Why the Olympics Opening Ceremony Sparked Religious Debate

The Summer Olympic Games are a multi-sport event that began in 1896 in Athens, Greece. Typically these games are held every for years in varying countries. I always have loved watching the Olympics. I like watching when people challenge themselves to be their absolute best. Watching the people represent their country is nothing but inspiring.

Before I continue, I have to say congratulations to all of the athletes. No athlete deserved all of this controversy to distract from their sport. The athletes worked hard to achieve Olympic status.  Great job to you all.

Olympic Opening Ceremonies

Everyone has a choice in how they feel about faith. Several faiths exist, and we should respect freedom of religion. Of course, I would love everyone to have a relationship with Jesus because He has a very special place in my heart. But you can’t and should never force that relationship on anyone.   Nor should you mock anyone who does have a religious relationship with God. It’s a two-way street.

The Olympic opening ceremony had a scene that appeared to be people mocking the Last Supper. The Olympic committee apologized for what they say seemingly depicting a scene in their opening ceremonies that closely resembled the Last Supper. The artistic director insisted that the scene was from Greek mythology of the Feast of Dionysus. Even if you give reasonable doubt, just by looking at the picture and the portrait of the Last Supper, it’s undeniable that the committee knew exactly what they were doing when creating the scene.

Here is my take.

Jesus isn’t just a man, and the Last Supper isn’t just a fun dinner party. The Last Supper is what Christians know as the night before Jesus gave His life for us and was put to death after being tortured – for doing absolutely nothing. He had supper, and the apostles instructed him what to do after His death. Many Christians receive Communion because of the Last Supper.

Catholics celebrate the Eucharist at Mass because Jesus spoke these words as He broke the bread and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 

Even if one doesn’t believe in the Resurrection of Christ, Jesus’s acts of love and death should not be mocked for entertainment or a wow factor. The Olympics semi-admitted it was in poor taste. I am not sure how sorry they are because the scene was pretty planned out and, no doubt, had to be approved by many people. I don’t think they’d get all the pushback, though. 

Many Christians have been ridiculed on social media for speaking up that the opening ceremonies were offensive to Jesus. Speaking up about anything religious is courageous. Being open about how you feel about your faith can be lonely and scary. Someone said the closer you get to the Cross, the smaller the circle of people. Please don’t stop being you as long as you are respectful to others.  You might upset a few people, but if you remain silent, the situation will only worsen because people will believe everyone is in agreement that all is acceptable.

Again, congratulations to everyone competing in the Olympics.  I know I’m proud of you.