Offended Christians and the Olympic Games
Once again the world seemingly pauses to watch competitions between athletes representing respective nations. Anthems, flags, medal counts, human interest stories, and more centered on sport gain the world’s attention. There are previously “unknown” athletes that experience life-changing moments that turn them into globally known celebrities. Teams from smaller nations experience their own AFC Richmond story (Ted Lasso reference) and I find myself watching sporting competitions I have never cared about (and likely still do not care about) simply to cheer on someone who has my nation’s flag next to their name.
The Olympics are truly amazing.
Yet, sometimes the lead story on the global sports competition shifts from the playing fields. In years past this has been the case as terrible acts of violence have reminded viewers that despite the goal of good sportsmanship, the world continues to spin, and sinfulness remains (Munich 1972 for example.)
As the 2024 Summer Olympic Games began last week in Paris, it was clear things would be different than in the past. Most notably, the Parade of Nations and Opening Ceremony would not be held inside a stadium. Rather, nations’ athletes would be on boats moving down the River Siene through the city. Even through the rain, the spectacle was impressive. Throughout modern Olympic game history host nations have sought to make their ceremonies memorable. Paris accomplished this task. There certainly were some highlights – the River Siene, 100-year-old Olympic champion Charles Coste, the hot air balloon Olympic flame, and certainly Celine Dion’s performance in the rain.
However, these unique events are not what most have focused upon.
Based on social media posts, news stories, and conversations over the past few days, the debased drag presentation during the ceremony has marred an otherwise impressive opening to the Olympics. Few are unaware of the controversy at this point. In the era of normalizing drag shows for public consumption as artistic expression, the presentation was perceived to be little more than a celebration of paganism and LGBTQIA+ lifestyles while simultaneously mocking historic Christianity as parody.
The similarities of the setting and positioning of performers to da Vinci’s famous “The Last Supper” painting are unmistakable.
While there has been debate over whether it was a parody of “The Last Supper” or a depiction of the feast of Dionysus remains to be seen. It should be noted that while some are declaring it simply a celebration of Greek paganism with Dionysus as central (even stated by the director of the ceremony, Thomas Jolly,) as of Monday, July 29, Olympic organizers have issued an official apology to the Roman Catholic Church and Christians who were offended by the parody.[1]
The apology is appreciated, but ultimately it seems like little more than an attempt to placate the angered, protect the brand, and initiate damage control. Regardless of the meaning of the ceremonial “dinner” presentation, the clear message that accepting what can be defined as little more than pagan immorality was clear.
The debates online continue. Some are asking “Would mocking other world religions be acceptable?” One said this was “more woke than woke” and while I am not exactly sure what that means, the intent is clear. The calls for boycotting the Olympics were made. Some corporate sponsors pulled support.
Thus, the intent of the Paris Olympic organizers to create a memorable opening ceremony was fulfilled, just likely not as they intended. While the adage that “all publicity is good publicity” may be declared, in this case that does not seem to be the case.
What good can come from this?
The games continue. Medals are being awarded. Sport is being celebrated. There are even brothers and sisters in Christ who are competing during these games. These Christian athletes from around the world are often seeking ways to glorify God in these games. Perhaps there is a modern-day Eric Liddell (“Chariots of Fire”) competing this year?
It is actually good that Christians have responded to the opening ceremonies. For some believers, this may be the most public they have been about their faith in years? Of course, just being publicly angry normally does not result in good things, but I am trying to be optimistic.
Suddenly, in a global sporting event that has never been associated with Christianity, the conversation is centering around depictions of Jesus Christ and the message of the gospel. May gospel-centered conversations abound even in the midst of not-so-Christian postings of anger and offense.
Years ago Southern Baptists initiated a concerted effort of sharing Christ with athletes and fans attending Olympic games. This effort was called “More Than Gold” and featured free collector pins (a mainstay for Olympic fans) with a gospel conversation utilizing the colors on the pins as elements of evangelism. I remember seeing these along with gospel tracts available in Atlanta in 1996 and in Salt Lake City in 2002.[2]
As I watched the opening ceremonies, I was frustrated as were others. Then, I saw a scheduled post online from our International Mission Board (IMB.) I was reminded of something that has been said over and over, “Lost people act like lost people.”
The IMB’s Paris team is seeking to make the most of what they deem a “God-given moment” to bring the gospel to the nations. Much has been done prior to the Olympics that I think remains unknown to most Southern Baptists. Evangelistic events began in May and will continue through September. There are groups of short-term mission volunteers from numerous states serving alongside IMB missionaries who live in and around Paris.
Jason Harris, team leader for the IMB Paris team shared the following:
“We had 40 volunteers, 14 summer interns, 15 French partners, eight IMB team members from other parts of Europe, four IMB team members from Asia and two IMB team members from Africa join together in partnership with Antony Baptist Church, just outside of Paris for one purpose – to make Jesus known! We had a Haitian Baptist Church that we partnered with from Delray Beach, Florida. Many of them are French speakers, and they were really helpful in terms of communication. They all had a servant’s heart to go out and share the gospel.” [3]
Southern Baptists are not the only Christians serving in the city during the games. There are many others as well. Thus, amid what seems to be global backlash over debauchery disguised as art (which is true) I pray for the one-on-one gospel conversations happening even now in the Olympic Village among athletes and throughout the city with tourists, visitors, and residents.
May the athletes realize there is a treasure worth more than gold and may all watching live or on television recognize the same.
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[1] Grez, Matias, and Chris Liakos. “Organizers Apologize after Church Groups Criticize Alleged ‘Last Supper’ Parody during Opening Ceremony.” CNN, Cable News Network, 29 July 2024, www.cnn.com/2024/07/29/sport/last-supper-paris-olympic-opening-ceremony-spt-intl/index.html.
[2] Dotson, James. “Volunteers Tap Creativity to Relay ‘more than Gold’ at Salt Lake Olympics.” Baptist Press, 11 Feb. 2002, www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/volunteers-tap-creativity-to-relay-more-than-gold-at-salt-lake-olympics/.
[3] Sosebee, Kristen. “Let the Games Begin! Southern Baptists Ready for Olympics Kick-Off.” IMB, 26 July 2024, www.imb.org/2024/07/26/let-the-games-begin-southern-baptists-ready-for-olympics-kick-off/?utm_campaign=newsroom&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=20240726.
