Shocking, but not Surprising
“Christ is for the world; the world needs Christ.”
~ Eric Liddell
Considerable criticism has emerged from the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. Artistic director Thomas Jolly sparked controversy when he used dancers and drag queens in what appeared to be a reenactment of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Christians worldwide were appalled to witness such flagrant mockery of Christianity on one of the world’s most prominent stages – the Olympic games. Jolly, however, defended the provocative scene by saying that a pagan festival associated with the gods of Olympus was his inspiration for the performance and not Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece.
In a publicized apology, Olympic spokesperson Anne Descamps backed Thomas Jolly’s work by stating: “There was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. On the contrary, I think that Thomas Jolly really tried to celebrate community tolerance. We believe that this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offence, we are sorry.”
Regardless of Jolly's intent, the scene was shockingly offensive to many viewers. However, the root issue lies deeper than the overt display choreographed by Thomas Jolly, for the scenario also exposed the central beliefs of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Closely review the opening ceremonies of past Olympic games, and you will bear witness to the expression of values that are contrary to those who embrace a Christian worldview. While more subtle than Jolly's display, the IOC’s core beliefs present a challenge that underlines the urgent need for Christians to exercise spiritual discernment.
The Olympic Charter champions the ideals of “Olympism,” a philosophy of life based on “the joy of effort, the educational value of a good example, social responsibility, and respect for internationally recognized human rights and universal fundamental ethical principles within the remit of the Olympic Movement.”1
A philosophy of life is designed to be a personal and clear-cut outlook that tackles the existential questions every person eventually encounters. Simply put, one’s philosophy can be likened to a path of realization where life’s meaning and individual purpose for human existence is revealed when discovering their own being, origin and function. “Olympism” attempts to offer a comprehensive worldview that observes society through the lens of sport and provides significance and perseverance for the global community at large. The Olympic Charter confirms this by stating that the goals of “Olympism” include placing sport at the service of the harmonious development of humankind and promoting a peaceful society that’s concerned with preserving human dignity.
While there are some values of the Olympic movement that Christians can celebrate, as a whole, these basic human values fail to provide a holistic philosophy of life. For followers of Jesus, the Christian/Biblical worldview remains the only source of truth, providing rock-solid answers to people’s most probing questions regarding the meaning and purpose of life. It is not surprising, then, when humanistic ideologies dominate Olympic festivities and clash with Christian convictions. In such environments, Christian athletes who choose to participate for the glory of God can serve as beacons of truth and grace despite the lack of recognition of His sovereignty.
Christianity Today recently released an article titled, 28 Christian Athletes to Cheer On at the Paris 2024 Olympics.2 Although many Christians are participating in this year’s games, the following comments reflect the thoughts of two specific Canadian athletes who were highlighted in the article….
Team Canada basketball player Kayla Alexander testifies: “Things happen that don’t make sense. We don’t understand the reasoning behind it, but I believe that God works it all out for His good and His glory.”
Marathon race walker Olivia Lundman found that prayer helped her to overcome anxiety and depression: “When I was struggling, I used to think, God, why have you abandoned me? Where are you? I didn’t realize that it was during those times [when] I was struggling that He was the only one…keeping me going and carrying me through each day.”
Eric Liddell, the famous Scottish sprinter who won a gold medal for the 400-metre race at the 1924 Paris Olympic games, stated: “As Christians, I challenge you. Have a great aim – have a high standard – make Jesus your ideal...make Him an ideal not merely to be admired but also to be followed.”
The two Canadians I’ve quoted in this blog message are examples of Christians who, 100 years after Eric’s gold medal achievement, seek to use their athletic abilities to go for “gold,” which is firstly sought for the purpose of glorifying God. Yet, those of us not blessed with the talents or abilities required to compete at an Olympic level are not exempt from reaching others for Christ within our spheres of influence. After all, 1 Peter 3:15 instructs, “…in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” (ESV). When facing those with opposing worldviews, we must be ready to step into their world with patience and love, and thus make disciples by teaching them all that Christ has taught us through His Word.
The evil on display in this world may be shocking, but it is not surprising to faithful followers of Christ. I pray that we, the members of His church today, will rise in unity and purpose so we can shine His light in the darkness. As God’s light brightly shines, the power of the Holy Spirit will dispel the hollow and deceptive philosophies that have kept others bound – setting each of them free so they can achieve a life that’s truly worth living!
Endnotes: 1 stillmed.olympics.com/media/Document%20Library/OlympicOrg/General/EN-Olympic-Charter.pdf 2 Read the complete Christianity Today article: ChristianityToday.com/ct/2024/july-web-only/christian-athletes-paris-2024-olympics-believers.html
