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It's said that going to church doesn't make one a Christian any more than going to McDonald's makes one a hamburger. One might use Christian-speak or periodically consult Scripture, but until a life is genuinely turned over to Christ, it's all talk. Many believe that Jesus just came to give everyone a warm hug and not say anything about their behavior; hardly. While He did comfort the afflicted and even afflict the comfortable, he called everyone to repentance. His coming meant reconciliation with God, and whenever He healed or forgave He'd say, "Go now and leave your life of sin" (John 8:11). He didn't overlook sin, but gave Himself on its account. When we profess ourselves "Christian," we declare an allegiance beyond mere lip service. As Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (John 14:15).

So we come to Paul Hewson (aka Bono), certainly a spiritual enigma. I once attended a U2 concert where the Pretenders played warm-up. Bono entered, evidently inebriated, bottle in hand, uttering a lot of nonsense; disappointing. Since then, we've all heard of his foul mouth getting him into trouble. He incessantly derides religion, only to solicit religious institutions to fund his pet charities (which, he seems to believe, must be everyone's).

Yet, he appears to grasp that salvation is a gift of God's grace rather than an earned reward for the "good-enoughs," and he identifies as one who accepts God's terms regarding that. His allusions to faith via lyrics or interviews, however, make it difficult to see how U2's "witness" in any way introduces people to the biblical Jesus rather than the safe, unobtrusive version so common with pop-culture icons. While I wouldn't presume to judge Bono's heart, I still haven't found what I'm looking for regarding firm evidence of his sainthood.

THE REV. BRYAN GRIEM

Senior Pastor

Light On The Corner

Montrose

If mathematics is the language by which we understand God, certainly music is the means of harmonizing with God's essence. A tune or melody can speak directly to the soul and unlock some of the deepest emotions of spirituality in us. All religious orders have effectively used the power of music to deliver their message and connect their followers with higher understanding.

An opera or a cantata communicates truths that may be based on the artist's, such as Bach's, world view, but is delivered personally by music that resonates to the individual soul.

Bono is effectively communicating his views through his music. Whether he's pretentious or sincere is not judgment call we need to make. U2's music is stimulating the senses while his lyrics are exciting the soul to look beyond its self and understand the problems of the community. Disease, hunger and war are universal problems and the spiritual answers to end them are inside each of us.

Remember that rock 'n' roll evolved out of a rebellion against a corrupt and hypocritical establishment. The struggle continues and the religious community needs to commend and appreciate those who can rise above the mundane and address societal concerns. Those who have done so for me include John Lennon, Ian Anderson, Joan Baez and Steven Stills. And today, I'm pleased that groups such as System of a Down are able to rally the masses with their call for justice, human rights, equality and liberty for the oppressed. Here we are witnessing the responsible use of talent, coupled with the energy and spirit of music to touch the souls and spirits of people.

FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church

Youth Ministries

Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith, warns us in his writings that although music can be used as a vehicle for the upliftment of hearts and spirits, it can also debase them. He writes, "We have made music a ladder for your souls, a means, whereby they may be lifted up unto the realm on high; make it not, therefore, as wings to self and passion."

In our society, the adulation and status afforded successful pop and rock artists make them vulnerable to pride, and free to abuse the power and sway they hold over their often young fans. With artistic gift comes the ability to affect the hearts of listeners and influence societal change. Ideally celebrities should be sincere and responsible in their expression of ideas. Artists like Bono, who use their wealth and influence for such altruistic causes as poverty relief projects and raising funds for victims of disease, are certainly to be commended. If a particular artist's form of expression is viewed as distasteful or overly self-promoting, then this is where freedom steps in. The artist is as free to express himself on stage and in the studio as the listener is to tune him out. Where we have real power, of course, is over our own lives and to what we choose to expose our hearts and spirits; that is, entertainment that debases, or uplifts us.

BARBARA CRAMER

Secretary

Baha'i Faith

Glendale

The Bible encourages all believers: "whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." To glorify God means to acknowledge Him, to enhance His reputation and to act in such a way as to bring Him honor before others. In other words, we are to make God the "celebrity" in everything we do.

Whether it's through their music, their acting or whatever else has brought them fame, God has given "celebrity" believers a unique opportunity to glorify Him in the public eye. When they acknowledge Him with sincerity and humility, their work on stage and their deeds in public can teach us a great deal about faith.

I personally enjoy the way country musician Randy Travis uses his talent to serve God. He has put his "celebrity" on the line to sing about Jesus Christ, the greater One.

Ultimately, God is the only real celebrity.

PASTOR JON BARTA

Valley Baptist Church