Originally posted by robbie carrobie
I found it deeply disturbing that the recent 42nd chess Olympiad in Baku should feature what is essentially an Atheist anthem, John Lennon's, Imagine. Now I am not against atheists having anthems (or pointy ears), or singing, lighting candles or offering incense up to an effigy of Charles Darwin or even expressing their perspective but this appeared ...[text shortened]... at Grandmaster Wesley So thanks the Lord for his victories, a clear indication of divine favour.
Here are the lyrics. Lets see.
I would say that where I put an *, the idea can be supported in the Bible while ?? means he is mocking religion as you claim:
?? Imagine there's no heaven, It's easy if you try
* No hell below us Above us only sky
Imagine all the people Living for today... Aha-ah...
* 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... You...
You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
* And the world will be as one
* Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can
* No need for greed or hunger
* A brotherhood of man
* Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world... You...
Far more stuff that can be defended from the scriptures.
What John Lennon is doing is mocking the violent and extreme aspects of religion and the greed and selfness that normally accompanies Christianity. Not once did he say that there is no God. His statement about there being no heaven is simply telling people what if you have no heaven to go to, a doctrine preached by the JWs that the Kingdom of God is going to be on this earth. JoHn Lennon is preaching here an earthly paradise which can be created if mankind followed the teachings of Christ. But sadly not even Christians preach that.