John often spoke and sang about his spirituality and love of people and nature. He was
raised in a family that believed in Christianity and the values that the Bible teaches.
In his adult years and, particularly after around 1971, John's views on religion began
to expand beyond Christianity. His values mirrored many of the common beliefs shared
by the major world religions-i.e. there is a God, be kind to others, do something to
make the world a better place etc, pray... So, in that vein he has lots in common with
Christianity. In terms of the Biblical views on things and some specific things the
Bible says about Christianity and getting to heaven etc... there is some question about
John being a Christian in the full Biblical sense. Christianity, like many spiritual
teachings, does get specific and John's views sometimes overlapped with Christianity but
at other times he clearly embraced the views of other religions and philosophies such as
reincarnation and certain teachings of some Native American and Eastern Philosophies.
Sometimes the beliefs of Christianity are clearly distinct from those other beliefs.
One thing is clear and that is that no Christian (including myself) should attempt to
play God and judge John's or anyone's spiritual destiny. It is my hope and deep
desire to see John Denver in heaven and sing with him and the angels. From a Christian
perspective, we believe that God loves us all and that Jesus came to create a way for
everyone to be in heaven one day.
I know that God loves John Denver and is glad for the work he did on and for this world.
The question was asked ("Subject: Thought Question") whether or not John
Denver was a Christian. I suppose the issue of concern to the author is
whether or not he is in Heaven.
In regard to affiliation, he was a Presbyterian. But more than an
affiliation, one should be judged by their deeds. He certainly lived the
Christian Credo of doing unto others as he would have them do unto him. And
how many times have we heard of (and experienced for those fortunate) his
unselfishness, generosity and kindness toward others? Is this not Christ's
message? He did not focus on any particular "chosen" insularity as expressed
by some, but took the whole world into his arms as all men are the Kingdom of
God. This by its nature is Christian.
In a regional sense, the values he expressed through his music are the same
cultural values embodied by the people of New Mexico and West Texas where he
was born; no different from Fort Worth and Lubbock where he lived as a teenager
and young man; and the same in Colorado. My family were pioneers and ranchers
in the same region of Texas and New Mexico. The bible is central to their
living. He comes right out of the same stew pot; its in his bones. His
thoughts express their same hopes, dreams, loves, aspirations, concerns and
goodwill toward others; and beyond this region, he was the all-America Apple
Pie striking the same cord. He spoke to the hearts and minds not only in our
country, but throughout the West; hence, his great popularity in Australia, New
Zealand, England, Canada and Europe. Although this is for the most part the
English speaking world, he transended cultures, as in Asia.
Yes, by his timeless honesty, truth, deeds, message and contribution, we can
take comfort in knowing that he is strumming away on his guitar, with God's
blessing, and singing wonderful poetry to sold out crowds in Heaven.