Back to 1924, when officials and Olympic organizers respect the faith of every player. At that time a Scottish runner named Eric Liddell refused to race on a Sunday. This refusal was due to the fact that he has strong Christian belief. The organizer respected his decision and let him participate in another game. Now at the Paris Olympic 2024, the officials included a controversial act in the opening ceremony that some people might see as mocking a religious scene, with drag queens posing as Jesus and his followers. This change from respecting faith to disrespecting it is very disappointing . It also clearly expresses that things are not the same as the past and many aspects of the event also changed.
Due to this difference, the event organizers faced much criticism from Christian all over the world. This includes top Vatican officials, church members in America, and the French bishops. In response to this criticism, the organizers misled the people and tried to backtrack.
The Olympic committee claimed on social media that the display was about the Greek god Dionysus. However, many people involved admitted it was actually meant to be an alternative version of the Last Supper, with one person even calling herself “Olympic Jesus.” The similarity to Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous painting of the Last Supper was obvious to anyone who looked.
The committee still insisted the display was about “ Dionysus”. After the apology the committee said the real goal was to promote tolerance. But it seems that tolerance doesn’t extend to the 2.6 billion Christians worldwide who hold the Last Supper sacred and who can apparently be mocked without any problem.
It’s quite funny that event organizers think they got successful to create a sense of community by calling people on one platform. Given the huge backlash it caused around the world, it makes you wonder what the committee thinks? The simple question is that if the opening ceremony of the event was attractive then they removed the video from different social media platforms? Their apology is not sincere. It came off insincere and dismissive, almost like they were saying, “Sorry if you were offended,” which really means, “If you didn’t get our cultural message, we’re sorry you were upset.” The fact is that Christians were offended because the display was genuinely problematic, and it’s patronizing to suggest otherwise.
Dodgers received the criticism due to honoring the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group of drag queens known for their anti-religious performances. It makes sense when you think back about their last summer decision. These actions clearly represent the fact that they understand who stands against them. The dominant belief system in the West today is morally flexible. It also influenced the education department,met, businesses, entertainment and government sector.
Catholics believe in a higher purpose for life, a fixed view of human nature, and that there are universal moral truths. This is why some critics of Christianity often attack us—they know what we stand for and they disagree.’
It is also important to understand that Christianity plays an important role in creating equality, respect for people etc. Ignoring Christianity and pushing it aside can lose all of this and everything ends up with a less meaningful culture.
Recently a event was held in Indonesia before the Olympics started. Many people gathered on a single platform in order to celebrate their faith in the Eucharist, and it was amazing to see so many people, mostly young, become quiet and reverent when the Eucharist was brought out.
Many critics are also there but the faith remains strong. To other Christians: keep speaking up, stay strong, and don’t let the critics silence us.
