What the Beatles Believed: John Lennon Quotes and Lyrics
80The Beatles were extremely popular during the 1960's British Invasion, and they remain popular still today. I sometimes wonder what made The Beatles so popular. Was it their youthfulness, their catchy songs, or just their cute British hairstyles and accents? Whatever it was that made them popular in the beginning, their fame has not lessened even after the knowledge we have today of The Beatles' involvement in drugs and immorality. Through the quotes and lyrics of John Lennon in particular, I hope to reveal some of what The Beatles believed at their core.
John Lennon was the unofficial leader of The Beatles; he was the brains. Paul McCartney said, "I definitely did look up to John. We all looked up to John. He was older and he was very much the leader; he was the quickest wit and the smartest." Was he really the smartest? Or maybe he was just the most controversial.
More Popular than Jesus?
John Lennon most definitely was not afraid of controversy. On March 4, 1966 in the Evening Standard, John Lennon is quoted as saying:
Christianity will go... It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue with that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus now; I don't know which will go first — rock and roll or Christianity. Jesus was all right, but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It's them twisting it that ruins it for me.[1]
There was a huge uproar at this statement, this "We're more popular than Jesus," especially in the Bible Belt region of America where Beatles albums were burned in protest. So on August 11, 1966, John Lennon apologized:
If I had said television is more popular than Jesus, I might have got away with it, but I just happened to be talking to a friend and I used the words "Beatles" as a remote thing, not as what I think - as Beatles, as those other Beatles like other people see us. I just said "they" are having more influence on kids and things than anything else, including Jesus. But I said it in that way which is the wrong way... Well, originally I pointed out that fact in reference to England. That we meant more to kids than Jesus did, or religion at that time. I wasn't knocking it or putting it down. I was just saying it as a fact and it's true more for England than here. I'm not saying that we're better or greater, or comparing us with Jesus Christ as a person or God as a thing or whatever it is. I just said what I said and it was wrong. Or it was taken wrong. And now it's all this.[2]
Whether or not this can be taken as a sincere apology is a matter of splitting hairs. John Lennon said what he said in the first place, and a publicity apology cannot erase that.
John Lennon may have had some egotistical problems. Growing up apart from his parents, he always knew he was different as a child. He felt he was either crazy or a genius. He claimed he had psychic visions and trances in his youth. His egotism went so far that he compared The Beatles to Jesus Christ:
If they didn't understand the Beatles and the Sixties then, what the **** could we do for them now? Do we have to divide the fish and the loaves for the multitudes again? Do we have to get crucified again? Do we have to do the walking on water again because a whole pile of dummies didn't see it the first time, or didn't believe it when they saw it? You know, that's what they're asking: "Get off the cross. I didn't understand the first bit yet. Can you do that again?" No way. You can never go home. It doesn't exist. [3]
A Look at the Lyrics
I'm a Loser (1964)
"I'm a loser / and I'm not what I appear to be."
When talking about this song, Lennon said, "Part of me suspects I'm a loser and part of me thinks I'm God-Almighty."[4] The comparison between God and a loser is a very big one, one that cannot be made. It is when we act like we are God that we really become losers.
All You Need Is Love (1967)
"There's nothing you can do that can't be done ... No one you can save that can't be saved ... All you need is love"
Lennon is a bit vague about what this love is. Is love some cosmic thing that can't completely be grasped? Is it the free love that was so rampant in the '60s? Here John Lennon is saying that to accomplish love, you must look to yourself. He is missing the point of what love really is.
Give Peace a Chance (1969)
"Everybody's talking about Bagism, Shagism, Dragism, Madism, Ragism, Tagism / This-ism, that-ism, ism ism ism / All we are saying is give peace a chance"
Lennon wrote this song during his and Yoko Ono's controversial Bed-In to promote peace. I question what Lennon means when he says peace. "'They have healed the brokenness of my people superficially, saying "Peace, peace," but there is no peace.'" ~ Jeremiah 6:14
God (1970)
"God is a concept by which we measure our pain."
This song is basically a list of what Lennon doesn't believe in. He doesn't believe in God or The Beatles, etc. In the end, Lennon says, "I just believe in me / Yoko and me / and that's reality." Lennon is admitting that he is his own god.
Imagine (1971)
"Imagine there's no countries / It isn't hard to do / Nothing to kill or die for / And no religion too / Imagine all the people living life in peace"
Lennon, as his own god, thinks he could create a peaceful world. No authority, no rules. Just peace. But if Lennon were god, there wouldn't be peace at all, just a bunch of losers living their own definition of peace in pursuit of their own desires.
In Conclusion
Lennon did realize that man has a problem that needs to get fixed. But instead of looking to the One who saves man, Lennon points to man to save man, failing to understand that "... if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit." ~Matthew 15:14. Lennon stated:
Produce your own dream. If you want to save Peru, go save Peru. It's quite possible to do anything, but not to put it on the leaders and the parking meters. Don't expect Jimmy Carter or Ronald Reagan or John Lennon or Yoko Ono or Bob Dylan or Jesus Christ to come and do it for you. You have to do it yourself. That's what the great masters and mistresses have been saying ever since time began. They can point the way, leave signposts and little instructions in various books that are now called holy and worshiped for the cover of the book and not for what it says, but the instructions are all there for all to see, have always been and always will be. There's nothing new under the sun. All the roads lead to Rome. And people cannot provide it for you. I can't wake you up. You can wake you up. I can't cure you. You can cure you. [5]
John Lennon had a worldview just like everyone else. He wanted "peace", he wanted "love", he wanted salvation. But John Lennon looked in all the wrong places for these things. He turned to drink, to free love, to mind-changing drugs for relief, and relief there was none.
"You know, I really thought love would save us all." ~ John Lennon [6]
What do you think?
Do you admire John Lennon?
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Thank you for reading, janiek13. That's what I'm hoping to do, to show a different perspective.
Hi Rose:
"That's what I'm hoping to do, to show a different perspective."
Lol. Sounds like a quote from John Lennon.
John may be wrong, but he's dead.
You may be right, but you're alive.
Do you know this old testament quote? "Better to be a live dog than a dead lion."
Lennon cannot change, cannot forgive, forget, find Christ.
You're alive.
This hub will reach people who probably love Lennon and miss him.
Consider the perspective of the Other Paul, the apostle (not the bass player, lol.)
He said, "I become all things to all men in order that I may save some."
It's just a suggestion...meet folks where they are. Join hands. Be yourself. When Jesus sat down to celebrate Matthew's going away party; who came to the bash?
Outcast Jews who'd sold out, just like Matthew did, to be a Roman tax collector. And the women? Who were they? Other outcasts. People rejected, probably for good reasons too. Thieves, disreputables.. like the little guy in the tree.
"Come on down here, Zachaeus! I'm having dinner at your house tonight."-Jesus.
What's He doing, my friend? Is He accepting the outcasts? The Performance Artists; the weirdos too different from you and I to get more than an uncomfortable hello.
John Lennon is dead.
But his fans are alive. The Apostle Paul quoted Greek poets and philosophers...not because he believed their words...because he understood them as men. And men, women; they have their heroes. Let them keep their admirations. Paul said, "Let me show you a better way."
But long before he crossed THAT bridge; he first said, "Come. Let us reason together.
Together. In unison. In harmony.
Jesus said, "If they are not against us; they are for us. Leave them alone."
Paul clarified that understanding mind. He shaped himself and his message. He met people where they are.
Nice hub by the way. I loved all the pics. I remember after the invention of dirt...then came the Beatles. I was there.
Sorry about the uninvited advice. I have a lot of habits, things that Jesus is still working on. Can you forgive a jerk like me? too ignorant to see how well intended and loving you really are? I've missed so much about your life, your meaning and all.
And that's what life is like sometimes. It's just jerks and misunderstandings then, isn't it?
Jesus is the real deal. The rest of us; we just move the luggage, carry the band equipment, set up the stage. Jesus, He's the real show.
I'd like to be more like Him. You too, I guess, huh?
Lennon said, "All you need is love."
Jesus has a similar place He starts from. About love. Love your neighbor. God is love.
Harmony, starting from where they are..begins with what's in common.
Jesus Christ and John Lennon both were about love.
John's dead. You're alive. Jesus is alive.
I thought about the dog and the lion thing for a long time.
Jesus went lower, became a servant, became an outcast became my Lord...
Let it Be...man, lots of overlap, lots of ways to go from A to B.
HubCrafter
Hi HubCrafter, thanks for taking so much time to comment! I appreciate your thoughts and challenges. I hope I didn't come across as John-bashing; I only wanted to show what he believed and how what he believed clashes with the truth of Scripture.
Yes, John Lennon is dead, but his words are not. They continue to influence the culture around us. I think it is important for us to analyze what he said to see if it was truth.
My point wasn't to sound like I am better than Lennon or his followers. We are all human beings, tainted and depraved. Yes, Jesus came to save sinners. Sinners that believe in Him. I am not disputing Lennon because he was "different from me" or a "weirdo". I dispute him because what he said is in direct opposition to the Bible.
People do have heroes. But their heroes should at least be heroic. What is the point in looking up to a man that is not admirable?
I disagree with you; Jesus Christ and John Lennon were not both about love. At least, they were not about the same kind of love. God is love. He sent His Son to die on the cross for the sins of His people. That is love. John Lennon promoted a different "love". A love that promotes no accountability - "free love". That is a love that originates out of a selfish heart. There is only one way to go from A to B: through Jesus Christ.
"Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness with lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?" ~ 2 Corinthians 6:14-15
I wasn't around in the '60, and I don't fully understand some people's admiration for John Lennon. But this I do know: there is no peace originating of ourselves. Lennon said himself that he can't save you. But he didn't recognize the One who can save you. Jesus Christ.
Again, I appreciate your comments. My intention in this article was to show the other side of the story, the side not many people look at. On the outside we see a man looking for peace and love just like the rest of us. But on the inside we can see a man who rejected his Creator.
"Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonoredamong them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." ~ Romans 1:22-25
I'm glad you enjoyed the hub! Thank you! Oh and back to beginning of your comment...I guess I've been researching to much about John Lennon! I'm starting to sound like him :)
~Rose
Beatles is my favorite until know. Their song never die. I also give my big appreciation to John Lennon who brought this band more excited, famous and give soul in every songs.
Thank you for reading, prasetio30! I appreciate your opinion.
Love John Lennon - he was to me - a "pilgrim of peace". Great hub - loved your "sources reference"! Very nice!
I enjoyed your point of view. You are right. Lennon forgot Jesus' guidance to love God and then love our neighbor. If we get the steps wrong - we end up all messed up.
Man gets so easily confused.
Very well done and researched and quoted. Excellent point! Rated it UP!
GmaGoldie, thank you for reading! I really appreciate your comment. Yes, God comes first and then our neighbor. Good point! I'm all for love and peace, but we need to understand that these things come from God, not ourselves.
Thanks for your rating; I tried to be as accurate as possible in my quotes.
This is an outstanding Hub! I loved reading it. I voted "yes" in your poll because as a musician I cannot help but admire John Lennon as a brilliant talent. Do I admire his opinions, especially in "Imagine"? Absolutely not.
Thank you so much for reading, James Watkins! There is no denying that John Lennon had incredible talent as a musician. He very well could have been the most influential songwriter of the last 50 years. I'm glad you came by and commented!
Wow Rose, at the risk of being de-fanned, I am commenting on your hub. I’m going to try not to write a hub here, although I did put it on my running “hub ideas” document. I’m afraid you did your research with a myopic eye. There is no balance to your piece.
John Lennon was a complicate man, and like the rest of us, not the same man for the entirety of his life. In his early life, he was probably a thug, who grew into a self indulgent addict. In his later life he turned more philosophical, and pondered many topics with great ambivalence.
You are way off in your conclusions on a number of points, really missing John’s point. In trying to keep brief, I offer only this:
John’s point in the “Jesus scandal” is that society, especially youth are more influenced by pop culture than by religion. As much as you’d like to think your kids are growing in Jesus, the reality is that they spend much more time contemplating Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers.
Imagine reflects John’s misgivings and ambivalence about organized religion. Religion has caused much turmoil in the world. Man is quick to rationalize his bad behavior in the name of religion. Why can’t we all live peacefully and respectfully with one another? And do so because it is civilized and right, not because of clashing religious edicts.
I couldn't disagree more on this piece, but I can still play together at recess if you can.
Rose Mary, I really appreciate your honesty, and I feel honored that you took the time to read and comment on my piece. I tried my hardest to research this objectively. I don’t believe I am being narrow-minded, especially since about half of the words up here are actually quotes of John Lennon.
John Lennon did change throughout his life, but I believe he always followed the same direction. He was always his own god, questioning authority, and basing his life on his own sense of right and wrong.
The Beatles will never be more popular than Jesus. The Beatles will live and die, but Jesus lives forever. The very thought of comparison is ridiculous. Not all people, not all of our children, are more influenced by pop culture than faith. And if some are, that is the parents’ fault. I do not deny that John Lennon has had an extreme influence on our society, but I believe his influence has been negative.
“Religion” is not what saves you and me. Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will save a person. There are many religious people in the world, and yes, there have been crimes committed in the name of religion. There have also been crimes committed in the name of anti-religion. Religion or anti-religion is not the root cause of the crime; it is the wickedness of the heart of man that results in crime.
The Bible says: “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:26, 27) It is what we do, not what we say, that matters.
Why can’t we all live peacefully together? Because we are all sinners. Every single one of us. The only way we can be at peace with each other, is to be at peace with God first. What is right and wrong? On our own, with no authority, we will all come to different conclusions of what is right and wrong, and life wouldn’t be as peaceful as we want it to be.
Again, thanks for reading. I am thankful for your expressing your opinion. I appreciate all your hard work on the hubmob, and look forward to getting to know you better! I’ll see you at recess ;) and maybe we can sit together at lunch.
OK Rose. We'll see how it goes. If we can continue to disagree peacefully, maybe we can work our way up to trading sandwiches. No egg salad please.
=) Rose Mary, sounds good! I have to warn you though, I like to make peanut-butter-and-pretzel sandwiches.
At the time he said it, the Beatles WERE bigger than Jesus in terms of popular culture. That is what he meant, nothing more.
I can only imagine what John Lennon would say if he read this :)
Uninvited Writer, I see what you mean. The Beatles were very "popular" among the youth in America and England. I think though, that to claim to be more popular than God is a bit arrogant.
I realize that what I've said here looks as though I am bashing the hero of many many people. In truth, my attempt is to criticize the beliefs of a man who has highly influenced our culture. My motivation is one of compassion. I do not want people to lift up as an idol a man whose words taste like honey, but burn like poison.
As to what John Lennon would say, I wonder myself :) Perhaps he would only swear at me and go back to his philosophical songwriting.
Interesting hub, didn't know all that about John.
teenmusicscene, thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
Interesting hub, one that I don't particularly agree with but thats just me. "Imagine" to me was a song that represented peace, love and a world without pain and nothing more. He was an artist and what he says in his songs should be thought of that way and not read so much into. When he said the beatles were more popular than Jesus, he was right. Teens in that generation were more interested in pop culture than church. Anyway, still a well written hub. I can play nice too.
ladyjane1, thank you for reading; I appreciate your sharing your opinions! "Imagine" is, as I've found out, one of the best-loved song of our times. Everyone wants peace and love, but what is the definition of peace? No religion? No countries? This song not only puts man above God, but it also reeks of communism.
You say, " He was an artist and what he says in his songs should be thought of that way and not read so much into." I personally think John Lennon would be offended at that statement. What we artists strive to do is express something, whatever it is, to the world. Artists mean what they say. And I don't think I read too much into his songs. His lyrics speak for themselves; they are not just abstract ideas.
Again, thank you for taking the time to comment; I really appreciate it.
Rose what I meant about not reading too much into his words is that people have always misread John Lennon and put words into his mouth. And maybe we do need less Religion and more spirituality, which is what I think John meant and by no means was he a communist or tried to put himself above God. John was all about peace and more pain and suffering has been done in the name of Religion and God than any John lennon song could ever do.
ladyjane1, I have to disagree with you. I, for one, am not putting any words into John Lennon's mouth. These are all direct quotes. I didn't call him a communist; I just meant that "Imagine" is communistic - "no possessions."
Again, John Lennon's definition of peace was way off. Peace does not come through the absence of God. Not many people here agree with me, but this is what I believe.
it takes a certain amount of understanding to read into his "more popular than jesus" quote. He didn't mean anything about saying people should be more spiritual or that he was better than God. He was observing the fact that people have lost sight of religion.
as for imagine, a world without nations, and religions isn't communistic its idealist and anarchist. If people could survive and fend for themselves without national government there wouldn't be war. if there weren't religion there wouldn't be disagreements of such. he wasn't saying religion was bad just that differences between two could be problematic. essentially he was stating what the world would be like if we took out the sources of most political and social arguments. Religion and government
caroline17, thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate your feedback! If you notice, I really didn't write much commentary at all on the "More popular than Jesus" controversy. I was only stating facts, not reading into Lennon's quote.
We must disagree as to the hints of communism in "Imagine." Yes, there would be war even if there was no "government." Man has the same sinful nature, whether he is a member of a governed nation or of a "free" society. Religion and government are not the source of controversy... it is the heart of mankind that has and will continue to cause strife in the world.
Thank you for your thoughts, but I have to disagree.
Your article reminds me of one of my favorite books about the Fab Four: "The Gospel According to the Beatles".
I highly recommend it! -- and I enjoyed reading both your hub and the thread of comments.
FCEtier, thank you for your positive feedback! I'm glad you enjoyed reading. That book sounds really interesting... I'll have to check it out at the library!
I read that The Beatles (and also presumably John Lennon) has been forgiven by the Vatican recently (3 weeks back?). But what's the point? He's already gone to heaven! (OR hell - depending on your belief). ;)
Dense, very interesting... I rather doubt whether any of The Beatles would have appreciated the forgiveness of the Vatican. Personally, I don't think the words of the Pope have any eternal relevance.
Rose, you can read it here if you missed it: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/v
Thanks, Dense! It sounds a little contradictory for the Vatican to say that The Beatles music could have been Satanic, while it also calls them a "precious jewel."
Nice summary Rose. Poor John was a mixed up fellow in some ways but he's so right when he says you have to do it yourself. People are afraid to be like him, to have that much exposure and be open to so much criticism, and people forget that he was heavily criticised from all quatres for much of his life. But he stirred up a debate and a movement that will outlive him for a long time to come. AS for his comments on Christianity ... who knows if it will last, or if we'll be talking about the Beatles instead in a thousand years? You can only trully love the things that move you and draw you in, Christianity and religion have little to offer these days, but the Beatles and John's music are as fresh as ever and the message still totatlly relevant.
In response to the 'More Popular Than Jesus' statement, I believe Lennon was referring to the nature of fame, although his comment was directly an attack on Christianity, it was not about Jesus Christ himself. Maybe some of Lennon's words were unfairly taken out of context. Maybe not. If you listen to Lennon's 'God' and 'Imagine' you can understand that he had a love-hate relationship with religion, with the Beatles, with himself. Either way you want to look at it, Lennon stood his ground as an artist and humanitarian. He was very outspoken and controversial, but whenever he spoke- people listened...people are still listening. Power to the People.
Tom_Radford, thank you for your comments, though I have to disagree. John Lennon may have been unafraid of controversy, but that doesn't mean he was right. Christianity will not fade with time, and John Lennon is already gone from this earth. His words still have somewhat of an impact on people, but man-centered "wisdom" will not last for very long. Perhaps Lennon's music does draw people in, but what real salvation can he offer? What love is Lennon showing people today? He is dead and gone, but Jesus Christ is alive and He is the way of salvation.
Nicky Page, I really don't care much personally about the "More popular than Jesus" issue; I merely wanted to point it out in this article. What I care about more is the impact that John Lennon has on people. As you say, the people listened and are still listening. I don't think that Lennon's legacy will last for very long in the grand scheme of things, but I do think that many people take a wrong view of the message Lennon proclaimed. He was outspoken, unafraid of controversy, besides being a good artist; however, being outspoken for false principles is worthless. The fact that people are listening is actually frightening.
I disagreed with essentially everything you've said in this hub. ***However, your attitude in your comments, toward differing opinions, impressed me very much. It's rather refreshing to see someone politely discuss / debate without resorting to insults and character assignation. I applaud you Rose West, and everyone else who has commented here.
Derrick, your comment made my day! Thank you so much. It is never my intention to use my writing to force my own opinions on others or to personally attack my readers. I have enjoyed the discussion here and I appreciate everyone's comments.
So glad I came across this site. I believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ. But if I wasn't a fan of the Beatles I wouldn't be on this blog now would I! Christians live in this secular world and have to deal with that reality on a daily basis. I would never see John as a role model. But it was because of the Beatles that I picked up the guitar and made music such a centerpiece in my life. And anyone who has ever put together a rock or pop type group realizes that the Beatles showed us how it's done. The song structures, the melodies, the guitar parts, the bass and drums working together...musically speaking I owe alot to John. I grew up with the fab four. I cried openly when John was shot. It was like losing a freind. However, I will never put him on a pedestal, morally speaking. Jesus said you can gain the whole world and lose your soul. Scripture also tells us that the devil is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. A couple of years back I had a silly little dream that I was sitting in the living room of my parents home having a conversation with John. Just small talk. If that dream would have been reality 30 years ago maybe by sharing the Bible with John, maybe he would still be with us.
Hi Dan, I'm so glad you found this too! I understand how the Beatles have been so influential musically, and I really appreciate the stance you take. A balance is good in my opinion. I would never say I don't like some of the Beatles music - I do. But like you said, putting any person, whether a Beatle or not, on a pedastal is simply not good. We are called to be in this world, but not of this world. Discernment is a beautiful thing, and I'm glad that you seem to possess it. Thanks for your visit!
God bless you, Rose. Thanks for the kind words of affirmation. Some Christian folks look at the Beatles as pure satanists. I'm not excusing any of their material that speak of drug abuse or blatantly negative behaviour. But in reality they were just 4 young guys who were magic when creating music in that pop music genre. I read somewhere that the first time John, Paul, and George actually performed together was at a church. In any case, one of the cool things about being a believer is the fact that I can pray for the salvation of Paul and Ringo on a daily basis!
Dan, you're very welcome. I don't believe the Beatles were Satanists, but I don't think they glorified God all that much either. It's good to take things with a grain of salt. The Beatles were and continue to be very influential, and we need to understand and be discerning with their music, the good and the bad. This article's main purpose is to spark some thoughts about the meaning of the music that is so easily listened to without thinking deeply about it. At any rate, you are right that we can pray for our fellow human beings. Thank you for all your thoughts!
Just wanted to make one last comment. It's been said they're are 3 ways music is created and directed here on earth. It's like a triangle...man to God, God to man, and man to man.(people to people) The first type usually involves praise, the second involves revelation, and the third is pretty much open to man's creative ability. At the very least this third kind of music should be positive and uplifting even in a secular sense. It can be difficult without the leading of the Spirit of God to accomplish this. Witness the popularity of half naked young women singing while doing what appears to be vulgar calisthenics(dance?) while performing. Secular music, especially rock, is progressive. The problem is, it has gotten progressively worse. The Beatles were progressive for their time and probably opened up a pandora's box of junk for future generations. But three young guys playing those beautiful guitars and Ringo laying down a perfect beat was hard to pass up for my generation. It sure made growing up alot of fun. And until the drug inuendos began...most of the tunes were pretty tame. To make one last comment specifically about John...God reached out to John several times before his death. From all accounts he had rejected His calling. I think if John had become truly born again we would have heard about it. John knew about Jesus. John contacted a couple of well known television ministries. There was a matchbook cover John had scribbled on responding to a letter he had received from a young man pleading with him to come to Christ. (It was auctioned off a few years ago) John's response was a rejection to that plea. He was murdered a few days later. I began reading a collection of John's interviews in Rolling Stone some years back. I finally put the book down because I couldn't stand the language. He was cynical and mean spirited. But in his defense none of us really knew what it was like living with the pressure of being a Beatle. In the end all he wanted was to be a husband and father. He was really just like many of us. The Bible says God does not esteem one man above another. So John definately had the opportunity to come to Christ just like the rest of us. Oh my, how can anyone not enjoy a song like "If I fell" or "Julia". But I would trade the earthly pleasure a million times over of listening to those songs to know for certain that John called out to Jesus on that cold sidewalk in repentance. Let's face it. When you're on your deathbed...you'll be longing for Jesus, and a place in Glory. You'll realize what folly man's(or John's for that matter)words are compared to the promises of God's word. Pray for Paul and Ringo.
Dan, I find what you say about the three kinds of music interesting. When it comes down to "Man to Man" however, I don't believe a Christian can (or should) write that kind of music. We cannot separate art from faith. That doesn't mean that music *has* to be explicitly Christian per se, but art is always created with a particular worldview. I think you will probably agree, and I feel as if I'm getting off topic, but I just wanted to point that out.
As to John, we will never know on earth the true condition of his soul when he died. More than anything, I find the story of his life rather sad. It is the story of anyone's life who has not known Christ. In the end, we have the question: Did John Lennon really promote "peace" and "love," or did he actually harm society in promoting a Godless worldview? We can admire his musical ability, but we cannot admire the man.
I can admire any man that upholds unity over separation. Too often I find "Christians" who have lost sight on what is truly valuable. They have forsaken spirituality and replaced it with "religion." I believe Jesus would DEFINITELY have hung out with John Lennon, after all, he's not much worse than a whore, now is he? And Jesus seemed pretty found of them.
Above all, one must treasure the person. To be Christ-like, we must value a person for who they are NOW and who they choose to become. We must be there as a person's shoulder, as an advisor, and above all: as a friend. Once we have accomplished this, everything else will fall into place. I pray that these words plant themselves as seeds within your mind, thoughts for you to ponder (not just for you to "appreciate" the comment, that you would actually hear what is being said). You are merely a child in your walk, based off of your post as well as your comments. I pray that you continue to grow in your walk with God, that you allow Him to show you the way without allowing your own opinions interfere. Believe it or not, many people, in analyzing the Bible, lose it's meaning. We cannot merely analyze it ourselves, we need HIM to show us the true meaning.
Shelly, thank you for your comments. Of course, unity is more important than separation, as long as what we are unified about is good. If we are unified on nothing, on some relative meaning of peace, we won't get anywhere. It is better to be separated, to have truth on one side and falsehood on the other.
Maybe Jesus would have associated with John Lennon, but would John Lennon have hung out with Jesus? I doubt it. Jesus came to save sinners, yes - sinners who repented of their sin and trusted in Him alone to save them. John Lennon lived his own way, and I fail to see any evidence that he ever repented of his sin and turned to Christ.
I believe that people are to be valued, as creatures who were created in the image of God. Being a true friend, though, doesn't mean accepting of a person's immoral lifestyle. My goal here isn't to be judgmental; I just want to point out the facts.
I believe the Bible is the ultimate guide, and yes, people do lose the meaning of what it says when they follow their own opinions. What I have said here is what I believe, and I try my utmost to see the world through a biblical worldview. May God help me.
I liked your text. Already turned his fan. Congratulations!
Hi Vaglsng, thanks for reading.
Rose,
I think you are confusing a musician with a religious figure. At the time John made that statement about Jesus, he was correct, teens loved John and the other Beatles alot more than they cared about Jesus. John was neglected by both of his parents since he was a young boy, brought up by his Aunt Mimi. His father only came back into John's life when he realized John had some money to try to get it, not to try to redeem himself as a parent. When John married Yoko, he was clearly looking for a mother figure, although he did appreciate that she was a woman who was a successful artist in her own right (though many did not consider her work "art"). People were racist at that time and did not accept that Yoko was Asian, or her strange performance art, but she did come from a wealthy family and made a good income on her own, something many women at that time did not. John loved her even though she was Asian, and stood by her. Yoko clearly loved John, she still lives in the same building he was shot down in front of, and has to pass that spot every day. You seem very judgemental about an artist whose goal was to make music, who wanted people to live in peace and harmony, and tried hard to protest against war. I do not recall Jesus being as judgemental as you, he accepted people as they were. At the time the Beatles were beginning to become popular, they were wearing suits, had hair that only reached their ears, and the drug taking happened later. Experimentation with drugs was very common back then, and many people were able to take drugs in an experimental way to expand their outlooks, and continued to live functional and successful lives. Drugs were very common in the Middle East too, and Jesus was born into a very strict sect called the Essenes, whom accepted Mary Magdelene as Jesus' wife until the Gnostic Gospels were taken out of the Bible at the Council of Nicea. They admit to a believe in reincarnation and that women had a valid place in the chruch hierarchy. Getting back to the sixties though, it really wasn't about drugs, it was about trying to change the world in a better way, and to experiment with different things. While I think terrible things can happen when people take drugs, many like Rush Limbaugh and other self righteous big mouths get just as high on presciption drugs. Jesus' mission on Earth, and his most enduring message was one of love. It is sometimes said, "Only the good die young." John did not deserve to be murdered and shot down like a dog in the street. Or do you believe a "sinner" such as John deserved to be killed in a city he loved and fought immigrations to live in? John's purpose was not to offer anyone redemption, it was to entertain and share some of his ideas and insecurities in his songs. Jesus had quite a lot to say about "when though prayest, enter into the closet, and pray to the Father, which is in secret." If you have a need to call attention to how religious you are, maybe it's an ego trip for you. I think you have taken John's life completely out of context, and who are you to decide who the "sinners" are? Some self-appointed emissary of a God we have no proof exists? John was clearly struggling with a the lack of privacy that comes with fame, and with his feelings of inadequacy when he wrote I'm a Loser. He is obviously having a mental breakdown judging from the lyrics of many songs on that album. But we mere mortals struggle with feeling we aren't good enough. I think there is entirely too much Christian nonsense being posted on Hubpages, and that it should not be allowed. If I want a sermon, I'll go to church. Don't take a well loved musician and pick apart his life so you can preach to everyone.
Hi Jean, I find it hard to address all the things you bring out, especially as it seems you are going off topic. I barely even mentioned Yoko Ono - the fact that she was Asian or that she was older than John Lennon has no relevance to this article. I understand that he didn't grow up with his parents, and while I know that could have had a negative effect on him, he is still responsible for his actions.
It seems like most people love John Lennon because he was a so-called promoter of peace and love. What I call into question is his definition of peace and love. Sometimes people say that they are for these things, but in reality, they are just using terms for something else - their own definition of what is good. They say they want to change the world for the better, but in truth they want to live in a world of their own making, without a God to tell them what to do. I believe in absolute truth, and the truth is that peace and love are nonexistent without God.
You're right about the sixties not being about drugs. The drugs and the loose lifestyles were not the problem. They were the external aspects of the condition of the heart. I am not here to put myself above anyone. We are all sinners and we all make mistakes. I am not proclaiming my own gospel, but the truth of God's Word, which is as a two-edged sword. We are all in need of change; let's not wallow in sin just because we need to accept each other.
Of course it was wrong for John Lennon to be murdered. Although I disagree with his worldview, I know it is tragic the way his life ended.
Although I don't see your point about this, I would also like to point out that Jesus was not an Essene and was not married to Mary Magdalene and did not teach reincarnation.
Finally, my right to freedom of speech and freedom of religion allows me to voice my opinions here freely. You also have the right to read or not to read, and the right to voice your opinion as well. Speaking what I believe is not an ego trip for me. If you really want to take away my ability to write as a Christian on HubPages, you are hindering liberty and freedom of thought. You don't have to read it, but please respect my right to post it.
Excellent, excellent post. I just stumbled upon it through a Google search. There was a gaping disconnect in John Lennon's philosophy and deeds. The man who spoke so urgently about peace and love treated his friends and family extremely poorly, including his first wife, his band-mates, his fans, and even the world's impoverished. Read the lyrics to "How Do You Sleep," in which he unleashes scathing criticism on Paul McCartney, and even suggests that it would have been better if the 60s "Paul is Dead" hoax were true. Or the 1966 announcement to stop touring, where he mocks his American fans. Or the 1980 Playboy interview where he refuses to be involved in charity shows to benefit the poor, because, basically, it's "not his problem."
"All you need is love" and "give peace a chance" sound nice, but when your actions don't back them up it contradict your words it amounts to very little.
"By their fruits ye shall know them."
Hi Danny, thanks for jumping aboard the debate! People tend to glorify John Lennon as a peace-loving man, but you're right that in reality he was a sinner just like the rest of us. The peace and love that he proclaimed weren't based on absolute truth. No matter how much he said about peace peace peace, he couldn't give peace to the world. Actions do matter. Words without actions are just clanging cymbals. Thanks for your encouragement!
We judge each other too much, this whole thread is very judgmental. Why not act like Jesus then and love those who least deserve it, because they are the ones that need it most.
For you, that might be John Lennon, for me that might be you. God loves John Lennon and everyone else, that's for sure. Maybe we should start doing the same.
Hi Josh, I guess it depends on what you mean by judgmental. I agree that it is good to love those around us, even when they don't deserve it, but love means speaking the truth. And sometimes the truth is unpleasant. Truth is, John Lennon had a worldview that he expressed in music that has changed the way many people think, and I believe that this worldview does not fall in line with God's word. If I am not speaking out of love (attempting to show that the words of John Lennon will not save you), then don't listen to me.
Wow, this is a very well written hub. I love the Beatles because i always thought that John Lennon had such great words.
Hi vinsanity, thank you for taking the time to read.
Oh, I love the energy of John Lennon and his music.... It is like unconditional love. The same about Michael Jackson....
Thank you for your visit, Ege Denne.
You hub is an interesting commentary on the most enigmatic musician of the 20th century. As you pointed out, John came from a broken home growing up with broken dreams and a broken heart. From an early age, John demonstrated many of the signs of mental illness that are so often associated with artistic genius. Instead of suppressing and fighting this illness John allowed his mind to wander, to explore, and to reach his own conclusions and beliefs; rejecting all others. Is it ironic that John Lennon was killed by a mentally ill person who claimed loyalty to Christianity? His killer wanted to silence the words and thoughts of John Lennon forever.
My own views differ in perspective somewhat from your own. The survey asks if we admire John Lennon. My answer was yes. What "made" John admirable to me had nothing to do with his expressed views on any particular thing. I admire John because of his musical ability and his voice, which I consider to be one of the very best that has ever graced a rock 'n' roll song. The pure beauty of John's voice was hypnotic.
John was a modern day street minstrel whose amplified music and song grew to such a volume that it changed the world of his day. It is truly regretful that John allowed himself to be caught up in his own greatness to the extent that he lost touch with the little boy from Liverpool who had so many wounds in need of mending.
Rest in peace John Lennon. We love you, we miss you, and we pray for you.
Hi Sarah, thanks for your comments! I wonder about the mental illness thing... Perhaps John Lennon did suffer from some mental illness. I don't know, and so far I haven't heard that anyone ever diagnosed him with psychological problems. On the other hand, illness itself can't be blamed for the problems of John Lennon. People are responsible for their beliefs and actions - sickness is not the root problem.
True, John Lennon did have a great gift for musicality. No one can deny that. I just think he could have used this gift in better ways.
John Lennon seems to me to have been a person who was hurting and searching for peace himself. Despite his many songs about peace and love, I don't think he ever found that for himself. He essentially rejected truth. His own definitions of love and peace and freedom weren't enough to really save him.
I enjoyed reading your article, although I did not really agree with it. I appreciate the point you are trying to make, although it actually proved more in the other direction for me. I really agree with rmcrayne, I thought she put it well.
You are quoting John Lennon directly, which you say are facts, you are also interpreting his words and actions the way you see them, which are not facts, but opinions. There is nothing wrong with that, you are entitled to your own opinions and beliefs, just as Lennon was, and personally I think you are both brave people for being so open to sharing them publicly.
What I got from Lennon's Bigger then Jesus direct quote, was that the society at the time was worshiping pop culture, false idols, and not Jesus. He did not say this was right, just that it was what it was.
It would be no different from me saying that Justin Beiber is more popular in our culture today then Christianity. I in no way think that a teenage pop singer can even compare to our Lord, however our society is so twisted when it comes to our priorities that sadly there are more teenage girls at a justin beiber concert then there are at church on sunday. You included a quote where he said that he was trying to make the point that a band was more important to kids then Jesus. This is a cry to parents and society, your priorities are out of place.
I also believe that Imagine was not a persuasion to give up religion or god. It was to see past the things in this world that we as people use to separate ourselves from one another. Religion is one of the greatest separations in our world. Instead of using our Religion as a way to grow closer to whatever God/Gods we worship, and grow spiritually, we use it to persecute one another. Religion is used to label and often used to define a person. Lennon simply wanted people to think of a world where we all loved each other for who we are as individuals.
John Lennon was only human, but I think that he tried hard to spread the idea of loving thy brother to all platforms, regardless of their religion, race, gender, social status, as best he knew how. He was a man that millions looked to, and unlike most famous people today, he tried to use his fame to make this world a better place. That is more than we can say for the Lindsay Lohans and Miley Cyrus' of today.
I do not believe for one second that he thought he was his own God. His passion was not to bring everyone to Christianity, his passion was to bring our world together as one, love thy brother despite their differences. Who are we to judge his passion, we really have no idea what his personal relationship with God was like. for all we know he was finding a relationship with God comes from within, and that is a personal relationship.
I admire him. I admire him for attempting to make a difference in a time of turmoil. I admire him for turning his life around, getting off the drugs and caring about his brother hood of man. I admire his musical talent and poetic although controversial lyrics.
Having said that I admire you for writing your article. I admire you for bringing a new perspective to the situation and for graciously reading the responses of those who do not share your opinion and thanking them for their responses. Mostly though, I admire you for not being afraid to challenge the norm and bring glory to God in something that most would not have thought to do.
Although I admire you both, I worship only the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is the only Truth.
I will end on a direct quote from you, "Truth is, John Lennon had a worldview that he expressed in music that has changed the way many people think, and I believe that this worldview does not fall in line with God's word." This may be true, and if so he will have to answer to the higher power. However, at some point, we need to stop blaming others for our own actions. If his worldview does not fall in line with God's word, then as children of God we should not be allowing this to change the way we think. We are responsible for our own actions.
GottaDoller, thank you for all your thoughts. I too hold that God is the only truth - on that we can agree.
If Justin Bieber were to say he was more popular than Jesus, there would be another conflict. Perhaps it is the fact that Lennon is speaking of himself and his companions that comes across as arrogant.
Religion and worshiping the true God are not one and the same. Yes, over the centuries, people have used the name Religion to cause more damage to the world. But God is real, distinct, and not subjective. If the world is to be a peaceful, loving place, it needs Jesus as its Savior. Finding "love" within ourselves is not going to make lasting change. My point is, John Lennon may have spoke in the name of peace and love, but without God at work, these things are meaningless. Peace and love without God is impossible.
I appreciate your taking the time to read and comment and I respect your opinion.
John Lennon was a great Prophet and like all Biblical prophets he was misunderstood and eventually killed but their words live on. People get so bent out of shape over words - John preached and lived Love and even the Bible says that God is Love so John preached and sang God. To many preachers today preach against homosexuality but not against war and is that really the message of God?
pridham10, I really wouldn't put John Lennon on the same level as the prophets of the Bible - as if he were inspired by God. One of my main points is that though Lennon preached "love", he failed to see the true kind of love. His was a man-centered gospel. John Lennon wasn't preaching the love that only comes from God - he was grasping at a love that he wanted to produce himself. But the truth is, people without Christ will always fail at perfect love and peace.
Sources
[1] London Evening Standard, Maureen Cleave, March 4, 1966
[2] Chicago press conference
[3]Playboy, David Sheff, 1980 - in reference to how his generation felt at the Beatles' breakup
[4]Playboy, David Sheff, 1980
[5]Playboy, David Sheff, 1980
[6]Rolling Stone, Jann S. Wenner, 1971
janiek13 Level 2 Commenter 2 years ago
This is certainly a different perspective. However, I must go on record as saying that everyone is entitled to their opinion, even if it is wrong.