Fresh perspectives on today’s news by: Whymrhymer

You would easily get the impression, while browsing through the headlines this weekend, that Elton John hates religion (one German news source actually ran the headline: “Sir Elton John is Anti-Christ”) but that would not be a totally accurate impression. It’s not hate as much as it is frustration.

As well as being one of the most famous singer/songwriters in the world, Elton John is also, proudly I might add, one of the most famous homosexuals in the world. As to his views on religion, they are, like most everything Elton John says and does, flamboyant.

On the one hand, Elton hates the fact that most religions see homosexuality as an abomination. In his now well-known interview in a special “gay edition” of The Observer newspaper’s Music Monthly Magazine Elton said:


On this point, a lot of people, gay and straight, agree with Elton; many religions show little tolerance for sexual orientations that are outside of their perceived “norm.” One would think that the tolerance and compassion shown toward criminals, murderers and prostitutes would extend itself toward homosexuals but, in most cases homosexuality is viewed with disgust and abhorrence.

On the other hand, Elton John shows a profound respect for religion’s potential for doing good works and organizing its followers around beneficial causes. In the same interview where he expressed his disdain for religion’s homophobia, he extended his complaint to religious inaction:

“Organized religion doesn’t seem to work. . . . The world is near escalating to World War Three and where are the leaders of each religion? Why aren’t they having a conclave? Why aren’t they coming together? I said this after 9/11 and people thought I was nuts. Instead of more violence why isn’t there a meeting of religious leaders?”

Elton’s frustration with religious inaction is as obvious as his respect for religion’s power. What Elton John hates is not religion, it’s that giant chasm between religion’s potential and it’s positive effects.


Chicago Tribune: John blames religion for `spite against gays’ Elton John: Ban religion

Elton John Bio and More at Elton John

From the blogosphere:

Conservative Culture: “Ban Organized Religion” – Elton John

Bookworm Review: The problem with identity politics

Whymrhymer’s fresh perspectives on today’s news, as published at BNN, also appear at My View from the Center. You are always welcome there!

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