Yes, John Lennon was an atheist.
And yes, few have ever bothered to contend with the truth of his statement.
Just peruse the lyrics of Imagine and you can see that.
Notice too that John sang “Imagine no possessions” but he wasn’t big about sharing his own possessions.
I’m not sure he died an atheist. Some accounts have him becoming “born-again “ in the years prior to his death.
RE: John Lennon was an atheist.
Then again...
https://www1.cbn.com/books/john-lennon%3A-one-of-jesus%27-%22biggest-fans%22
...maybe not
Yes on both. I thought at the time he was just being his usual brazen, blunt self, calling it as he saw it, not bragging about it.
But I have never liked him, or loved The Beatles - and I hate “Imagine” with a passion.