8/2/2024          Word Count – 605          Reading Time – 2.7 minutes

There is a lot of controversy over the scene in the opening ceremonies for the Olympics this year. In the skit drag queens are arranged around a long table in a fashion reminiscent of Leonardo de Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper” in which Jesus Christ is at the center of a long table surrounded by the apostles.

De Vinci’s painting has long been an important and cherished icon of the Christian Faith. Although not a sacred object, “The Last Supper” depicts an important moment in time and an extremely significant event in Christian history that has monumental significance to Christians all over the world.

Thomas Jolly, Artistic Director for the French Olympic Ceremonies, claimed that he was not inspired by de Vinci’s painting and did not intend “to be subversive”, to “mock” or to “shock”. Jolly went on to say in a press conference “We wanted to include everyone, as simple as that”.

With around 2.2 to 2.6 billion Christians worldwide and nearly 60% of the French population claiming to be Christian I’d say Jolly missed his goal “to include everyone” by a longshot.

Besides, who could possibly be of the opinion that purposely taking an important icon of the Christian Faith that serves to provide a solemn glimpse of Jesus with His apostles on the night before His crucifixion and replacing the images of Jesus and these holy and revered people with transgender, queer crossdressers who represent a lifestyle that is abhorrent and perverse to Christians, could be anything other than massively offensive?

I applaud Christians who have spoken out against the unfortunate choice made by France’s Olympic organization. I also believe if your opinion is that boycotting the Olympics is the most effective way to express your disdain for the monumentally poor taste and egregious lack of consideration exercised by the Artistic Director, Thomas Jolly, in creating and airing this offensive skit, then by all means, go for it.

From my perspective, the Olympics is for the athletes. I know that almost since its reintroduction in the late 19^th century, the Olympics has been a political tool. It provides the host country an opportunity to impress the world with its marvelously entertaining spectacles of pomp and glory that wow the masses and cast the host country in the most favorable light possible. It is an opportunity for the world to glimpse the heart and spirit of the host country adorned in its grandest heraldry.

I think France, in its misguided attempt to show the world how open, progressive and inclusive it is, only managed to show the world that it has caved in to the evil persuasions that are attempting to corrupt the souls of the nations.

Nevertheless, I do not hold the athletes accountable for this. I would not deprive them of the chance to display their hard-fought skills and their opportunity to test themselves against the best of the best. I would not deprive them of the chance to garner the accolades, support and recognition due them. And it saddens me when their years of rigorous training, the pain, the injuries, the sacrifices endured by these gifted people is co-opted and abused by corporations and governments. It is especially disheartening when it is used to promote the flagrantly vile behavior that France has chosen to champion.

It is believed the Olympics began well before their first written records in 776 BC. They were initially held to honor Zeus. In 393 AD the Roman Emperor, Theodosius I banned the Olympic Games because he felt they promoted paganism.

It is ironic that the current Olympics is under fire for its paganistic opening ceremony. And while I feel that France is entitled to display themselves in whatever manner they feel is appropriate, I am disheartened that pandering to the current anti-Christian sentiment is the profile they have chosen.