The Beatles never entirely shook off the Catholicism of their youth

Nearly all the songs you refer to were written by Paul McCartney, with the exception of Here Comes The Sun – written by George Harrison. You clearly did not read John Lennon's “Playboy” interview where he explains who wrote what!

I don't think there is any dispute about Let it be or Blackbird, possibly about Eleanor Rigby (although the main part is almost certainly McCartney). All Beatles songs are credited to Lennon/McCartney even though most of them were either written separately or with minor contributions from each other. For what it is worth I believe there is a lot of Catholicism in Lennon – all be it one we see in many who have lapsed. The spiritual search and the passionate, all be it often distorted, concern for peace and justice.

“Let It Be” was written by McCartney. 'Mother Mary' is McCartney's mother, Mary McCartney, who died of cancer when he was fourteen. The song is not a “Marian hymn”.

I did not intend to attribute Let it Be to John Lennon. The headline is not mine

All good comments by everyone. My two cents — Lennon never said there wasn't a heaven or hell —- he only asked us to IMAGINE IT ——- not want it. Each person — will have a different thought — -some in the belief that it would be WORSE — some BETTER. My pastor said it best when it came to the Beatles —- first they were HUMANISTS……believing that PEOPLE could change things without GOD. And they learned how wrong they were with there Apple Venture. Second — the YOUTUBE press conference has Lennon saying that he wasn't knocking Christ ——- that he was stating a fact — that they meant more to kids than Christ. We can deny it — but he was right. He was knocking it —- not bragging it. In the end — Lennon was the one who hated the “beatles” thing the most. We can learn from Lennon the lesson of how important it is to have the “biblical” knowledge of real Christian doctrine. That Christ — not people —- will bring a “brotherhood of man.” None other. Otherwise — we'd already be there. I thought it was a positive step for the Beatles/Lennon thing to be forgiven —– because as humanists —- they wrote some great songs —- for many of us — a soundtrack to our childhood. Finally —- the idea of Peace, love, brotherhood, anti-violence — anti-war ———– is certainly going to be in full swing once Christ comes back. Isn't that what he is bringing ?

Yes, it was our mistake: the article does not claim that any of the songs are written by John Lennon. The headline, and the picture, have been changed.

“Let It Be” is credited to Lennon and McCartney, but it was essentially created by McCartney. In interviews he himself allows ambiguity in interpreting the song, but he does specifically cite his biological mother, Mary (who died when he was 14). However, in concert the song is accompanied by videos of ever-increasing number of candles, arrayed as in votive racks.

I always remember John Lennon in my prayers after Mass because it was Lennon who inspired me to read English literature, which eventually led me to Belloc, Chesterton, McNabb, Knox and Waugh.

I agree with prior comments. Paul McCartney's biography clearly states that he was the writer of Let it Be (he was the only Beatle to go and accept the Grammy for it) and that it refers to his Mother who died when he was 14.

I have always thought so, myself. However the problem with Lennon is that he had a gift for suffering. I think a via negativa can be discerned even in Lennon. Perhaps in purgatory (if he's there) he can reflect on his treatment of his first wife and son. I think the movie “Nowhere Boy” was a really poetic insight into malformation and truth-seeking. Even beneath the cross the song” Imagine “might find a place “Eloi eloi lema sabach thani”. Perhaps “Mother is the song of alienation to Mary.

I think some reflection in this direction might help get a more realistic appreciation of sacramentality and even Evelyn Waugh's idea of grace working behind the scenes with recalcitrant and proud, tortured and torturing souls.

You may think Oliver is wrong, but that doesn't change that McCartney has stated fairly firmly that Mother Mary refers to his mother and not Jesus'. In fact, John Lennon ridiculed the song and disavowed any connection to it.

“John Lennon hated this song because of it's apparent Christian overtones. He made the comment before recording it, “And now we'd like to do Hark The Angels Come.” Lennon saw to it that “Maggie Mae,” a song about a Liverpool prostitute, followed it on the album.”

What's more “Here Comes the Sun” was written by George, and Eleanor Rigby's lyrics by Paul.

To call Imagine hateful is dumbfounding. Imagining a world with no heaven or religion is not hateful, but it does challenge people to consider a life of good action for motivations other than a selfish reward. The implication that areligiosity is akin to amorality is a blight on religious commentary at present and only serves to strengthen the arguments of ethical atheists.

You can rest your case and refuse to listen to Oliver's comments, though such stubbornness demonstrates the terrible quality of your arguments. Still, at least you have shown the courage to disagree with Cardinal Pell. I find myself disagreeing with him as often as I agree.

Regardless, the song Let It Be is not a Marian hymn.

At the foundation of the Beatles, John and Paul agreed to credit all songs either wrote to both of them. This meant they would not fight over whose songs made it on to albums (resulting in one getting more money as a songwriter) and would choose songs on merit. There are many example though, in biography and interviews, where a Lennon/McCartney song is actually understood to be the work of one or the other. See Patjones' comment above.

Church of England and Catholicism are almost interchangeable, so are the hymns. The Church of England didn't separate with Luther they separated for Henry's ability to get a divorce.

Let me help you deluded people. The beatles were most likley possessed of demons. There is a book out that claims Lennon sold his soul to the devil for 20 years of fame. The devil came for him when it was time. In any event, the devil loves to give special powers to his minions to lead the masses astray, He comes as an angel of light. This is especially true with catchy modern music that mesmerizes and enchants; such as with the beatles. The fatct is that it is really not uplifting music but leaves you empty and depressed.

When John Lennon said that The Beatles were more popular than Jesus, he was not boasting about it – he was complaining about it. The furore among Christians that followed was the result of a realisation that in fact what he said was true – that a four piece band from Liverpool was more popular than Jesus Christ and rather than admit to their own failings in letting Christianity fall into this deplorable state they instead attacked a man who told them the truth. May he rest in peace.

Let It Be may or may not have been a Marian hymn in origin but it is perceived to be one by young people in deep trouble. During the trial of Amanda Knox in Perugia Italy, RAI news reported how the student accused and later found guilty of murder used to sing this song on her guitar in prison as a form of solace and prayer to Mother Mary.

Their music wasn't that great . You give then too much credit. It's because we live in a time of mediocrity in the arts. What do you have to compare it to?

I visited the National museum it Ottawa last month. Out tax money payed over 200,000 dollars for a picture that looked like a modified dart board. Everyone stood in awe at the so called ' deeper meaning' of the painting, The Emperor has no clothes.

Imagine no heaven no hell…nufff said…

“Let It Be” was a tribute to Paul's deceased mother, Mary.
The words are about her, from her son who missed her.

There was an Austrian woman by the name of Maria Simma who had been gifted with visits from the souls in purgatory. She was able to ask the souls about many people, and if they were in purgatory or Heaven. She stated in the book “Get Us Out Of Here” that John Lennon is in Heaven. My point is, before you accuse people of being posessed by demons, or selling their souls to the devil, remember that it isn't the people on earth who decide where others go when they die. The final, and only, judge is God.

There was an Austrian woman by the name of Maria Simma who had been gifted with visits from the souls in purgatory. She was able to ask the souls about many people, and if they were in purgatory or Heaven. She stated in the book “Get Us Out Of Here” that John Lennon is in Heaven. My point is, before you accuse people of being posessed by demons, or selling their souls to the devil, remember that it isn't the people on earth who decide where others go when they die. The final, and only, judge is God.

Yes, absolutely true. A person can repent in their last breathe and be forgiven. I don't recommend waiting that long, but nevertheless, repentance is the key.

You are correct Oliver, but when questioned on the song's meaning McCartney said he was okay with people associating the song with Our Lady.

To say that John was defending Christianity (from a comment below) by saying The Beatles ‘were more popular than Jesus now” is accepting the spin. If John had said, he was worried about the state of Christianity and was respectful of Jesus and the disciples …that’s another thing, but what he said:
“Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue with that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus now; I don't know which will go first – rock 'n' roll or Christianity. Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It's them twisting it that ruins it for me.”
Where is the defense?
I always believed that the song ‘Imagine’ (John admitted was anti-religious) was a direct response to Paul and the ‘RAM’ album. Paul used the RAM album to take a parting shot at the Beatles, particularly John. On the back cover is a picture of 2 beetles copulating; on the inside fold is a picture of 2 clowns in a bag (John and Yoko – bagism); and in song lyrics: To Many People – “you took your lucky break and broke it in two” etc. etc. But were there other messages Paul was sending to John on the RAM album. He may have been reminding John of his occult ties. Did John use the occult to achieve fame and fortune? On the back cover of the album is a drawing of the Sun Face (A picture of a sun face may seem innocent enough, but the myths they represent clash with Christianity on every point. Those who turn from Him to “other gods” face destruction) and what looks like a numerology chart directly below it. The strongest message to John may have been the RAM album cover where Paul is pictured holding a ram by the horns. The ram has deep roots in the occult. Satan is frequently pictured as a ram. This is a direct mock of Jesus as mild and meek and a lamb. In the lyrics to the song Ram On, Paul may have been giving John spiritual advice he did not want to hear:
Paul: “Give your heart to somebody soon right away, right away!”
John’s response: “Imagine there’s no heaven, it’s easy if you try, no hell below us above us only sky.”
In the same way Paul wrote one of his biggest hit records in response to John’s remark, “the world is tired of silly love songs.” Was the song Imagine a direct response to Paul? I believe so!
Whatever messages Paul was sending to John on the RAM album one thing is certain John immediately went into the studio to respond. If Paul wanted to reach John on the deepest level he may have been reminding him of his occult ties.
Nothing in the world of The Beatles is simple and clear. As Philip Norman said, “The Beatles is not a normal story, it's a supernatural story, and the pressure was supernatural, and it required supernatural luck to recover from it. And George has recovered from it. He's the one we're going to have to ask about the Beatles, there's no one else to ask now, because Paul won't tell you and Ringo doesn't know. Paul re-writes history, all the time. Ringo – well he just doesn't know, he drank the drink, he smoked the joints, he had the girls and he drummed the drums. That was Ringo. And John isn't here.” (And now George is no longer here to tell)
Supernatural is not a word to be used lightly.

Father Oddie! Have you ever listened to the song Serve Yourself by John Lennon, here’s a link: I guess I missed his ‘sense-of-humor’.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXd25Jqi7G0