Hello ladies and gentlemen,
I must confess that I did not follow all the discussion, stopping at page 4 or 5... so, I apologize right now for any eventual misundertand
In any case, I believe that there is a central point in all of this discussion and, in fact, all of the same ones this subject is involved: what's the truth religion, if it exists? There's only one or many paths to God?
Mankind always disagreed about this subject, and always will. But I don't believe in Universalism, or in "all religions are true", or even in Bono's polemic phrase, except that they are true sons of Abraham ("genetically" speaking at least
, not necessary "spiritually" speaking - it's another discussion), and yes, let's coexist in peace for God's sake! I am a real U2 fan (believe me!), because of a lot of things, including the christian moral or biblical excerpts in its lyrics. But sometimes I disagree with them.
"IF" Bono believes in Universalism (I'm not saying he does), he is truelly against what Bible teach about the way that leads to God, created by Him (because He is the Lord and wanted it this way). The Bible says it's unique, and we comprehend this not only seeing one isolated verse, but many that complement and explain each other; in fact, this is a rule to correct interpret the Bible. So, it's a biblical lesson, I believe out of discussion, and I'm not intended to put here all the Westminster's Confession of Faith that shows these doctrines in a more "readable" way (it facilitates a lot, read it!).
I think the real question behind all the discussion here is whether the Bible, a very very very old collection of books written by people many think are not the real authors, is right or not... Is the Bible the truly inerrant Word of God? Some says "yes", others "no", anothers "it depends the way you read it..."
Citing the Confession (the more "readable" way), chapter 1 article 4, symbol of what I believe: "The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, and obeyed, depends not upon the testimony of any man, or Church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God" (2PE 1:19, 21; 2TI 3:16; 1JO 5:9; 1 TH 2:13).
So, concluding:
1. The action of the Holy Spirit, in a personal relationship, testifies that the Bible is the Word of God
2. I think Bono's wrong because of that, but I'm still a U2 fan and maybe always will
3. Mankind always will have their ideas of God, their "paths" or "trues". But in the end it'll all be judged against the real one
4. I haven't accepted Christ as my Savior at all; on the contrary, He accepted my as a saved man by His Grace
I indeed respect you people, and your opinion. I hope I helped
God bless.