“I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky. I believe that what people call God is something in all of us. I believe that what Jesus and Mohammed and Buddha and all the rest said was right. It’s just that the translations have gone wrong.”
- October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980
- British
- Musician, Songwriter, Peace Activist, Founding Member of The Beatles
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Quote
“I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky. I believe that what people call God is something in all of us. I believe that what Jesus and Mohammed and Buddha and all the rest said was right. It’s just that the translations have gone wrong.”
Explanation
John Lennon expresses a spiritual belief that transcends traditional religious imagery, particularly rejecting the anthropomorphic concept of God as “an old man in the sky.” Instead, he affirms a universal spiritual presence within each individual, a view that resonates with pantheistic and humanistic philosophies. This reflects a broader 20th-century movement away from institutional religion toward personalized and inclusive spirituality.
By referencing Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, and others collectively, Lennon emphasizes the shared moral and philosophical truths across major religious traditions. His view suggests that at their core, these figures preached messages of compassion, love, and inner peace, but their teachings have been distorted or misinterpreted through cultural, political, or historical “translations.” The term “translations” here symbolizes not only linguistic changes but also doctrinal shifts that may have obscured the original intent of these spiritual leaders.
In a modern context, Lennon’s quote remains relevant to those who seek interfaith harmony, spiritual inclusiveness, or secular morality. It challenges dogma while encouraging individuals to look within for ethical guidance and divine connection, echoing themes in contemporary movements like spiritual but not religious (SBNR). His words resonate especially with those disillusioned by organized religion but still yearning for meaning and unity.
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