Imagine.
Has everyone missed the meaning of John Lennon’s lyrics?
That heaven and hell are held over our heads as an afterlife reward or eternal damnation to do the right thing instead of being motivated by our own conscience and free will.
That religion has been used with malign intent, to divide and to foment prejudice and intolerance of the other even as religions preach love and peace.
That countries established to ensure justice and liberty for their citizens have led to enemies and envy, to countless wars and deaths since the dawn of history.
That selfish accrual of possessions is an exercise in futility because you can’t take it with you; affluence begets arrogance and greed begets greed.
This song was sung at Rosalynn Carter’s funeral and Jimmy Carter requested it be sung at his own for one reason: Carter understood Lennon’s meaning. It’s a hard meaning to understand, but it’s easy if you try.
Religion, government, materialism. All are inventions of man ostensibly for the betterment of man, yet they have become contraventions to a brotherhood of man. To love, to peace, to compassion; to the dream of a dreamer.
Lennon asks the question: Can you imagine a better world? John Lennon could. Jimmy Carter could. I hope someday we all can, and the world will live as one.
Imagine.
Rest in peace, James Earl Carter. You have earned it.
