How Elvis Presley Used Religion To Bolster His Larger-Than-Life Personality: “He Sort of Had This Superman Complex”

Elvis Presley had a grand life and an illustrious career. And as a result of that life and career, he was often placed in a somewhat religious light. In other words, folks have viewed him as a sort of deity ever since he made it big. However, Elvis, like the rest of us, was merely human. Although, according to reports, the King viewed himself in a super-human light, and what supported this belief was the Bible.

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Growing up in Mississippi and Tennessee, Elvis grew up and remained a practicing Christian until his death in 1977. Although at a point in his life, Elvis utilized the bible in an abnormal and arguably unethical way. Unethical, given that Elvis used the Bible to place himself in a light reminiscent of Jesus.

Elvis’ Altered Bible Verses & Comical Sermons

Bodyguard of Elvis Presley, Dave Hebler, attested to Presley’s abnormal religious way in the book, Elvis: What Happened? Recalling one of his odd religious beliefs, Hebler recalled the time when Presley wholeheartedly believed he could heal someone with his touch, just as Jesus Christ could. Regarding that time, Hebler stated, “I think he sincerely wanted to heal someone’s pain. But at the same time, he was trying to elevate himself above ordinary humans. He sort of had this Superman complex.”

This was not the only time when Elvis viewed himself as a more-than-human religious figure. Elvis’ other bodyguard, Sonny West, stated, “There is a passage somewhere in the Bible which mentions that a rich man, if he is only rich, cannot get into heaven. Well, Elvis turned that around and would tell us, ‘The Bible says that a rich man’s chance of getting into heaven is like a camel’s a— trying to get through the eye of the needle.’ Now that wasn’t meant to be funny. We weren’t supposed to laugh at that. Then he would say, ‘Well, the Bible didn’t mean it that way, because I’m rich and I’m going into heaven.’ We would always nod our heads and agree with him.”

In addition to believing he had biblical powers and altering verses in his favor, Elvis would also give unsolicited sermons in which he would also change the wording to resonate with him. Recalling one sermon, West simply stated, “The way he gave it was a little different from the Bible.”

West and Hebler both acknowledged the comical nature of these acts. Though they could not react in that way, as Elvis took them very seriously. It is unclear when Elvis started viewing himself in this light. Though, these accounts could seemingly attest to the mental decline Elvis underwent toward the end of his life in the 70s.

Photo by Courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images