When John Lennon Defames Religion

John Lennon (Photo: Commons wikimedia)

JAKARTA - Nobody expected, the statement of the legendary Beatles frontman John Lennon in England in a public interview with the media crew, to be a big disaster.

Five months later, after the American press learned of the statement, a huge scandal emerged which was nicknamed 'Greater than Jesus'. Lennon's statement is considered to be blasphemous to God.

"Christianity is going away," Lennon was quoted as saying by history.com. "The religion will disappear ... we are more popular now than Jesus."

As history.com explains, John Lennon's talk was first recorded in the London Evening Standard on March 4, 1966. In fact, in its original context, John Lennon's statement was clearly not intended as an expression of pride because of his popularity overcoming Jesus. However, as a cynical comment about the weakening of the important role of religion.

Lennon's chatter came out in an interview that was actually discussing general topics that were busy at the time. However, of the many comments that were discussed, which was published in the American DATEbook magazine, only about, "We are more popular than Jesus."

The statement issued by the peace activist practically drew criticism. In the evangelical conservative south of the United States, the DJ community has criticized Lennon. They vowed to permanently forbid playing Beatles songs.

Meanwhile in Birmingham, England, conservatists not only appealed to the banning of Beatles song playback, in August 1966 they announced they would mass burn records of Beatles songs.

"Don't forget to bring the Beatles record and other attributes to one of the 14 points in the Birmingham and Alabama area," said one of the DJs who boycotted Lennon in Birmingham.

While there is no record of how many events this happened, it left The Beatles feeling shaken. "When they started burning our records it was really shocking," said John Lennon several years later. "I would not have been able to further know that I created hatred in the world. So I apologize."

Lennon's apology was not for the statement he was trying to convey, but rather apologizing for conveying the message in such a confusing way. John then explained the meaning of the statement which caused great controversy at a press conference in Chicago.

"I am not anti-God, anti-Christ or anti-religious. I am not saying we are bigger or better. I believe in God, but not as an old man in heaven. I sincerely apologize for saying that. From what I have read, or observed, Christianity is like shrinking, losing contact, "concluded Lennon.