Of churches, pop stars and egos

a lesson in diplomacy and modesty. Let me see if I've got this straight: John Lennon appears to say that his band is bigger than Jesus; Catholic Church gets pissed off; Lennon dies; twenty years later, the Catholic Church forgives Lennon.
First of all, who gave that Church the right to dole out hatred? Did Jesus tell them to do that? Isn't the goal of Christianity to try to understand the person opposite you? Love thy neighbour, or perhaps his wife (sorry, broke a commandment). If they had talked to Lennon, they would have found out that he was misinterpreted intentionally by a hack looking for fame. Lennon was actually decrying the fame system. See what self-righteous hatred does? It makes you look stupid.
Although, I must say that, as a comment by a British musician, it seemed more fitting with the sensational interpretation. Many musicians over here get an altogether inflated sense of self after a while. Cases in point: the lead singer of soporific Coldplate says 'we de greatest'. The Brothers Eyebrow of Oasis say that they are the greatest singer and songwriter (respectively) ever, or some crap like that. The reason? British society is so full of backbiting and jealousy, from the Queen on down to the dustman, that when you are famous enough to isolate yourself from it for a while, the ego that you hide so well and that sustained you, becomes this monstrosity visible from space with the naked eye.