sin ‘everywhere’, and are, excuse the expression, hell-bent on extreme persecution of ‘the sinner’, instead of loving them into The Kingdom…

Is U2 ‘perfect’? No; are all the band members ‘perfect’? No; Are WE all ‘perfect’? Well, I think all of us can look in our individual mirrors and honestly answer that question…

John 8: 7 to 11, is but only one example of Christ’s Love, Forgiveness, and call to Redemption; or, as I have often recited, and borrowed from a Great Friend, Karl Ingersoll from years ago, Jesus came with arms wide open to all; He DIED with arms wide open to all; He rose again with arms open to all…He did not point an accusing finger at ‘sinners’…He did not condemn those of us trudging through life, and yes, sinning as we have; no, his condemnation was for the ‘Religious Leaders’ of the day, and their harsh stance with those ‘beneath them’.

I would challenge these ‘Pharisees’ still living among us today, whether they be Christian, Jew, or any other faith, to let go of the self-imposed power, to let go of hateful retribution against those that they feel are ‘worse than them’, and maybe, just maybe, do as Jesus commanded, and yes, even Bono reminds us, and have compassion, love and caring for all those who need our help…

Condemnation or Love? Well, it is a choice after all, isn’t it?

Just…Thoughts…