New Christian Song Sparks Controversy Fireworks

PR Log ^ | September 29, 2008 | Jim Giatas

[Jim Giatas]

Contemporary Orthodox Christian singer/songwriter, Jim Giatas, has written and recorded “If You Imagine” as an answer to former Beatle, John Lennon’s song “Imagine.”

“If You Imagine” has generated significant criticism. One writer called it blasphemy. On MySpace, Vangellis responded that it was: “A terrible denigration of Lennon's ode to reason. And the fireworks are just beginning.

“John’s song has gone virtually unchallenged for all these years and I felt compelled to write an answer to it from my own conservative Orthodox Christian faith.” It can be heard for free on YouTube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMM3WZ7AErA

“I ‘ve always been a Beatles and John fan. I mean no disrespect to John’s memory. His loss was an unspeakable tragedy. I never knew him personally but I understand that he was a very sweet guy. I’d like to think that John would have liked my song - especially since he has so many ardent and sycophant followers and that his music and his humanist - athiestic philosophy have become something of a sacred cow. Nevertheless, as I say in my song, ‘If you imagine (no religion, no God, etc), you couldn’t be more wrong.”

In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine voted "Imagine" the third greatest song of all time. Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter said, "In many countries around the world — my wife and I have visited about 125 countries — you hear John Lennon's song 'Imagine' used almost equally with national anthems."

In the book Lennon in America, written by Geoffrey Giuliano, Lennon commented that the song was "an anti-religious, anti-nationalistic, anti-conventional, anti-capitalistic song, but because it's sugar-coated, it's accepted." Lennon also described it as "virtually the Communist Manifesto".

Jim continues,“We live in such unreasonable times that Christianity is being attacked as ‘hate speech’ - imagine that! Jesus also warned that the time would come when those who kill His followers would think that they are doing God a favor. However, there is only one Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to God except by Him.”

Jim’s music is not sold commercially and is available for free on the internet at http://www.myspace.com/jimgiatas. Jim’s concerts are always free admission events. All contributions to the work of this mission are very much needed and greatly appreciated. (Tax deductions are not available)

The lyrics to “If You Imagine”

IF YOU IMAGINE

IF YOU IMAGINE ONLY SKY ABOVE NO HEAVEN OR HELL BELOW IF YOU IMAGINE NO RELIGION OR GOD YOU COULDN’T BE MORE WRONG

CREATION COULD NOT BE BY CHANCE GOD REALLY DOES EXIST BECAUSE WE WERE MADE IN HIS IMAGE, LIFE IS SACRED AND SO YOU COULDN’T BE MORE WRONG

NO MATTER WHAT YOU MIGHT IMAGINE JUST LIKE ADAM AND EVE YOU’VE BEEN DECEIVED LOVE ISN’T ALL YOU NEED

IF YOU IMAGINE THE WORLD AS ONE AS IF ONLY THEN PEACE WOULD COME AND WITHOUT COUNTRIES HUNGER AND GREED WOULD END YOU COULDN’T BE MORE WRONG

MAN IS NOT THE MEASURE OF ALL THINGS MARX AND LENNON WERE GREATLY MISTAKEN WITHOUT RIGHTS LIKE PROPERTY IN OUR POSSESSION YOUR “BROTHERHOOD OF MAN” IS REALLY SLAVERY

//: LOVE ISN’T ALL YOU NEED ://

Words and Music By Jim Giatas All Rights Reserved ASCAP

[Corin Stormhands]

Thanks for signing up today to promote your song.

Nothing personal. But that’s kinda frowned upon.

[pfflier]

Imagine by Lennon, is the Communist manifesto put to music.

[DJ MacWoW]

It’s ok as long as it’s posted as a vanity. We have several people that push their stuff on FR.

[eastsider]

MAN IS NOT THE MEASURE OF ALL THINGS

Take that, Protagoras!

[Corin Stormhands]

Hey, I’ve promoted some of my own stuff, so I do understand.

But I didn’t sign up ~just~ for that purpose.

That’s all I’m sayin’...

[I see my hands]

Spammer.

[Martin Tell]

Jim

Welcome to Free Republic.

Are you a big "O" or little "o," "Orthodox Christian?"

[Desron13]

Bookmark

[Tribune7]

Welcome to FR

[Owl_Eagle]

I originally signed up to promote CDs of me playing The Mamas and The Papas B sides on the kazoo.

It was an utter waste of time.

Owl_Eagle

There are people who are surrounded by bigots
and know it is wrong, but are afraid to be vocal against it.
These people are going to pull the lever for Obama
and they are not being polled.
angee_is_mad, DUmmy

[ChetNavVet]

It seems a bit contrived to have to put it to the same melody.

I know that was the point, but mayhaps you could do better at someting more original..

I like the jokey song “Freedom Isn’t Free” from ‘America World Police’, but then again I’m considered uncouth.

[stainlessbanner]

[rogue yam]

The bottom line here is that yours is a crappy song, Jim.

[G Larry]

“One writer called it blasphemy.”
No, actually the original “Imagine” was blasphemy.

John Lennon is not God, in spite of his “more famous than Christ” statement.

[Melas]

You’ve got to be kidding me? That’s not a song, that’s a childish response to a song.

[j_k_l]

"It was an utter waste of time."

The hell it was! Loved it and cannot wait for the tour.

[zwerni]

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[philled]

"Imagine no possessions"

Then, imagine the author's widow vigorously monitoring the song's use, licensing and royalties.

[Scythian]

Listen

[rwa265]

I have always thought it ironic that the guy who promoted the idea that if there were no religion or countries the world would be at peace was killed in a senseless murder that had no reason behind it at all.

I don’t have any of my own stuff to push, but as I clicked on this thread I was listening to the David Kauffman song “Come to Me.” The refrain is “My burden is easy, my yoke is so light, if you need rest come to me, you who are weary, you who are laden, give to me your worries, your anguish, and I will set you free.”

David writes beautiful Bible based music. If any one is interested, his web sight is http://www.goodforthesoulmusic.com/

[DJ MacWoW]

Maybe he’ll stick around. The world needs more FR conservatives. :-)

[dfwgator]

I have always thought it ironic that the guy who promoted the idea that if there were no religion or countries the world would be at peace was killed in a senseless murder that had no reason behind it at all.

Even weirder is the fact Yoko was standing right next to him, and she didn't get a single bullet.

[DJ MacWoW]

Thanks for the website!

[dmz]

I haven’t been able to listen, but is it really sung to the same melody, meaning presumably the same chord changes?

Jim, you are a serious plagiarist if true, given your attempt at copyrighting both the words and the music (as you do in your post).

[Max in Utah]

On MySpace, Vangellis responded that it was: “A terrible denigration of Lennon's ode to reason.

"Ode to reason???"

There is no reason in his song, it's all magical thinking which denies God.

That sort of 'reason' has resulted in a marxist community organizer being in a position to be elected President of the United States.

[ChetNavVet]

Mr DMZ, I honestly tried to listen to the whole thing, on YouTube. Believe me it’s not worth listening to. but at least it’s not the normal feed. My recommendation to ‘Jim’ was to come up with more original stuff. Then again DMZ it’s just a recommendation.

Take care.

[Ladysmith]

Where did I read or hear Lennon’s song today?? The phrase “no religion” stuck out and had me thinking of my own journey in my relationship with God since the last time I listened to that song.

Always timing...

[Hebrews 11:6]

I originally signed up to promote CDs of me playing The Mamas and The Papas B sides on the kazoo.

Your error was in not using 4-track tapes.

[Hebrews 11:6]

Well said. We are all journeying with respect to God, some away, some toward. Glad to see you’re the latter. Nothing is better than being conscious of the journey, as you are, as we proceed.

[nonsporting]

Here's the version of "imagine" that I prefer:

I Can Only Image (Amy Grant’s Recording Lyrics from Legacy...Hymns & Faith)

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk by your side

I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When your face is lookin at me

Surrounded by your Glory what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still

Imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine all creation bowed down
The whole universe saying your name out loud

I can only imagine all our broken lives
Resurrected in the healing light

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your forgiveness, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
I can only imagine

Just imagine
I can only imagine
Imagine

[Kevmo]

bmflr

[Jim Giatas]

Thank you all for the welcome!
Please be assured, all ye who haven’t listened, and ya’all that have, The melody, chords and lyrics are totally original. The end bit (or tag) does have a statement-response that is similiar to the Beatles’ “ALL You Need Is Love. end bit.” And the words are, of course, similiar. (Mine say, “Love isn’t all you need.”) Nevertheless, there is absolutely no copyright infringement here. Thanks for the interest and for taking the time to respond - both the positive and the otherwise.

[Jim Giatas]

I realize that my singing (and songwriting) are not for everyone. This serves me well for humility - without which no one can know God.

[Grizzled Bear]

I originally signed up to promote CDs of me playing The Mamas and The Papas B sides on the kazoo.

Dude! I'm still waiting for your greatest hits anthology!

[tx_eggman]

Jim, no offense but ...

Keep your day job.

[ChetNavVet]

Jim, My best to you and yours of course,

Sir, never doubt yourself, you got rhymes. You just need to let that thing that burns within you out.

“HUMILITY” is only good when you think you’re too good for everyone else. (in case you go viral don’t forget that!)
Elstwise, it’s just constructive criticisim.

Sir all you need is to focus on what you belive - let God be your inspiration, for he himself, is not without a sense of the dramatic, or humor in my opinion. Just remember, not only did he make us, He also made the dolts that surround us. It guarantees there will never be a short supply of stuff to talk about.

(if all else fails ‘Do yer Kid Rock thang’,..... Just kidding)

Good luck.