I’m probably not going to be the only person saying this, but the or‘s in the discussion question are part of the problem. It assumes that we must separate faith and action (as if that’s possible with true faith). Perhaps it’s legitimate to ask if things are out of balance (meaning that either Baldwin or Bono have accepted the or dichotomy.)

In Bono’s defense, the only reason Baldwin can get away with his charges is because he knows - and assumes his audience knows - that Bono’s work comes from a foundation of the Christian faith. In other words, the Gospel of Christ accompanies the work. No one is asking, “Why is Bono doing this?”. They already know something about Christianity brings about his compassion. That’s a pretty good beginning to enduring evangelism.

I contend we are NOT preaching (viewed holistically) the gospel if we do not care for the physical needs of others. Verbal proclamation and physically helping the poor, needy, and oppressed go hand in hand.

Bruce

Not that it’s my place to judge a person’s motives, but let me just ask a question.  Why is Stephen Baldwin making such inflammatory remarks regarding a “superstar” such as Bono?  It wouldn’t be to draw attention to himself, would it?

Jas 1:27 - Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.

But too, let us spead the Goodnews as the Lord has called us to. Although Bono may not feel lead to preach… we are not working by his side so witness the light that is being shone to thoughs he is caring for. How may of us are praying for him. I know i haven’t.

pray for Bono that the Lord Jesus be glorified.

Baldwin sure is playing the Christian “schockjock” game.  I bet more books will sell because of it, too.  When we are quick to speak against someone and say were are better that smacks of typical legalism and fundamentalism.  As a youngster, I told my pastor that I would love to do a food drive along with my Christmas performance at the church and he told me “ony liberals do that.” This kind of thinking stinks and has to change.

Bart writes “Why is it wrong for Steven Baldwin to question Bono’s motives but it is OK for everyone here to question Mr. Baldwins motives.” The difference is that Stephen is publicly chastising Bono, but Bono isn’t publicly chastising Steven, although your point is well taken. (In fact, sometimes Bono is careful, these days at least, to not chastize people who he feels like maybe he should!) Also, I don’t think Baldwin is criticizing motives as much as the actual acts!

As to Bono’s “organization"… there isn’t one per se. It’s just a story of a man who has a holy discontent and is using his influence to do something about it. I think Baldwin has, in one sense… the same story!

First - doesn’t it seem like a natural thing to come to the defense of someone who is just going along, doing what they believe God has called them to, using (stewarding) their influence and resources in an honorable way?  The person who just “keeps on keeping on” (Bono), in my book, always stands head and shoulders above the one (Baldwin) who can’t seem to fulfill his/her calling without pointing out all the other (brothers and sisters in Christ no less) who are doing it wrong.

Second – Baldwin’s point is naïve at best and dangerous at worst.  If resolving all societal ills was as simple as preaching the gospel the world would have turned around thousands of years ago.  Corrupt governments, genocide, polygamy practiced in many (if not most) third world countries . . . the list is endless really.  Having been part of a recent mission trip to So. Africa I learned this first hand from many Christian women who were one of several wives in a household.  She comes to Christ and leaves the “sinful” arrangement, she is forced into poverty and probably prostitution to support her children (who would also be cast out if their mother left the household).  Stay in the family and she will almost certainly contract Aids from their husband (if she has not already), along with the future children she has (which she certainly will because of the absence of birth control). Even if the whole family comes to Christ, to become monogomous, which family should this now “born again” husband keep and which should he cast off?  This is just one tiny element in one hugely complicated problem among thousands.  There certainly isn’t a simple answer (as Baldwin seems to suggest).  While “preaching the gospel of Jesus” might help people get their heaven ticket punched, it is not nearly enough to engage in the pain of our world as Jesus actually did (and expects us to do – IMO).

Thankfully Bono and Oprah and George Clooney and others are drawing our attention to the complicated problems.  I think they are challenging us to just do something besides talk.  There isn’t one perfect solution for any worldwide problem.  Thankfully RW and BH are trying to show the world that American evangelicals are just as concerned as Hollywood.  I hope they are right.

Wendi

I agree, J L! I’m getting awfully tired of Sonny Bono myself!

Jim writes “The way we live today, there is not enough “discretionary income” to feed the world.  It will take lifestyle changes that only the Holy Spirit can bring.”

I totally agree with the second part of that statement, but I’m not so sure about the first. I think it follows that if we make those lifestyle changes you mention, then perhaps we will make more than a dent if we use that new “discretionary” money in a new way. And I would argue that Bono is doing MUCH more than just raising awareness and funds… which I think are the first parts of this.

I think I’m over my post limit on this one, so it’s off to bonofatigue.com!

“But for the sake of the discussion, I see Bono doing something, I have not seen Steven do anything (publicly for all to see, that is). “ You’re most likely not in the culture in which Mr. Baldwin is reaching out to.

I’ve been deeply moved by his efforts to reach out to people through his “Livin it” extreme sports ministry, http://www.livinit.com .  The extreme sports DVDs he has produced and the “Livin It” extreme sports tours has presented to the gospel to hundreds of thusands if not millions of people over the last two years.  I myself am involved in extreme sports (skateboarding).  I’m also a full-time associate pastor and I’m developing a non-profit organization to help churches establish skateboard outreach ministries.

Bono has recieved much media coverage for his efforts, and I respect him for his work and pray that it does show people the Gospel of Christ in action.  But Mr. Baldwin is involved in a tremendous outreach himself, and I equaly respect his vision and understand his zeal to share the Gospel as well.