A Quick Note On The Olympic Opening Ceremony

I made the mistake of checking social media on Friday before I went to bed. I knew the opening ceremony of the Olympics had been on earlier in the day, but I simply forgot to watch it. As I scrolled through my social media feed, it became evident there was a lot of outrage over the opening ceremonies. “Why?” I thought.

So I googled…and then I understood.

Most host countries use the opening ceremonies to showcase their country and draw attention to what they celebrate. France used this opportunity to open up with a portrayal of Da Vinci’s artistic display of how he imagined the Last Supper. As one commenter posted on my Facebook post, “it was a look and celebration of France’s rich art and entertainment history and its sexual freedom.” I think that’s a good summation of what France did with their opportunity.

Most Christians who posted online had extremely emotional reactions to what they saw. So much so the IOC publicly commented that this was not a mockery of the Last Supper but was a celebration of Greek mythology and the Greek god Dionysius.

To me this seems like a retcon, even though the art director himself has come out and said this was his intention. It does feel like the IOC is gaslighting Christians and telling them “you did not see what you thought you saw.”

I have seen a lot of posts telling Christians to not be quick to judge; however, when you even “accidentally” almost re-create (with drag queens) one of the most famous pieces of art, don’t be surprised that people are appalled, especially when most of the world does not have a fundamental understanding of French art history and Greek mythology. If this is truly the case, give Christians a break here.

It wasn’t just the opening sequence; rather, it was the continued platforming of drag queens (along with children as well) and other disturbing images that bothered believers. It was definitely not suitable for children, unless for some reason one wanted a child to be exposed to that sort of imagery and influence. Many Christians lamented what they saw and they should. However, some called for all Christians to boycott the Olympics. This is not the answer.

Why not?

First, as an American I love to cheer and support my fellow countrymen. They had nothing to do with designing the opening sequence of the ceremonies. Boycotting them for something the host country did on their own accord doesn’t feel very loving, supportive, or American.

Second, if we boycotted everything that went against our Christian morals there wouldn't be much left. Outside of perhaps Chick-Fil-A and Hobby Lobby, most every store, event, or organization at times publicly acts outside of what we could consider a Christian worldview. It should come as no surprise that we are aliens living in a foreign world. Until the Kingdom of God is fully realized, we will always live in the tension of being in the world but not of it.

Third, recognize that what the French “could” be “revolting” against is organized religion, notably the Catholic church. That isn’t Christianity. France has a long and complicated history with Jesus, the Catholic Church, and Religion. There are vast differences between Catholicism and Protestantism when it comes to the doctrine of soteriology (how one is saved and made right with God). When people have a problem with what Christians view as their faith, typically these problems are with corrupt religious organizations which is not the same thing as the Gospel or the Kingdom of God. I’m not saying the Catholic church is currently corrupt. I’m just commenting on how many see organized religion (sometimes rightly so).

Fourth, this is an issue of personal conscience. To advocate that all Christians must respond in a certain way (i.e., boycott) to such a display as was witnessed in France is a violation of Romans 14. Paul spends much time speaking about how different believers have different thresholds when it comes to observing issues of conscience. One person may need to completely shut off the Olympics for them to be able to be fine with themselves, spiritually speaking. Others may be disgusted by the display on TV but see no reason not to watch Americans compete in events that have nothing to do with the opening ceremony. Paul says we should “not pass judgment on one another” in these issues. Therefore, demanding all Christians should boycott an organization (with the implication that if you don’t you’re not a “real” Christian) is a violation of Scripture. Paul is not saying believers are “good” to sin as they please. He’s saying that in these areas where Scripture is silent, it’s up to the individual conscience, unless it makes a brother or sister stumble.

Paul concludes this section by saying, “The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:22-23).

If you are a Christian, in my opinion you should be disturbed by some of the images you witnessed during the opening ceremonies. However, you are called to be salt and light to a dark and decaying world. How best would God have you do that?