John Lennon

The Beatles, along with John Lennon, echoed a philosophy in their music that was very prevalent during the 1960's. Basically, as with each generation, they were seeking a meaning to life, existence, some form of hope to cling to...something to explain the world they experienced, yet something that wouldn't restrain them or define these things in such a way that would limit their freedom. From what I understand, they experimented with various "religions" and philosophies (particularly eastern religions). The existential philosophies of Satre, Heidegger and Jaspers lent themselves well to the whole hallucinogenic drug era because people were seeking some "experience" that was outside of themselves to validate their existence and give meaning to their life. The eastern religions fit well into this frame as well because they all reach for a "non-rational" meaning to life too. It's more of an idealistic hope (of peace and unity for instance), but without any definition or rationality behind it. After discovering that fact that using drugs left them unfulfilled, there was a period where musicians tried to emulate this "experience" with a music style, the result was psychedelic rock (this would've been eximplified in "Strawberry Fields Forever" for the Beatles). Again, this is existential philosophy, which essentially seperates belief/faith/answers from reason; nothing is understandable or explainable. Anyway, once you accept the philosophy that the answers to life are beyond our reason, then every "religion" or attempt to find an optimistic hope becomes merely a "dream" or a vision and it really doesn't matter which "religion" you pursue. The sad thing is, you'll be hard pressed to live this consistently because your life experience will not reflect your beliefs..which will leave you unfulfilled, holding onto nothing but an imaginary utopia. As far as I know, there is no other philosophy or religion that explains and defines the human problems while also offering solutions that fit within our human experience the way Christianity does. Contrary to what some say, Christianity does not require us to deny our reason or abandon rationality in order to "leap into faith" that is not explainable. I think in order to have a more productive discussion, we would need to address your worldview. Would you care to define it? For instance, every worldview has a few basic components: 1. The concept of God. Some hold that everything is God, some don't believe a God exists, but regardless...every worldview holds some belief about the concept of God. 2. Humanity/Creation. Some hold that we're all here by chance, others believe we were designed by a Creator. Each worldview will address some idea of how humanity came into existence. 3. Fall/Problem. Every worldview has to address the issue of the problems of our world. Where did it break down? What is the problem? 4. Redemption. What do we do about the problem/s? How can the world be set right? In your original post, you imply that you agree somewhat with Lennon. If we are to 'save ourselves', this begs the question...save ourselves from what? This brings me back to the worldview questions. How do you explain how everything began, when the problem/s began and how we should go about setting things right? You imply that belief in Christianity and heaven are irrational, and yet this seems to be the basis for your own belief (in an imaginary utopia). Can you explain why your belief is more acceptable to you than Christianity? John Lennon, I was wondering if you ever read this post... Me too Oh yeah! This agnostic will do a Lot of reading and thinking before I return. Thanks again Rebekah David and all at worthy-and you read Power of Myth-Rebekah!! I'm about to leave!! Yahoo!!!! I may try to write some songs while I'm on vacation-time to take out the guitar and dust it off! Bye Mates! JL.

You know something John Lennon-Someday they'll put your mouth in the circus!-Brian Epstein 1966.

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 live as one.-John Lennon.

Possession is'nt nine-tenths of the law. It's nine tenths of the problem!-John Lennon.

Love is a promise-Love is a Souvenir-Once given never forgotten-Never let it disappear.-John Lennon.

Part of me thinks I'm a loser, and the other part of me thinks I'm God Almighty!-John Lennon.

If everyone demanded Peace instead of another T.V. set-then there would be Peace.John Lennon.

I believe in God, but not as an old man in the sky, but inside every human heart.-John Lennon.

Parting Quotes; Sean did'nt come out of my belly,but my God I've made his bones. I've attended to every meal,how he sleeps, and that he swims like a fish because I took him to the ocean. I'm so proud of Sean-He is my biggest pride.-John Lennon.

Yup! should have it in a day or two in the mail-I'm going on vacation from my work-a-holic job-2 week camping trip/canoeing/campfires/my guitar and I'm bringing the book.Out in nature's where I belong, but I will miss the Worthy boards! Will have lots of chat when I get back. Peace to you-Rebekah David. JL.

His views were based on ideas that excluded any concept of sin and a Holy God. It was just feel good spiritualism and a lie. sw Lennon trusted his own heart, and no he did not veiw this guilt-ridden 'sin' concept within spiritualism. Neither did George Harrison. This is where the different translations come into play.

'What are you talking about?'...That was well put, Jefferiah! That may be the most uplifting post I've read yet! Maybe YOU should consider being a writer.

we do. any male can marry a female, as it always has been. any asian can marry any black, white, indian, etc.... as it always has been in this country. It is not outlawed. what civl liberties do you speak of? we all have the same rights. I was speaking of religious tolerance on a global scale.

With all due respect and I speak from the heart, I think John has been misinterpreted. As Christians we need to speak our of understanding and love. Christians are challenged all the time and have been for centuries and will be in time to come. If we want to get the truth to John it isn't through an antagonists point of view but through scripture and our own testimony. Please do not take offense Rebekah for I am not speaking to you alone. This thread has turned in to posting on one person because of the lyrics of a song writen a long time ago. Can we focus on what this forum is about and attempt to show compassion and love in the face of insults and off the origional topic? These things can get out of hand and I for one don't want to belong to a forum where there is behavior towards non believers (as obnoxious as they may be ) Are we to not love them as Jesus loved? Some of these posts come across as very combative and there is no reason for it. This is the world and everyone has their own opinions. It's great that we can give them narratives and websites and articles, etc... but do those things really plant seeds? No, we do. spreading the love... Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace Just remember Cjrose, if there is a God-He loved John Lennon too! Open your heart just a little. okay? The love of God is revealed in Jesus Christ. All who are outside of Christ find nothing but the wrath of God. sw

'GBY and my soul?'

And furthermore, I was just defending you and you come back at me with this? When I mentioned John I was speaking of you, Sam, not Lennon. Are you so blind you can't see that I am open hearted and open minded by now? You're right-I misenterpreted that post. Thank You. Some of my postings got twisted too, you can miss things jumping around from thread to thread-I'm a restless thinker.

I believe what people call 'God' is something inside all of us. What Jesus and Mohammed and Buddha and all the rest said was right. It's just that the translations have gone wrong. John Lennon-1980.

With all due respect and I speak from the heart, I think John has been misinterpreted. As Christians we need to speak our of understanding and love. Christians are challenged all the time and have been for centuries and will be in time to come. If we want to get the truth to John it isn't through an antagonists point of view but through scripture and our own testimony. Please do not take offense Rebekah for I am not speaking to you alone. This thread has turned in to posting on one person because of the lyrics of a song writen a long time ago. Can we focus on what this forum is about and attempt to show compassion and love in the face of insults and off the origional topic? These things can get out of hand and I for one don't want to belong to a forum where there is behavior towards non believers (as obnoxious as they may be ) Are we to not love them as Jesus loved? Some of these posts come across as very combative and there is no reason for it. This is the world and everyone has their own opinions. It's great that we can give them narratives and websites and articles, etc... but do those things really plant seeds? No, we do. spreading the love... Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace Just remember Cjrose, if there is a God-He loved John Lennon too! Open your heart just a little. okay? The love of God is revealed in Jesus Christ. All who are outside of Christ find nothing but the wrath of God. sw

Actually..I myself never dreamed this thread would still be running! Imagine.

With all due respect and I speak from the heart, I think John has been misinterpreted. As Christians we need to speak our of understanding and love. Christians are challenged all the time and have been for centuries and will be in time to come. If we want to get the truth to John it isn't through an antagonists point of view but through scripture and our own testimony. Please do not take offense Rebekah for I am not speaking to you alone. This thread has turned in to posting on one person because of the lyrics of a song writen a long time ago. Can we focus on what this forum is about and attempt to show compassion and love in the face of insults and off the origional topic? These things can get out of hand and I for one don't want to belong to a forum where there is behavior towards non believers (as obnoxious as they may be ) Are we to not love them as Jesus loved? Some of these posts come across as very combative and there is no reason for it. This is the world and everyone has their own opinions. It's great that we can give them narratives and websites and articles, etc... but do those things really plant seeds? No, we do. spreading the love... Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace Just remember Cjrose, if there is a God-He loved John Lennon too! Open your heart just a little. okay?

You read 'The Power Of Myth'/Joseph Campbell, and I'll read 'Tortured For Christ'. Deal?

Amen to that sister!! Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Only the dead really "know".

If you want to use that name as your username - then I would keep it. The only problem I can see with it - is the fact that you seem to idolize and hero-worship John Lennon. Having the username 'John Lennon' doesn't help you. I'm sure you're aware of one of God's ten commandments which states - "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3). I'm not going to judge you on that - God will though. John Lennon was no angel and had faults just like all of us. I don't 'worship'..I may draw inspiration from a song, But I do not worship idols. A Christian 'worships' Jesus. So Jesus is the idol YOU worship.Sounds good to me.