Bono has always said that he’ll deal with anyone when it comes to alleviating poverty and disease in Africa, and clearly he’s a man of his word if his latest interview is anything to go by.

The U2 singer/activist talked to Jim Daly, president of the ultra-conservative Christian group Focus on the Family which is against, well, you name it – divorce, abortion, gay rights, etc.

The radio interview with Daly touched on a number of themes, including Bono’s faith and his thanks to evangelicals for getting involved in the AIDS fight in Africa.

“I am here to thank the American people for that,” he said. “And I also want to thank the evangelical community for that, because it wouldn’t have happened without their leadership, because they, like myself, pestered George Bush and the administration, who actually deserve praise for starting this out.”

Bono is a firm believer in Jesus.  “I believe that Jesus was, you know, the Son of God.  I understand that for some people and we need to … if I could be so bold, need to be really, really respectful to people who find that ridiculous,” he said.

When Bono chose to become involved in making Africa a better place many years ago, he turned to religion for guidance.

“We have a pastor who said to us, ‘Stop asking God to bless what you’re doing, Bono.’ Which by the way, I constantly do. He said, ‘Find out what God is doing, ’cause it’s already blessed,’” Bono told Daly. “And when you align yourself with God’s purpose as described in the Scriptures, something special happens to your life. You’re in alignment.”

Daly expects some negative reaction to the Bono chat from his conservative base. 

“Does he use a bad word here and there? Yeah, probably. Does he have a Guinness every now and then? Yeah, probably,” Daly said. “When you look at it before the throne of God, I think (God will) say, ‘You saved so many children.’

“Bono clearly accepts Jesus as Lord. I wasn’t prepared for his quickness in inserting Scripture into the dialogue.  I celebrate with [Bono and wife Ali] that they have four children and have been married 30 years. Not everyone in the Christian community can say that.”