The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony was a spectacle of artistic expression and cultural celebration. Highlights included the lighting of the cauldron and a beautiful performance by Céline Dion. However, a particular scene has stirred controversy due to its perceived resemblance to Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” This scene featured drag queens and dancers arranged on one side of a long table, with some viewers interpreting it as a mockery of a famous painting. While da Vinci’s painting is certainly how many people would have pictured it, correlating the 15th-century art with the exact image of Jesus in the center of the Lord’s Supper may be akin to those who fall into the trap of believing that Jesus spoke King James’ English instead of Aramaic. But the question of how Christians respond to a depiction of the debauchery of ancient “gods” is as old as the faith itself and has remained an issue for the past two thousand years.
During the four-hour ceremony, athletes glided down the River Seine, and performers reenacted historical moments. One tableau featured a predominantly nude French actor, Philippe Katerine, painted in blue to resemble a Greek god, surrounded by drag queens and dancers at a long table. The scene later transformed into a catwalk, celebrating Paris’ fashion scene. This depiction drew mixed reactions. Some viewers saw the scene as a mockery of “The Last Supper,” trivializing a sacred religious image and disrespecting Christian sensibilities. Others viewed the performance as a celebration of inclusivity and a tribute to Paris’ culture.
Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps apologized if the scene offended anyone, emphasizing the intent to celebrate community tolerance. Artistic director Thomas Jolly stressed the scene was not inspired by “The Last Supper” but aimed to convey inclusivity and the absurdity of human violence, referencing Dionysus, the Greek god of wine-making and ecstasy.
The (probably NSFW) painting, “The Romans in their Decadence,” is by the French artist Thomas Couture in 1847, and it hangs in the Musee d’Orsay in Paris. According to Wikipedia, “the painting describes the moral and political decline of the later Roman Empire through the inebriated and exhausted aftermath of a large orgy, contrasting the weakness and degeneracy of its participants against the statues of gods or emperors proudly displayed around the classical Roman architecture of the painting’s setting. Some figures continue to dance among the reclining mass while one man at the right drunkenly addresses a statue, disrespectfully hanging from its arm. Only three appear to have avoided participating in the orgy, consisting of one figure seated contemplatively upon a plinth to the left, and two upright men overlooking the scene from the right.”
Napoleon III, the first president of France, claimed that this painting represented an attack on the republic and condemned the work. In my view, this painting is probably a better candidate as an influence of the Olympic tableau than the Last Supper. I mention this because the heart of the issue goes further than its resemblance to a work of art to the context of how Christians in modern times respond to ancient depictions of the gods and flagrant secular debauchery.
Indeed, the Olympics are nothing new to Christians, and the apostle Paul referred to running games as a metaphor for the Christian life. Writing to the Corinthians, Paul draws on the imagery of athletic competition to illustrate spiritual truths. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, he writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” Here, Paul emphasizes discipline, focus, and the pursuit of eternal rewards, encouraging believers to live their lives with purpose and dedication akin to that of an athlete training for the Olympics.
For Christians, this involves balancing their religious qualms and family values with the rights of the secular. In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul addresses the issue of eating food offered to idols. He acknowledges that while some Christians know “an idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “there is no God but one,” this knowledge must be tempered with love. Not all believers possess this knowledge, and some might view eating such food as defiling their conscience. Paul warns that exercising freedom to eat food offered to idols could become a stumbling block to the weak. If a stronger believer’s actions lead a new or younger believer to sin against their conscience, it harms their faith. Therefore, Paul advises against eating food offered to idols if it might cause another believer to stumble in the faith.
In Romans 14, Paul expands on the principle of the stumbling block, addressing broader issues of dietary practices and observing special days. He urges believers to accept those whose faith is weak without quarreling over disputable matters. Each person should be fully convinced in their own mind and not judge one another over differences in eating or observing days. Paul emphasizes that whether eating or abstaining, actions should be done unto the Lord, reflecting a life of gratitude and dedication to God. He reiterates the importance of not causing others to stumble, declaring that nothing is unclean in itself, but if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person, it is unclean.
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Book of Daniel provides an Old Testament perspective on this issue. These three young Hebrew men and Daniel were taken into Babylonian captivity and selected to serve in King Nebuchadnezzar’s palace. They were offered food and wine from the king’s table, which likely included items that were against Jewish dietary laws or had been offered to idols. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego resolved not to defile themselves with the royal food and wine. Instead, they requested a diet of vegetables and water, demonstrating their commitment to God’s laws and their refusal to compromise their faith, even under pressure.
Devotion to God sometimes requires standing against cultural norms and practices that conflict with one’s religious beliefs. Eric Liddell, often referred to as the “Flying Scotsman,” offers a powerful example of standing firm in one’s convictions while navigating the complex intersection of faith and public life. Liddell, a devout Christian and talented athlete, competed in the 1924 Paris Olympics. His story, famously portrayed in the film “Chariots of Fire,” highlights his commitment to his faith. Liddell was slated to run in the 100-meter race, his strongest event. However, upon learning that the heats for this race were scheduled on a Sunday, he faced a profound dilemma. As a strict observer, Liddell believed that competing on Sunday would violate his religious principles. Despite immense pressure from the British Olympic Committee and even criticism from some fellow Christians, Liddell made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 100-meter event.
Instead of compromising his beliefs, Liddell chose to compete in the 400-meter race, an event for which he had not specifically trained. In a stunning turn of events, he not only participated but won the gold medal, setting a new world record in the process. Like the biblical figures, Liddell stood firm in his convictions, even when faced with potential loss and public scrutiny. His decision exemplifies the principle of being “fully convinced in one’s own mind,” as Paul encourages in Romans 14. At the same time, Liddell’s approach demonstrates how one can maintain personal integrity without condemning others who make different choices. He didn’t campaign for all Sunday events to be canceled or criticize other Christian athletes who chose to compete on Sundays. Instead, he made a personal decision based on his understanding of his faith and his relationship with God.
These teachings provide practical guidance for Christians today. Sensitivity to the beliefs and consciences of others within the community is crucial. Actions should be motivated by love and aimed at edifying the church, always considering the spiritual well-being of others. The principles encourage unity in the midst of a diverse world. Christians cannot expect that the world will conform to their beliefs, but rather that they will be able to decide whether or not to participate in those types of activities. When faced with similar situations, such as participating in cultural or religious practices of others, Christians can apply these principles to make decisions that honor God and to support the faith of their fellow believers. In this case, some may feel they need to avoid the Olympics altogether, while others may be willing to ignore the parts that offend them and focus on the good parts.
The controversy over the 2024 Paris Olympics highlights the balance between Christian freedom and responsibility. By prioritizing love and the edification of the community, Christians can navigate complex issues with sensitivity and grace, ensuring their actions build up rather than hinder the faith of others, and to support those who seek to stand firm in their faith, even when faced with external pressures to conform.