As a big fan of The Beatles (they're my favorite band), I've always been somewhat embarrassed and disappointed for America whenever I hear about the whole "bigger than Jesus" fiasco. I've read one place that the actual quote was something like "Christianity is a phase and its popularity will pass in time. So will The Beatles'," but of course some American got hold of it and spun it out of control across the country and, well.....yeah, the rest is history.
My personal opinion on the matter is that even if John Lennon -had- directly said The Beatles were more popular or "bigger" than Jesus....he was most likely correct in a literal sense. Not being deeply invested in any particular religion, I've never taken offense to the idea or found it egotistical or arrogant.
What I always found over-the-top was the American reaction to it. The KKK threats, the record burnings, the music being banned, etc. etc. Even if I concede that maybe he should have chosen his words more carefully, the massive God-gasm that erupted in turn was entirely unnecessary and ridiculous. It only displays in great detail yet again how religious enthusiasm and righteousness have been taken to far too many extremes at the wrong times and over the wrong things. I personally would laugh a lot if the Backstreet Boys had caused KKK involvement in their heyday.
But I'm rambling. What are your thoughts on the incident? Did Lennon or Christians take things too far, or both or neither?
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Lennon was actually lamenting the whole "Culture of Celebrity" and how people place more importance on favorite bands, actors, sports stars, etc.
TheatreGal714
Level 3
Feb 23, 2018
0
All I have to say on the matter is did Jesus write Blue Jay Way, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, Strawberry Fields, Happiness Is A Warm Gun, Taxman, Maxwell's Silver Hammer, I Am The Walrus, Yesterday, Revolution 9 and/or A Day In The Life?
Well then. Not only are The Beatles bigger than Jesus, they deserve to be (I suspect Lennon was querying that).
Jnei
Level 8
Feb 18, 2018
1
Jnei:
Incidentally, has anyone else noticed that the lyrics of The Beatles' A Day In The Life perfectly fit the tune of Marilyn Manson's Valentine's Day?
Speaking as an Englishman we just thought it was funny , we Brits where not offended , perhaps a few relgious nuts got hot under the collar who knows. I remember it well it was a non event. Luckily a few years later I was in London and John lennon pulled up in his phycodelic painted Rolls Royce
Wolfbat
Level 6
Feb 18, 2018
1
You’ll notice that it was short lived, advertised by the establishment, and carried out by short haired, slack wearing straights that we’re being manipulated by their narrow minded parents, priests and reverends. It lasted a blink of an eye and the Beatles sales continued to soar.
Embarrassing? Yes. But only for the assholes who participated in it.
Gatovicolo
Level 8
Feb 18, 2018
1
The reaction to Lennon was largely a southern state phenom but there was some overlap in the northeast. One notable event was their 2nd shea stadium show did not sell out as a few other concerts also did not totally sell out. But is was the bible belt who made the most noise which tells me nothing has changed down there over the years. They were extreme then and still are except they used to vote for Dems..but for some inexplicable reason think that Republicans are people of God..though all of their actions prove otherwise. Lennon took a big hit for the comment but remember, it was less than 2 years later he released the famous album cover showing full frontal nudity...which finally proved unequivocally that he was, in fact, 'bigger' than Jesus
legshowoff
Level 5
Feb 18, 2018
1
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