The Beatles: ‘Bigger than Jesus’?
On this day in 1966, John Lennon made a controversial statement in an interview with London's Evening Standard newspaper, where he stated:
"Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink...We're more popular than Jesus now."
The quote sparked immediate backlash from the public, particularly in the United States, where many radio stations boycotted the Beatles and burned their records in protest. Even the KKK picketed (although we doubt that John Lennon would have been compelled by this particular group’s demonstration).
Lennon later apologised for the statement, explaining that he was not trying to diminish the importance of religion, but was instead commenting on the decline of Christianity's influence on youth culture.
Despite the controversy, the quote has become a well-known part of Beatles history and serves as a reminder of the power and influence of popular culture on society. But how does John Lennon’s remark hold up 52 years later?
According to the Guardian, census records from 2011 and 2021 show that Christianity is declining in the UK: a decline of 13.1% in 10 years, to be exact. Despite this, it’s safe to say that religion isn’t going anywhere. In fact, with catholic core becoming a staple of the TikTok trend cycle, it’s impossible to guess what’s in store for the future of organised religion.
John Lennon’s imagined utopia of a world with no religion remains just a line in a song—at least for now.
Cover image credit: ultimateclassicrock.com
Also in News
Songs for spring, a Beatles playlist
It’s been a long time coming but spring is finally here! As the first green shoots push through the earth, there's a palpable sense of renewal and rebirth in the air. As spring is a season of awakening, it’s the ideal time to refresh our playlists with tunes that mirror the blossoming world around us. And what better way to soundtrack the springtime than with the timeless music of The Beatles?
Celebrating the genius of Leonardo da Vinci: A tribute to a timeless visionary
April 15 marks Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday, a day when we are reminded of the remarkable life of Leonardo da Vinci, a figure whose profound influence transcends the boundaries of time and disciplines.
Our latest giveaway winner is a massive Beatles fan
You may remember that Lisa was the lucky winner of our last Instagram giveaway. It was clear from the comments on the giveaway post that there are many people who would love to win a copy of our Mr. Kite print, so we decided to give our followers another chance to win with our Easter giveaway.
Sign up to our (infrequent) newsletter and you’ll be automatically entered into a prize draw to win your choice of any print available on this site! You’ll also be first to hear about new limited edition prints and special offers.
Join today