Olympic Controversy

It goes without saying that in recent years the opening ceremony for the Olympics has been all over the place as far as displays and performances. This year seemed to be the worst of such things when a very woke version of the Leonardo Da Vinci painting “The last supper” was portrayed by some of the performers at the ceremony. This sparked outrage by Christians and others around the world. Many Christians and those calling Christians expressed anger and wanted to see a boycott of the Olympics. Even some heavy weight sponsors pulled out of the games because of the issue so they say. Some say that they will pay for such depictions by God punishing them for what they had done.

I myself was not angered but sad for those who were behind it and even for those angered by it. It was a lot to do about nothing. First we have to understand that the Olympics will still gain attention either way. That was the intention! I worked in the media for many years and controversy sells! Yes some sponsors may have pulled out but likely they were looking for reasons already. That aspect of the ceremony now was seen across the world. If it was not controversial, likely nobody would remember it.

A friend pointed out that in the 2012 games they had something just as controversial with a very large statue of what looked like death holding a syringe and surrounded by children. As if he was going to kill them over it. 12 years later it has mostly been forgotten.

The sadness I have is because the people behind the act seem to have a very basic knowledge of Jesus Christ but chose to mock him and push their own ideas instead of portraying him as the savior he is. This should not surprise us. We will see worse and even more terrible things as the years go by. The sad aspect is they had some knowledge of him but chose to mock him instead of follow him.

I am also sad for the Christians who are angered by it. First it was the reaction the other side wanted. The best response would be (my opinion) to ignore it. They lose more when it is ignored. There are worse things happening around the world every day that should get out attention. Sometimes in our own community. Even our own homes at times. Those need our attention and action more. We should not be surprised by what we see in the world because the world is doomed. If people continue in this behavior they will likely suffer from it at the time of judgement. Some may repent too. It’s all God’s will.

We also need to remind ourselves also that the mockery was of a painting. If they thought they were mocking Christ it was a real stretch. The painting finished in 1498 was Da Vinci’s interpretation of the last supper. It very loosely had any realism in it at all. There were many aspects that were not in line with the actual events, the biggest being the fact that they were all on one side of a table. This never happens at any supper. The actual scene in the bible was much different. There are other issues and controversies in it too. Bottom line we as Christians have to understand that being upset and defensive of this painting can fall under idol worship. At the time it was made relic worship entered into Christianity. Worshiping objects as part of the Christian observance. The painting fell into this for many over the years and it is still a relic to be revered by many as a symbol of Christian faith. Doing so is still idol worship.

God is not concerned over these things. What matters most to him is his people and their hearts. A painting by an artist that used his vision to create it or a vulgar act at the Olympics should not phase us. Where our heart is and who it worships should matter above all of it.

Philippians 2 shows that we should have a heart of humility and love. As our savior and being who he was ascended to the place of utmost worship by everyone in the world. He said in verse 12 “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

Work these things out in your daily life and do not be concerned over matters that will fade in time.

Happy Sabbath!

Your brother in Christ,

Steve Koenig