Olympic Rot
Yesterday, the Olympics mocked God. Since the close of the opening ceremony in Paris, and probably for the next few days at least, people worldwide have argued about the tableau vivant or “living picture” of drag queens in the opening ceremony. In the tableau vivant, drag queens are seated along a table with a Christ-like figure, complete with a halo, at the center. This is similar to the Last Supper painting by Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci.
Tony Estanguet of the Paris Organizing Committee has already declared that mocking the faith of over two billion Christians was not the intent and the display was merely “a representation of the Greek god Dionysus.” Why would the Greek god of wine, fertility, and insanity be part of the Olympic opening ceremony? Paris organizers have said it was included to make the world “aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings.” If that was the message it does not appear to have worked. A picture of the Paris parody is included in the linked article.
When viewed side-by-side the similarity between the da Vinci painting and opening ceremony parody is obvious to me and, I believe, any honest observer. However, Thomas Jolly, the choreographer of the event states “My wish isn’t to be subversive, nor to mock or to shock,” he said. “Most of all, I wanted to send a message of love, a message of inclusion and not at all to divide.” He failed and in that failure mocked the creator and the beliefs of billions.
For over two centuries, France has been an avant-garde nation, but just because you are new and unusual doesn’t make you right. France was the first nation to decriminalize same-sex relationships back in 1791, after the French Revolution. During this period they changed their calendar to reduce the importance of Christ and sang secular hymns. Today, France remains a very secular country. A 1905 law ended state recognition of any religion and established secularism as the official position of the state. Children are not allowed to wear religious symbols, such as cross necklaces, in French schools. Private employers are allowed to enact similar restrictions on their employees. So, it’s not surprising that less than ten percent of the French people attend church regularly.
The mission of the Olympic Games, as articulated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is to promote a philosophy of life that combines sport, culture, and education with the core values of excellence, friendship, and respect. Mocking of Christ and Christians is common in the world today but what does any such mockery have to do with the mission of the Olympics?
I’m going to continue to watch Olympic sporting events. The dedication displayed by years of practice and competition is impressive, but I will not watch the opening or closing ceremonies. These have degenerated into secular displays of contempt for the Christian faith.
