Clergy and Public React to John Lennon’s “Imagine” at Carter’s Funeral
The performance of John Lennon’s iconic song “Imagine” by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral has sparked a wave of debate and criticism. The event, held at Washington National Cathedral, was meant to honor Carter’s legacy, yet the choice of this particular song has stirred controversy among Christians and religious leaders.
Yearwood and Brooks, known for their long-standing friendship with the Carters and involvement with Habitat for Humanity’s Carter Work Project, previously performed “Imagine” at former first lady Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in 2023. The song, reportedly a favorite of the former president, was again chosen to commemorate his life, as noted by The Daily Mail.
The rendition, however, did not sit well with many Christians on social media. Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota expressed his disapproval on X, describing the inclusion of the song as a symptom of a broader issue within the church. “I was watching highlights from President Carter’s funeral service at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC,” Barron wrote. “I found some of the speeches very moving. But I was appalled when two country singers launched into a rendition of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine.'” He criticized the song as “a hymn to atheistic humanism” underscoring cowardice in established religion.
The song’s juxtaposition with Christian rituals was also highlighted by Ben Zornes, executive pastor at Christ Church (CREC) in Moscow, Idaho. He noted the irony of performing a song dismissing Heaven just before the Lord’s Prayer, which addresses “God the Father which art in Heaven,” commenting on the incongruity present in many congregations.
Federalist editor-in-chief Mollie Hemingway questioned the choice, writing, “WHAT? Why would ANY Christian have that sung at their funeral? Imagining there is no heaven and no Christianity at a Christian funeral is dark, indeed.”
Cultural theologian and podcast host Paul Anleitner added his voice, describing the song as “a terrible substitute hymn from an empty substitute religion of our Secular Age.” He criticized its vision as “a global, homogenous monoculture” lacking genuine diversity and depth.
Father Patrick Mary Briscoe, a Dominican friar, further criticized the choice in an op-ed, suggesting that “Imagine” replaces the hope of the Resurrection with secular dreams. He argued that true unity and justice cannot be achieved by erasing God but through surrender to Him.
The choice of the song at a Christian funeral has reignited debates about religious identity and expression in public spaces. While Carter, a self-described born-again Christian, occasionally diverged from traditional biblical teachings—such as his 2018 comment suggesting “Jesus would approve of gay marriage”—the decision to feature “Imagine” has raised questions about the representation of Christian values in such ceremonies.
John Lennon, the song’s composer, was known for his complex relationship with organized religion. Though raised Anglican, he often rejected religious institutions, even while briefly claiming a conversion to Christianity in the 1970s. His controversial past remarks about the Beatles’ popularity compared to Jesus further complicated his legacy, leading to boycotts and record burnings in the United States.
Despite the backlash, Lennon’s apology for his remarks demonstrated his nuanced view: “I’m not anti-God, anti-Christ or anti-religion. I was not saying we are greater or better. I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky.”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
