After the Grand Event
The 2024 Paris Olympics kicked off amidst controversies surrounding the opening ceremony, but proceeded with athletes showcasing their incredible efforts and performances. Spectators around the world watched the events either on their televisions or smartphones, deeply engaged. Some cheered passionately for their national representatives, while others took to the online space as "keyboard warriors," leaving biting remarks and debating fiercely. During the closing ceremony, Hollywood star Tom Cruise stunned the audience with a tribute to *Mission: Impossible*. Performing his iconic stunts, he descended from above with the Olympic flag in hand, before riding off dramatically on a motorcycle. The final shot transitioned to Hollywood in California, building anticipation for the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles four years later.
An Out-of-the-Box Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics broke away from tradition and was entirely different from past editions. Previous host countries either showcased their grandeur and strength, such as China, or highlighted their enduring legacy through classic cultural displays, like the UK. Even Japan creatively adapted to the constraints of the pandemic by holding a ceremony with no live audience. This time, Paris decided to let more people experience the beauty of the "City of Light" by moving the opening ceremony out of the stadium. Athletes from different nations made their entrances aboard boats, while performances were staged at iconic Parisian landmarks and broadcasted to audiences worldwide. While those attending in person could only enjoy localized segments, global viewers were treated to a mosaic of stunning visuals, celebrating Paris as a capital of art, culture, and fashion.
Reactions to this approach varied across age groups. Many viewers aged 50 and above found it somewhat bewildering. Aside from the musical performances, the rapid and dynamic transitions of the broadcast left them feeling overwhelmed. On the other hand, many younger viewers praised the ceremony, appreciating its out-of-the-box concept and viewing it as highly creative.
Indeed, the entertainment industry today is moving toward fast and fragmented forms of presentation. Young people can open multiple tabs on a computer screen, listening to music, watching short videos, and working on documents simultaneously. However, they may lack the patience to fully understand all the information. Does this trend, while creating a diverse and vibrant facade, also conceal superficiality and even frivolity in society?
Art? Provocation?
The most controversial segment, and the one that made many Christians deeply uncomfortable, was a performance featuring a group of drag queens strutting down the runway, culminating in a tableau resembling Leonardo da Vinci's *The Last Supper*. The presentation raised questions: was it meant to mock the painting or the scene it depicts? Tesla CEO Elon Musk criticized the performance, calling it a profound show of disrespect toward Christians. He went further, stating, "Unless there is more bravery to stand up for what is fair and right, Christianity will perish."
People from various sectors have voiced strong protests against this part of the "artistic presentation." U.S.-based telecommunications company C-Spire expressed shock over the depiction of *The Last Supper*, calling it a mockery of Christians. As a result, C-Spire withdrew its advertisements scheduled for the Olympic broadcast. Bishop Robert Barron, a prominent Catholic leader, shared his disappointment on Fox News Digital, criticizing the mockery of a pivotal event from the Gospels by a nation with a traditionally Catholic heritage. He urged Catholics and Christians not to be timid but to push back and make their voices heard. He stated, "Christians should always resist evil. I think we have indeed become too weak in confronting our cultural adversaries."1The Vatican issued a statement expressing sadness over the mockery of Christians during the Olympics. It regretted that Christians had to endure such offense and joined the voices of protest, condemning the act.2
The artistic director of this Olympics, Thomas Jolly, explained that his inspiration did not come from *The Last Supper*. Instead, he aimed to convey a message of unity, embodying the French Revolutionary ideals of "liberty, equality, and fraternity." The International Olympic Committee (IOC) later issued a statement clarifying that there was no intention to disrespect any religious group or belief. The IOC expressed regret if anyone felt offended but stopped short of issuing a formal apology, despite adopting a conciliatory tone.
Why Christians?
Christians becoming targets of mockery or challenges in media and entertainment is not a new phenomenon. However, to see such provocative gestures challenging the boundaries of Christian beliefs in a solemn international ceremony—especially at a sports event that promotes fairness and competition—is indeed unusual. But why Christians? If the organizers claim to pursue inclusivity and freedom, why specifically target Christianity and not other faiths, such as Islam? What is the underlying logic? Could it be, as Bishop Barron suggested, that Christians have historically responded to mockery with what some might perceive as "too much weakness"?
Is it truly weakness? Looking back at past battles over the legalization of same-sex marriage and the push for gender identity freedoms, Christians on the front lines often stood firm with conviction, speaking out boldly and protesting in defense of the truth. This was not weakness. While unwavering commitment to truth is commendable, the condemning tone and judgmental attitude—treating this group as if they were societal outcasts like lepers in biblical times—deserve reflection. By leaving no room for dialogue, there is a risk of losing the opportunity for meaningful conversation. What could be a better approach to communicate God’s message of love for all people to this community? Perhaps by combining steadfastness with compassion, humility, and genuine listening, Christians can demonstrate the love of God in a way that invites dialogue and fosters mutual understanding, rather than creating barriers.
A pastor stated that he does not watch the Olympics, believing its origins to be rooted in the celebration of a promiscuous god from Greek mythology, which he views as the work of the devil and unworthy of participation. Of course, Christians may hold varying perspectives on the origins of the Olympics and its modern-day sporting spirit. If one believes that in a fallen world, Christians should abstain from any daily activities that conflict with biblical truth—focusing solely on reading the Bible, praying, and loving one another within the Christian community—does this risk gradually losing the territory God has entrusted to us? Would it not also diminish our role as the salt and light of the earth?
Expressions of Glorifying God During the Grand Event
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, both on and off the field, many athletes, regardless of winning or losing, openly expressed gratitude to God and dedicated their achievements to Him. For example, Stephen Curry of the U.S. basketball team, after leading his team to victory, stated that the gold medal was more than just an award. To him, it was a testament to his faith and the fulfillment of God’s plan for his life.3After winning the gold medal, American hurdler Masai Russell wrote on Instagram: "Normally, I have so much to say, but today, all I can say is that I’m so grateful. Thank you, Jesus."
Every morning, the sound of Fijian athletes singing praise songs in the Olympic Village pierced the sky, touching nearby athletes who recorded the moments and shared them on Instagram. A British hurdler shared her experience of singing hymns with six athletes from different countries. A German shot put athlete posted online about singing worship songs with his coach and teammates, encouraging one another. A Dominican Republic track and field athlete, after winning a gold medal for her country, knelt on the ground to pray, thanking God for enabling her to bring honor to her nation. Additionally, a pastor accompanying the teams shared in an interview that not every athlete has the opportunity to win a medal. He explained that through prayer, he helps stabilize their hearts in the Olympic Village and on the field, enabling them to fully enjoy the extraordinary experience of competing.
During the Olympics, reports of athletes giving thanks to God surfaced daily, creating an uplifting "trend" that inspired many. For young people to openly declare their Christian faith in a culture that often seeks to "de-God" society is no easy feat—especially in a global competition that emphasizes personal ability. Publicly professing their faith on such a stage, acknowledging that it is God who empowers them, underscores their belief that divine strength enables them to perform at their best in events that push their mental and physical limits to the extreme.
Taiwanese athletes Chou Tien-chen and Chen Nien-chin faced incredibly challenging journeys to the Olympics, as both are cancer survivors who had to constantly balance treatment and training. They testified that it was God who led them through these difficulties, giving them the strength to reach this point of competition. Every athlete at the Olympics has a moving story. Their dedication to training and participation, regardless of whether they win a medal, exemplifies the true spirit of sportsmanship.
The journey of a Christian running the race of faith is much like that of an athlete on the field. At times, they soar like eagles; at others, they fall into valleys, facing scorn or ridicule. Yet, through suffering comes perseverance; perseverance produces character, and character leads to hope—a hope that does not put us to shame.
The satirical performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony seemed to cast a shadow over Christian faith, darkening the "City of Light." Yet, light can still pierce through the veil of darkness; where light appears, darkness is dispelled.
The Love of the Incarnation
When Christians see their faith mocked, could they perhaps catch a glimpse of the humiliation Jesus endured? As He walked toward Golgotha, mocked and scorned, can we begin to understand His love? He died for us while we were still unaware of Him, even when we were His enemies. His love encompasses not only those who believe in Him but also those who do not understand salvation and even those who despise and ridicule the faith.
A Christian's love for others should be rooted in the belief that all people are beautifully created in the image of God. Every individual's life holds immense value, which is not diminished by external factors such as culture, geography, politics, status, or wealth.4When Jesus came in the flesh, He dwelt among humanity. He met the Samaritan woman at the well under the midday sun, dined at the home of Zacchaeus, whom the townspeople despised, and extended grace to the woman caught in adultery, giving her a way forward in the presence of her accusers. In hostile environments, our Lord used a gentle approach and wise words to impart truth into people's hearts.
The Incarnation is a lifelong lesson for Christians, yet we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses whose examples teach us to persevere and press on. One such witness is missionary Doris Brougham, who dedicated her life to the Gospel while spending the majority of her years in Taiwan. Her incarnational way of living and serving continues to resonate, much like the legacy of the Heavenly Melody Choir and the Association of Gospel Broadcasting, which she founded—leaving an enduring influence that reaches far and wide.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. confronted the darkness of discrimination and violence with the power of nonviolent words. In his "I Have a Dream" speech, he eloquently and humbly articulated a vision of a world filled with God's justice and peace. He avoided insults and harsh rhetoric, instead inspiring his audience to aspire to such a world of harmony.
What is your dream for God’s Kingdom? When we extend a call of love to every group, embodying the "dream spirit" of Dr. King, we reflect the faith, hope, and love of God's Kingdom. With the heart of Jesus, we can cover all mockery, ignorance, and disrespect with love, transforming them into a movement of love and light.
American evangelist Franklin Graham stated: "God's Word tells us there will be a 'falling away.' However, I do not believe the Church will perish, because Jesus Christ said: *'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever.'* (Revelation 1:17-18)"5 Even when the forces of darkness challenge and provoke the truth, as children of light, we are still the salt and light of the world and must fulfill our role as such. Like the athletes on the field who declare God as the source of their victory, may the children of God also proclaim their faith through actions, spreading the love of Christ.
Through light, darkness can be driven out.
Notes
- https://ct.org.tw/html/news/3-3. php?cat= 11&article=1399458
- https://www.today.com/news/paris-olympics/ olympics-opening-ceremony-last-supper- controversy-rcna163929
- https://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/ idolchatter/2024/08/steph-currys-olympic- gold-a-testament-to-faith-and-perseverance. html
- *The Coach's Guide*, p. 42, authored by Wenping Li, 2022.
- https://ct.org.tw/html/news/3-3.php?cat= 11&article=1399458