While the autobiography of D-list actor turned outspoken skateboarding evangelist Stephen Baldwin is not in Christian bookstores quite yet, one quote from the book--entitled "The Unusual Suspect: My Calling to the New Hardcore Movement of Faith"--is already stirring up controversy and making some of us evangelical types actually wince. In the book, Baldwin criticizes none other than U2 rocker Bono for his efforts to help the impoverished and infirmed in Africa (what this could have to do with Baldwin's autobiography--you know, about his perssonal life and all--is still unclear to me). Baldwin writes that Bono "would do far more good if you just preached the gospel of Jesus rather than trying to get rid of Third World debt relief."For starters, Bono is not trying to get rid of Third World debt relief. Quite the opposite: He is trying to convince governments to provide more Third World debt relief. And while I realize Baldwin is still relatively new to the Christian faith, I would hope someone at the Palau organization, the ministry Baldwin partners with, would have explained to Baldwin that Jesus is just as excited about providing food to the hungry and medicine to the sick as he is about a really cool finger flip on a mini-pipe.
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They both have the right concept as to how it should be: Baldwin should practice what he's evidently preaching, and Bono should preach what he's practicing.>
OUCH !! that last statement was kind of uncalled for.
If in fact Baldwin is a believer. Washed clean by the blood of Christ as we all have been. We need not throw stones at the man. He is obviously speaking of of ignorance and God says we should encourage the weak in faith. Not discourage.
None of us can throw stones. Not Baldwin or Bono. We and Tehyf all short. We've all heard the cuss word or two Bono throws out there. I just saw Balwin arrested again on TV the other night. I too have short comings. Lets pray for them and us, not condemn.
>>>>>Susan I am sorry [...]Christians are FORGIVEN not perfect.[...]Love and Peace to You
Shaun | 07.20.06 - 3:44 pm | #>
Sharon I am sorry. Love,Grace,and Peace to You.>
What is disturbing is that Baldwin says JUST preach the Gospel RATHER THAN help those in Africa. Is he out of his mind. The way Baldwin says it it's as if helping those in Africa is a misguided adventure for a Christian. Sounds too much like religious right influence to me. The kind that is deathly afraid of setting examples of materially(money) helping others because it might lead to a movenment which would then mean no more tax cuts to feed the money God of the rightwing. More recasting of Christian doctrine for a party line.>
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