More Popular Than Jesus Quote: John Lennon.

More Popular Than Jesus Quote

The “more popular than Jesus” quote is a famous and controversial statement by John Lennon of The Beatles in 1966. Here is a detailed account of the context, reaction, and impact of this quote:

  • Interview Context: On March 4, 1966, John Lennon was having an interview with journalist Maureen Cleave for the London Evening Standard. During the interview, Lennon made a series of remarks about the state of religion and the Beatles’ unprecedented fame.
  • Exact Words: Lennon stated, “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 ‘n’ roll or Christianity. Jesus was alright but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It’s them twisting it that ruins it for me.”
  • In the UK: The quote did not cause much of a stir when it was first published in the UK. Some saw it as a provocative yet thoughtful commentary on the decline of religious observance among youth.
  • In the US: The quote gained significant attention, of course. Furthermore, it sparked controversy after being republished in the American teen magazine Datebook in July 1966. The American reaction was much more intense, especially in the conservative Bible Belt.
  • Protests: The statement led to widespread protests. Indeed, some publicly burned Beatles records and memorabilia. Furthermore, radio stations in the southern United States banned their music. Not only that, but the Ku Klux Klan even made threats against the band.
  • Media Coverage: The media covered the controversial statement extensively, further fuelling the public outcry. The backlash was severe, especially in conservative and religious communities.
  • Press Conference Apology: In response to the backlash, the Beatles held a press conference in Chicago on August 11, 1966, just before the start of their US tour. Lennon clarified his remarks, stating, “I wasn’t saying 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.”
  • Explanation: Lennon explained that he was commenting on how youth culture was shifting away from traditional religious institutions. He then says that the meaning of his remarks was not anti-Christian. He further emphasized that he was not dismissing the value of Jesus or Christianity but was rather pointing out the Beatles’ significant influence on young people.
  • Tour Impact: The controversy cast a shadow over the Beatles’ 1966 US tour, which turned out to be their last. The band was deeply affected by the intensity of the backlash and the risks to their safety.
  • Legacy of the Quote: Despite the controversy, the Beatles’ popularity and influence continued to grow. The “more popular than Jesus” quote remains one of the most infamous moments in rock history. It also illustrates the cultural tensions of the 1960s.
  • Reflection of the Times: The quote and its aftermath highlight the generational and cultural shifts occurring during the 1960s. The Beatles, as symbols of youth rebellion and change, were at the forefront of these shifts.
  • Enduring Debate: The incident continues to be part of discussions in the context of celebrity influence, the changing role of religion in society, and the power of media.

In summary, John Lennon’s “more popular than Jesus” quote was a provocative statement that led to significant controversy, particularly in the United States. It reflects the cultural and generational shifts of the 1960s and remains a key moment in the history of The Beatles and popular culture.

Finally, how do you feel about John Lennon’s quote? They say time is a great healer, and many decades have flown by. So, how would those remarks go down nowadays?

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