Bono of U2 Defends Christmas Story in 2014 Recap: 'We Should Be Really Respectful' of Jesus' Birth
Bono, the frontman for U2, took to the band's website on New Year's Day with a comprehensive and alphabetical review of 2014 that included insight to his faith as well as a message to non-believers to "be respectful"
In a post entitled "Little Book of a Big Year: Bono's A to Z of 2014," the 54-year-old Irishman shared updates, reflected on the year and shed light on his beliefs while defending Christmas as well as the story of Christ's birth.
"At this time of year some people are reminded of the poetic as well as the historic truth that is the birth of Jesus," he penned under "J is for Jesus."
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"The Christmas story has a cozy good plot with an even crazier premise - the idea goes, if there is a force of love and logic behind the universe, then how amazing would it be if that incomprehensible power chose to express itself as a child born in sh— and straw poverty," Bono added.
The musician went on to urge non-believers to treat Christians with respect.
"Who could conceive such a story? If you believe it was the protagonist, as I do, then we should try to be really respectful of people who think the whole thing is a bit nutty or worse… Religious people are thefts and worst of us… Handle us with scepticism (sic)."
This is not the first time Bono has defended Jesus Christ against atheists and other non-believers.
"I think a defining question for a Christian is who was Christ? And I don't think you're let off easily by saying a great thinker or a great philosopher, because actually he went around saying he was the Messiah," Bono explained while speaking to Irish broadcaster RTE in 2013. "That's why he was crucified. He was crucified because he said he was the Son of God. So, he either, in my view, was the Son of God, or he was… nuts… And I find it hard to accept that a whole millions and millions of lives, half the earth, for two thousand years have been touched, have felt their lives touched and inspired by some nutter."
Meanwhile, Bono's open letter also revealed that a bike crash that he suffered in Nov. last year has proved more damaging than originally thought - the singer had broken his arm in six places during what he deemed the "freak accident" in New York City's Central Park. On Thursday, Bono's open letter recapping 2014 informed fans that he now suffers from a condition known as titanium elbow in a section entitled "I for Irish Pride."
"Recovery has been more difficult than I thought… As I write this, it is not clear that I will ever play guitar again," he penned. "The band have (sic) reminded me that neither they nor Western civilization are depending on this."
Acknowledging his mistakes during the accident, Bono said his complete recovery and return to the stage will require a concerted effort.
"The consequences of this freak accident are significant enough that I will have to concentrate hard to be ready for the U2 tour in fitness terms," he wrote on the website. "As a result I have canceled every public appearance and decided this missive is all the communication I can manage for the first half of 2015, beyond muttering and singing to myself of course."
