How do Christians and Atheists feel about this song?

Question

The first two paragraphs really hit home for me. It's exactly the way I think. I wonder how Christians/Muslims/other religions see this song, and I would love for my fellow Atheists to chime in too. Thanks!
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Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
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By the way this is

Imagine by John Lennon.

Answer 1

Some good ideas, but a bit naive and idealistic. Still, a good song.

Answer 2

It's a nice sentiment, but not practical, and one that would never work in such an adversarial world. People are, by nature, suspicious of other religions, cultures, and societies, and naturally deem themselves to be on the "right track". Taking away people's possessions, religion, and property has been done before, and it certainly doesn't get rid of greed and hunger--if anything, it makes all of those things worse. You cannot force people to agree or sympathize with you, even if your idealized Utopia sounds good in theory. Many things sound great in theory, but prove unsuccessful, even disastrous, in practice.

Answer 3

Amazing how it illustrates how intolerant this song shows people are.

It also shows how misguided and bad some Christians are!

Almost all religions other than Christianity tolerate non believers. Islam particularly allows it and protects the right of others not to believe.

True Christians believe in an inclusive, loving and forgiving God. So the ones that criticise and express hate must be the misguided, sinning idiots expressing human emotions rather than Christian thoughts!

Answer 4

Well, there are more Christians in the world than atheists. And there are more Christians in the world than any other religion. So maybe Christians are killing atheists softly with their song.

Answer 5

Man can't fix man's problems. Secular humanism hasn't, doesn't and never will work.

Considering the source, its too bad he couldn't have been a bit kinder to his first son - nothing like playing favorites. I guess John lived the 'do as I say, not as I do' life.

Answer 6

Bobo: "Man can't fix man's problems. Secular humanism hasn't, doesn't and never will work."

If man cannot fix his own problems, then they will not be fixed. Secular humanists aren't as eager as some Christians to throw up our hands and say, "It's broken, and we're helpless to do anything about it! We need a sky pixie to save us from ourselves!" Pathetic. Like lazy children who stubbornly refuse to walk.

Answer 7

"Nothing worth dieing for", what an awful idea. No, I will take this world of struggle, strife, and a chance at freedom. It is beautiful, if sometimes harsh.

I find most views of utopia, merely a low-grade version of hell.

Answer 8

John Lennon has a real way with words.

Answer 9

Beautiful.


*agnostic*

Answer 10

Wednesday, 15th August 2007.

I think you are lovely.

Have you also tried Leonard Cohen ? He has love songs.