Shaun Groves
The accusation has been made more than a few times but it’s not true. Yes, I sing while advocating for the poor, but I’m not trying to be like Bono.
I’m trying to be like Jesus. And I think Bono is too.
Or, maybe more theologically correct?: Jesus is in us living through us lives that become more and more like His.
So, it’s inevitable that we’ll make similar decisions and think similar thoughts along the way. But Bono has a knack for putting those thoughts into beautiful potent sound bytes that stick in our brains and get passed on. In that way, I wouldn’t mind being more like the guy.
I’m flying home from Texas this morning stuck to this:
“The world is more malleable than we think. It can be wrestled from fools.”
There’s more where that came from…
Worth passing on huh?
Aimee says:
Love this, especially the video interview with Bono! Thanks for sharing, Shaun. I love Bono & love his advocacy for the poor. We even sing his songs once in a while at church on Sunday mornings. 🙂
And I agree… I don’t think you’re trying to be Bono (that comparison actually never crossed my mind before!) Thank you for following Jesus & expressing Christ in your life.
I just finished reading Andrew Farley’s book “The Naked Gospel” and love this quote: “Since Christ is your life, your source of true fulfillment, you’ll only be content when you are expressing him.”
Shaun Groves says:
Wow, what a great quote! Buying now. Thanks for that.
Aimee says:
It’s a great read! Andrew Farley came to speak at our church (The Meeting House) last month… that’s how I “found” this book.
Jonny S says:
This is great. I find the idea of changing the world even in the smallest way hugely overwhelming sometimes and I guess Bono is right, the world is more malleable than we think.
shayne says:
I wonder if he’s ever listened to Switchfoot?
I agree with him and disagree with him. Lots of the music being played on Christian radio is that way…but the “fringe” artists do tend to wrestle with these questions.
Just my opinion. But I like Bono and respect his views and life a lot.
Krissy says:
Ah, but Switchfoot is not just a “Christian” band. I’ve always felt that it’s the Christian artists who create music that is not always so overtly Christian–music that can be interpreted by people in a lot of different ways, depending on where they are–who speak more to my experience. That’s one of the reasons I love U2 so much. I love worship music in church, but I almost never listen to it on my radio.
Sandi says:
This post made me so happy this morning. Thanks for including the interview.
I love the quote below. It is one God used to remind me of some things a while back.
“Stop asking God to bless what you are doing, Bono. Find out what God is doing, because it is already blessed.”
When I say it, I fill in my name, but I like to hear it in the Irish accent. 🙂
Shaun Groves says:
Everything sounds better in an Irish accent. Unfortunately, my Irish friends tell me my Irish accent sounds Scottish. Actually, they say it sounds like the janitor on The Simpsons ; )
Krissy says:
I never would have thought to compare you to Bono, or to think that you were trying to be like him. (And that’s a compliment, even though I love Bono and he’s on my “If you could choose any three people to have dinner with, who would it be” list.) And I think your voice sounds much more like Neil Diamond. (That’s a compliment too, even though I don’t like Neil Diamond.) I loved starting my day with this interview. Thanks for sharing!
Ken K says:
….enjoyed listening to Bono speak about the World. I have learned that we can be in this world however not of this world as we live for Christ and his kingdom coming…..sounds like the title of a great song…jk Too often fundemental friends of mine will not involve themselves with those in sin as they do not want to be around them as they build hedges, however, Christ came for us sinners, not the righteous and I am reminded that we can be in this world and not live for it and point others to Christ.
Thomas says:
I do not why one would want to compare you to Bono. Even if one did there would be little comparison. I guess they could say you both are advocates for the poor, but the comparison end there.
Bono urges countries and people to help the poor and yet he puts his money in tax shelters and foreign countries banks so he does not pay taxes on it. He has multiple homes that are worth millions upon millions and yet he calls for us to sacrifice for the poor. Do I see Christ in Bono? No I do not. Is he a Christian? I am not sure.
I see Christ through you Shaun. You downsized your life. You live as simply as you can to help the poor. Your words carry weight because of our actions.
I guess it I were a musician I might want my music to be compared to Bono, but in all other aspects I am not sure I would want to be compared to him.
Thomas
Krissy says:
WOW! You must know Bono intimately to consider yourself to be in a place to judge him and to question what he says about his beliefs in Jesus.
Krissy says:
Also, you might want to check your sources.
http://www.spinner.com/2012/03/22/bono-impersonator-interview/
Shaun Groves says:
I’ve never heard any of that before, Thomas and I’m not sure it’s true. I’d be interested in reading your source if you can link it.
I don’t know Bono personally, but I traveled to Ireland with Michael W. and while we were there they had lunch at Bono’s house. To quote one of Michael’s kids when we met back up after their lunch together: “His house is smaller than ours!”
; )
Apparently, it’s smaller than a Christian artist’s house. Make of that what you will ; ).
But I have a hard time judging the guy. “Enough” isn’t measured in square feet as much as contentment with what we have and willingness to let it go when God says. Who knows what God has said to Bono? I sure don’t.
I’m thankful for your support, Thomas. Glad to have you in my corner.
Amy says:
“”enough” isn’t measured in square feet as much as contentment with what we have and willingness to let it go when God says”. Oh, yes, I am going to quote you. thank you for that. It’s how I live, but now that we have #5 coming to join us in a 1200 sq foot house, many people are questioning when we will get a bigger house. I have Enough.
Thomas says:
Krissy I had not seen that interview before and I am sorry if I had offended or upset you with my last comment.
Here are some links about Bono and his tax shelters.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/u2-frontman-bonos-tax-avoidance-depriving-poor-14203187.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/04/business/yourmoney/04amster.html?pagewanted=all
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aqdKjGJi9cHc
Shaun Groves says:
Thank you, Thomas! Very educational.
I’ve been thinking while reading all this…what if I was paid 21 million every year? Could I bring more of the kingdom by paying taxes or by (legally) not paying taxes and instead spending that money on third world development I know works? I don’t know the answer yet, because I don’t have 21 million ; ). But it’s a question worth pondering huh?
Krissy says:
Thanks for the links. The thing is, Thomas, is that you highlight a very important question, which is, how much “stuff” can a person who is really trying to follow Jesus have? I’ve heard people ask the same thing about Dave Ramsey after seeing the size of his house. It’s a question which we need to ask ourselves and even challenge others with–others who are close to us, that is. But I’m with Shaun on this one, in that I don’t think there’s a universal answer for all of us, but, rather, each of us needs to be carefully listening to what God is asking of us and wiling to let go of anything he asks us to let go of. I do feel offended whenever anyone presumes to know the answer to that question for other people, and even more offended when someone presumes to think they can judge someone else’s standing as a Christian. And I also wonder about Shaun’s other question… I mean, if Bono is paying the taxes he is legally obligated to pay (I haven’t yet read the stuff you posted, but I don’t think he’s been accused of anything illegal, has he?) then is it wrong for him to use legal loopholes… and maybe spend the money he saves there on those causes God has put on his heart? And, again, isn’t the answer to that question really just between God and Bono?
Kelly Stamps says:
I think Bono would feel pretty honored to be compared to you. 🙂
Shaun Groves says:
I had several clever comebacks to type out but I don’t want to risk people misunderstanding my sarcasm so I’ll just say…thanks, friend.
brad says:
Love this interview. Came across a week or two ago when it began making the rounds. I never would think you were trying to be Bono because you’ve both taken different paths though with similar goals in view. You have approached things from a gospel-centered approach targeting personal giving. Bono is leveraging his celebrity to convince nations to affect what they can via trade and debt forgiveness.
To Thomas, I understand your concerns…I really do. Been there. However that was before I did quite a bit of reading on Bono. He is now one of my heros and I do not doubt that he is a brother in Christ. First, we don’t really know what Bono gives personally…he keeps that private…which is wise to do and as it should be if he is seeking to lay up for himself treasure in heaven…right? Second, as mentioned above he is using his celebrity and spending quite a bit of his time and resources to travel the world and persuade world leaders to do what they can on behalf of the poor. Most of us simply aren’t in a position to do that.
I appreciate both approaches (Shaun and Bono), and Shaun the main reason I’d never confuse you for Bono is those glasses just wouldn’t work for you. :^) Appreciate you.
Kris says:
Loved this interview, thanks for sharing it!
I never compared you in my mind to Bono. Not once. You’re each doing what you feel led to do in different ways–all I can say is, I can’t wait to praise with you BOTH in heaven someday. That’s going to be amazing. 😉
amy says:
I always like to hear what Bono has to say. This interview was no exception. Absolutely worth sharing–thanks!
Bonny says:
He also states, “I stopped going to churches and got into a different religion. That’s what being a rock-and-roll band is: Showbiz, shamanism, and music is worship.”
U2′S 2005 Vertigo tour promoted Bono’s New Age, all-faith agenda. The word ‘COEXIST’ appeared on a giant screen — the ‘c’ represented by the Islamic crescent, the ‘x’ by the Star of David, and the ‘t’ by the Christian cross. Then the big screen displayed the favorite mantra/lie of the Emergent/New Age Church, “Everything you know is wrong.” Bono led the audience in a chant, “Jesus, Jew, Mohammed — all true!”
Bonny says:
Only God can judge the heart of a man, yet let’s be careful about what we listen to about what man says, and instead be influnced by God’s Word alone.
Sandi says:
Here is a great article of an interview Bono did with Michka Assayas. In it, Bono talks about grace and karma and in the process beautifully explains the gospel.
In my opinion, if you have the time, it is worth the read.
http://www.thefish.com/music/interviews/11617924/Bono%3a-Grace-over-Karma/page-2/
Beth says:
Not sure what Bono is into, and it’s never been important for me to find out I guess. I have done enough research on the “Emergent” church and the like though to know that it’s very cleverly disguised heresy propagated by the likes of Brian MacLaren and others. If Bono is following down this path, I don’t plan to follow him.
As for comparing you to Bono Shaun, it never dawned on me. You’re a friend, and besides, you understand my sarcasm 😉
Zoë says:
I thoroughly enjoyed Bono’s interview with Bill Hybels. I support the ONE campaign, and I have read totally conflicting articles about his ‘tax evasion’, which only leads me to the conclusion of never believing what I read in the press because I read the literal opposite in different places! If I was offered the choice, though, I’d prefer to meet you, Shaun, one day, simply because you’re ordinary. God bless.
Cheri says:
There is a small group of adults and young people doing a Pray 21 session. Day 2 is tomorrow with the scripture Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God who is able through His mighty power at work within us to accomplish infinately more that we might ask or think. NLT
….through His mighty power at work within us….
Reminded me of your statement above “Jesus is in us living through us lives that become more and more like His”
Always wanted to see a U2 concert and haven’t. I have been blessed to see a Shaun Groves’ concert more that once…..content!
Lisa says:
http://www.gcmwatch.com/7621/common-roots-homosexuality-pedophilia-harry-hay-and-satanism
Shofarsound: The gay rights movements hails Kenneth Anger as an “important” figure in American filmmaking. But would you say his films were fundamentally homosexual propaganda?
Pastor Joe: Kenneth Anger was making films promoting homosexuality long before Hollywood followed suit. Most of his movies push homosexuality, Satanism/occultism or both. He is a follower of the teachings of Aleister Crowley, and like Harry Hay, a member of the O.T.O. In his movie Lucifer Rising, Anger cast his live-in boyfriend, Robert Beausoleil, who would end up committing the first documented murder for Charles Manson, as Lucifer. The objective of the film was to show the influence of Crowley’s magick, causing the dark forces of Lucifer to rise. Kenneth Anger was also a cofounder of Anton LaVey’s Church of Satan, and he sports a huge tattoo that reads “LUCIFER” across his chest. Anger also wrote forewords for two of LaVey’s books, The Devil’s Notebook (1992) and Satan Speaks! (1998). Anger was also a confidant of Alfred Kinsey’s and journeyed with him to Crowley’s sex temple in Italy to aquire Crowley’s sex diaries. We show a picture of Anger and Kinsey in a staged photo beneath a large photo of Aleister Crowley.
To get an idea of just who Kenneth Anger has influenced, we need only look to Bono of U2. Bono, who many emergent’s view as the unofficial leader of the Emerging Church, has said in the past that he wants to turn America on to Anger’s movies.
Bill Flanagan, a close personal friend of Bono, stated in his biography authorized by Bono, that Bono and U2 were seriously considering starting a new TV network called the Zoo TV Network, to turn the world on to the movies of Kenneth Anger and Wim Wender. In an Interview with Details magazine Bono said that, “Part of America’s dilemma is its TV, because as a mirror it’s a pretty distorted one. I mean, where can you see a Kenneth Anger film in the United States?”(Turning Money Into Light, Details, February 01, 1994)
Lisa says:
Shaun- I totally respect you and love your posts and find them very thought provoking. This one on Bono though really bothered me. Bono is one confused man- and is leading many down the broad path that scripture says leads to destruction. He had the crowds chanting on his Co-exist tour that Jesus, Jew, Mohammad – all true- that is NOT true and you don’t believe that Shaun. Jesus CLEARLY state- Iam THE way, THE truth and THE life, no man comes unto the Father but by ME. There are not multiple ways that are all good and equal and yet that is what Bono believes and has chanted with thousands. Bono is a follower of a reknowned Satanist and thinks his works are good??????? What fellowship has light with darkness? And in the one article referenced above where Bono talks about Grace, his comments are universalism- that becuz Jesus died, His death covers us all, therefore we all get a free ride becuz of His grace. Shaun- you know that is cheap grace and NOT what scripture teaches. Clearly scripture teaches REPENTANCE. Our sin separates us from a holy and righteous God, Jesus death is the propitiation for that but only for those who acknowledge their spiritual bankruptness and need for a Saviour.
There is a ton of articles out there on Bono having a mansion that he is adding on to, a penthouse and yeah the whole tax thing and if I were to compare that to your heartfelt desire to live like Jesus- well it is an odd comparison. But putting all that aside- I am really bothered by the theology that Bono espouses and the broad road to destruction he is leading people down.
brad says:
I can’t speak for Shaun Lisa (wouldn’t dare try :^), however I’d like to clarify something regarding Bono. He’s a scoundrel, a rock-star and a performer. However he’s a very intelligent guy with some very good things to say. With him you have to “eat the meat and spit out the bones” just like with a lot of folks writing and messages. Regarding your concerns above, here is a quote regarding the whole Coexist bru-hah-hah.
“I listened to the Relevant podcast, where Relevant staffers were discussing the article, and it was made clear by emails they were reading from readers that from the very beginning, Tara’s article is flawed because that was simply a misquote of Bono. Apparently he was saying, “Jesus, Jew, Mohammed, it’s true…all sons of Abraham.” And Bono’s call to co-existance was more of a plea for the people of the world’s 3 major religions to stop killing each other, instead of a call to radical universalism.”
I’m not going to entirely defend Bono, he’s done a lot of indefensible things (as have we all), and he has said as much. But let’s not go off the rails here. Shaun’s post was focusing on a single quote from a single interview…and it’s a great quote and a motivating interview.
I don’t want to be like Bono, I want to be like Jesus, but a lot of *what I can see* of Bono’s life motivates me to live out my faith. Is that a bad thing?
Hope it’s okay to post this Shaun. Didn’t really want to get off on a tangent.