While Lennon was adored for his music, he had a profound spiritual side, which he spoke about on various occasions before his death. You might even be surprised to hear what he said about Jesus months before his passing.

Over the next three decades, fans around the world would relentlessly follow Lennon’s daily life. This ultimately led to the creation of his book, Lennon on Lennon: Conversations with John Lennon, which, among other things, shed insight into the musician’s religious beliefs.

Lennon explained that while he grew up in a Christian household, he did not profess the faith himself. However, he would go into detail about his personal beliefs, and his answers surprised many readers.

In the book, Lennon addressed a previous comment claiming the Beatles were more popular than Jesus. He explained this was made offhand, and he did not try to suggest the band was superior to Christ.

Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, shared many values and beliefs. Both could agree they were undoubtedly religious and not ‘anti-Christ’ as some media outlets claimed.

In the book, Yoko said: “People often understand God as an old man with a beard.” Lennon famously replied: “They don’t know it’s an old woman with a beard.” He continued, “It’s easier to identify with a human than with a concept.”

According to Lennon, the agnostics were the true essence of Christianity. However, unfortunately, he claims they were stamped out or chased to the hills during the formation of organized Christianity.

He said, “Read Christ’s words, read Buddha’s words, any of the great words.” Lennon went on to say we don’t need the imagery nor the “thou must worship like me or die” concept. Instead, he advised everyone to get to the core of the message.

Lennon said: “People got the image I was anti-Christ or anti-religion. I’m not at all. I’m a most religious fellow.” However, he did feel that the message of organized Christianity was very similar to the message of Marxism.

He admitted that he’s very religious in terms of accepting the idea that there’s a lot more to the world than meets the eye.

The Beatle admitted he had a lot more in common with Christians and Muslims than he did with people who outrightly denied the existence of a higher power.

Yet, by the end of his life he redeemed himself in the eyes of the followers of Jesus. The Beatle even began asking many of his fans to look into the teachings and words of the ancient prophet.

Many will remember Lennon as the musician, some as the social activist and above all else, a simple man who decided to look beyond the boundaries of normal society.