Pastor Greg Laurie Talks Beatles' Claim of Being More Famous Than Jesus: "Christ Now More Popular Than Ever"
Church pastor Greg Laurie pointed out a debated statement by The Beatles in 1966 when the British rock band suggested that they are a bigger figure than Jesus Christ. Laurie pointed out that, while the highly successful music group has long since separated, Jesus Christ remains the world’s most popular figure.
Taking to Facebook, the American author offered a reminder for readers, touching on John Lennon’s comments during an interview with Evening Standard in 1966.
"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,” Lennon said.
The music legend's statement brought on a scandal when the interview reached the U.S. consequently, promoters were reportedly close to cancelling performances due to the outrage following the musician’s comments.
In a later statement, Lennon sought to clarify his initial comments by saying that he did not approve of people becoming more interested in other worldly things than Jesus.
"I'm not saying that we're better or greater or comparing us with Jesus, as a person, or God as a thing, or whatever it is. I just said what I said and it was wrong, and now there's all this," he said. The singer-activist also added that he is neither anti-God nor anti-religion.
According to a previous report by Catholic Herald, The Beatles members had different religious beliefs while some of their tracks were centered on Christian themes.
Now, Laurie has pointed out that the Beatles have long been disbanded whereas Jesus Christ remains a “more popular” figure.
"Jesus was popular in the first century as well, especially after he raised Lazarus from the dead. The name of Jesus was on everyone's lips. Wherever he went, crowds of people thronged him," the Harvest Christian Fellowship pastor stated.
The Long Beach, California native also pointed out that there are plenty “monuments being torn down” in the present society. However, the monument that is honored and celebrated by Jesus himself will never be razed to the ground. As long as the gospel is being preached, this would play an important role in the sharing and living of the Word.
Laurie most recently teamed up with Christian filmmakers the Erwin Brothers to release the story of American icon Steve McQueen and his journey to Christian faith on the big screen.
