“Jesus was all right, but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It’s them twisting it that ruins it for me.”
- October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980
- British
- Musician, Songwriter, Peace Activist, Founding Member of The Beatles
table of contents
Quote
“Jesus was all right, but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It’s them twisting it that ruins it for me.”
Explanation
John Lennon offers a provocative yet revealing critique of organized religion, distinguishing between the spiritual message of Jesus and the behavior of those who followed or institutionalized his teachings. By saying “Jesus was all right,” Lennon affirms respect for the figure of Jesus as a moral or spiritual teacher. However, his description of the disciples as “thick and ordinary” and his claim that they “twisted” the message points to his frustration with how religious institutions or followers have distorted that original message.
This sentiment echoes a broader skepticism Lennon held toward dogma, authority, and institutional power. He saw religion—particularly in its organized, hierarchical forms—as a force that often contradicted the very teachings of love, humility, and peace it claimed to uphold. His use of blunt language may seem irreverent, but it reflects a genuine concern with the gap between spiritual ideals and human implementation.
In modern discourse, Lennon’s words resonate with those who respect spiritual teachings but reject institutionalized religion due to hypocrisy, corruption, or exclusionary practices. The quote challenges us to separate the essence of a belief system from its cultural or political manipulation, urging a return to authentic, untwisted values over blind adherence to flawed interpretation.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
