On January 19, we remembered Dr. Martin Luther King and his vision of peace, justice, love, and unity. Dr. King was a man who indeed understood the message of Jesus Christ. I personally admire his life and his dream. I own a collection of his books/writings. Here is a favorite quote:
"Through violence you may murder a murderer,
but you can't murder murder
Through violence you may murder a liar,
but you can't establish truth.
Through violence you may murder a hater,
but you can't murder hate.
Darkness cannot put out darkness.
Only light can do that."
The Irish band, U2, wrote a song about Martin Luther King called "In The Name of Love." This same song also has lyrical references to Jesus. You will not find U2's music in the Gospel section; however, if you read their lyrics, there is always a Christian message. I appreciate bands that present the gospel in a non-threatening, "non-preachy" way.
Click Here to read the lyrics. Click Here to listen to the song.
Bono, the lead singer of U2, wrote a book in 2006 entitled "On The Move." The overall message deals with the "laws of man" vs. "higher laws" of justice and equality. It's a call to put our faith into action, moving beyond staying at a distance from injustice. Here is a brief quote:
"God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house.
God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them."
God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them."
To find out more about this book and how you can make a difference with issues related to poverty, hunger, and injustice, visit the website http://www.one.org/.
2 comments:
Bono urges America to increase support--one percent more of the federal budget--for the poorest countries. One percent more means children in schools, medicines in hospitals, and clean water in wells. In an era when many are suspicious of the West. He argues we need to show what we stand for, as well as what we stand against. This one percent will not only transform the lives of millions of people, it will also transform the way those people see us.
I have to use a quote from The President's Inaugural Speech:
"To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it."
If President Obama can put these words into action. Maybe we will see a small glimpse of Christ's vision begin to unfold.
Lets keep going...
"We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."
What kind of message do we as Christians want to send - to Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, skeptics, and non-religious people? Are our fists clenched in aggression even when they're folded in prayer - or are our arms and hands open, like those of Jesus?
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