FAITH MATTERS
Reaction to Olympics opening ceremony: Is it wrong to defend the sacred?
A celebration that focused on inclusion made many Christians feel excluded, writes Bishop Gerard Bergie.
By
Bishop Gerard Bergie
Contributing Columnist
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Many are aware that the Olympic motto is “Faster, Higher, Stronger.”
In 2021 the International Olympic Committee added the word “Together” to stress the sense of unity the Games inspire. This motto reflects and celebrates the achievements of humanity in sports and in building a better and more peaceful world.
The opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris was a grand spectacle that highlighted the beautiful city of Paris, French culture and Olympic tradition.
Unfortunately, it also generated a degree of controversy.
The opening ceremony included a drag fashion show on Debilly Bridge. There was a raised catwalk that resembled a long table.
For many watching, this was clearly a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting “The Last Supper.” One could easily see the similarities; however, the principal difference is the majority of the performers were drag performers.
There was immediate reaction.
Many Christians were deeply disturbed by this performance and considered it to be mocking something they believed to be sacred. People of other faiths, and even those who have no faith, also made statements indicating they found the parody offensive.
In response, the Olympic organizers did issue an apology. Anne Descamps, Paris 2024 spokesperson, stated at a news conference, “If people have taken any offence we are, of course, really, really sorry.”
Some news outlets reported on this negative reaction and attributed this response to ‘conservative’ Christians. An NBC news headline stated, “Olympic opening ceremony drag performance resembling Last Supper rankles conservatives.”
In today’s world, there seems to be a strong need to label people. Many commentators use terms ‘liberal’ and ‘conservative’ to define a person. To be conservative has a negative connotation because it is associated with being narrow minded. Liberals are considered more accepting of the world and all people.
Should people be called conservative simply because they believe what they love and respect is being ridiculed? Is it wrong to defend the sacred? What is the role of faith in a liberal society?
In his letter to Timothy, St. Paul states the following: “For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.” (2 Timothy 4:3–5)
It is interesting to note that Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the opening ceremony for the Olympics, said his inspiration for the controversial tableau was not Leonardo da Vinci, but the Greek God Dionysus. Jolly said, “He is there because he is the god of celebration in Greek mythology.”
He did not intend to offend, he just wanted to include everybody. From these comments, it would seem pagan myths and a desire for inclusivity were the only sources of inspiration.
The fact is some performers admitted it was a parody of the Last Supper. Those watching the event could see the striking similarities. It was more than just a celebration of a pagan myth.
Due to the controversial opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games, we may not all feel ‘together.’ Unfortunately, a celebration that focused on inclusion, made many Christians feel excluded.
Are they all simply a group of disgruntled conservatives, or people of faith?