The Olympics are a world stage unlike any other. Perhaps the organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympics were attempting to use of that stage to highlight the best of both sport and of French Culture.
They have failed, miserably.
As a part of the opening ceremonies, Olympic organizers permitted (if not endorsed) ceremony director Thomas Jolly’s depiction of Di Vinci’s Last Supper by a tableau of drag queens. As a Christian, I was insulted. The display itself, along with the many attempts to rationalize or justify this act, have cheapened the Olympics as a whole. The athletes who came to compete, who should be at the very center of the games in all respects, were shameless used to draw attention to another’s agenda.
The ceremonies were not at all consistent with International Olympic Committee (IOC) goal for bringing for unity, as is president recently stated.
“We are witnessing a new world order in the making. Historic disruptions are upending the system of international relations that has been in place since the second World War. The trends are unfortunately clear: decoupling of economies; beggar-thy-neighbour; narrow self-interest trumping the rule of law; ‘Global South’ vs ‘Global North’. Everywhere you look, multilateralism is on the backfoot. In this new world order, ‘cooperation’ and ‘compromise’ are sadly considered disparaging terms.
“These trends are deeply disturbing to us because they are going straight against our mission to unite. Grounded in and united by our Olympic values – we must be ready to face this sea-change.”
Thomas Bach, IOC President
https://olympics.com/ioc/news/our-values-matter-ioc-president-highlights-values-of-sport-in-a-fragmented-world
One justification of the display was that the French were free to love who they want how they want. This was meant to display the tolerance the French society has achieved. And yet they intentionally insulted and mocked Christianity. Tolerance does not involve insult and mockery.
With that said, there is a way forward. First, I think it important that we accurately relate what exactly was done. It is not that we don’t understand “art”. The obvious result of this act has been achieved, Christians, and I would argue all people of faith, have been mocked. So, what is the logical next step? Boycott the Olympics and it sponsors? Although legitimate, I would argue that the proper way forward is to forgive, to resolve that we do not seek “God’s revenge” for this act but rather actively work to remain open to reconciliation should it become possible. We should also remember those who have insulted us in prayer, even to the extent of making reparation for them before God. We are called to a higher path.
The opening ceremonies were an insult to the athletes, an insult to Christians, and inasmuch as they rejected the deeply held beliefs of much of the world, they are an insult to humanity. The closing ceremonies are under the direction of the same person as the opening ceremonies. So far there has been no word from the IOC that he is to be replaced or that the closing ceremonies are being reviewed to address the concerns raised by so many. Watch out!
Or perhaps better yet, walk away and pray.