John Lennon’s spiritual beliefs evolved over the course of his life, and he went through periods of questioning and exploration. While he did express skepticism and criticism towards organized religion, it is more accurate to describe Lennon as a spiritual seeker rather than an atheist. Here are some key points regarding Lennon’s spiritual journey:
- Religious Upbringing: Lennon was raised in a Christian household and attended Sunday school as a child. However, he later expressed disappointment with some aspects of organized religion.
- “The Beatles are more popular than Jesus”: In a 1966 interview, Lennon made a controversial statement about the Beatles’ popularity surpassing that of Jesus. While his intent was to critique the decline of religious influence on young people, it sparked widespread backlash.
- Interest in Eastern Spirituality: In the late 1960s, Lennon became fascinated with Eastern philosophies and practices, including Buddhism and Transcendental Meditation. He studied under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and incorporated elements of these teachings into his life.
- Primal Therapy and Personal Growth: During the early 1970s, Lennon engaged in Primal Therapy, a form of psychological therapy that aimed to access repressed emotions. This experience influenced his songwriting and personal introspection.
- Concept of Universal Love and Peace: Lennon’s song “Imagine” is often seen as an anthem for peace and a world free from religious, political, and ideological divisions. Its lyrics suggest a vision of unity and cooperation among all people.
- Later Spiritual Explorations: In the mid-1970s, Lennon delved into various spiritual paths, including astrology and numerology. He also drew inspiration from the works of philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche.
- Non-Religious, but Spiritual: While Lennon expressed skepticism towards traditional religious institutions, he maintained a belief in spirituality and the power of love. He sought to explore and connect with higher consciousness and human experiences beyond religious dogma.
In summary, John Lennon’s spiritual journey was marked by a search for meaning, peace, and personal growth. While he criticized organized religion, he remained open to spiritual concepts and embraced a broader view of spirituality. Ultimately, Lennon’s beliefs were shaped by his own experiences, philosophies, and quest for understanding.
john Lennon quotes about faith
“I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky. I believe that what people call God is something in all of us. I believe that what Jesus and Mohammed and Buddha and all the rest said was right. It’s just that the translations have gone wrong.” – John Lennon
“Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It’s them twisting it that ruins it for me.” – John Lennon
“I’m not anti-Christ or anti-religion or anti-God.” – John Lennon
What is the John Lennon song “Imagine” about?
