I admit that, unlike most of my friends, I have never been much of a Bono fan.  I don’t own a single U2 album; although I do have a few tracks on my ipod.  Does that count?

I’ve also heard that Bono fancies himself a fan of Jesus.  And honestly, when I first heard someone tell me this I was completely skeptical.  I assumed that his was your typical Hollywood spirituality where one immediately follows up their statement about their affection for Jesus with a reminder of how all religions are the same, love is in the air, and hugging a sea turtle is the key to enlightenment.

But today my opinion of Bono’s spirituality has been solidified: he is the real thing.  The clincher - the following exchange from the fascinating book on the man (creatively titled Bono.)

Take a look.  In it Bono articulates an understanding of Christian spirituality that your average Jesus follower simply doesn’t get.  Actually, what he spells out is a beautiful understanding of “salvation by grace through faith alone” - the heart and soul of Christianity. (Eph. 2:1-10)

[God as Father] is a mind blowing concept - God who created the universe is looking for company, a real relationship with people.  But the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma.

I really believe we’ve moved out of the realm of Karma [when we believe in God as Father] and into one of Grace.

You see, at the center of all religions [except Christianity] is the idea of Karma.  You know, what you put out comes back to you…eye for an eye, etc…and even in physics every action is met by and equal and opposite reaction.  Karma is at the heart of the universe.  And yet along comes this idea of Grace to upend it all.  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.  That’s between me and God.

I’d be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge.  I’d be in deep shit.  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 I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity….this should keep us humbled.  It is not our own good works that gets us into heaven.

I could not believe what I was reading.  And it continues - he extols the fact that Christ was God in flesh, unique savior of mankind, and on and on.

I admit.  I was wrong about Bono.  Anyone have any U2 albums I can borrow?