Faithful Friday: My Reflections on The Opening Ceremonies
By: Debbie Waltz
Let me begin this blog with a disclaimer: First off, I hesitated to bring up this topic because of my intense belief that this blog is not a place for political and patriotic unity. This blog has become an open platform where I can express my thoughts and feelings while sorting things out in my head. Some may say the Internet is not the right place to do that, but I believe in being honest with my readers regarding my faith. Not only so that they know that it’s okay to question because that simple act can draw you closer to God if you let it strengthen your “faith” muscle.
Growing up, I have always loved the Olympics. Not just for what the athletes can do; but for how it brings the world together. I looked forward to the same this year. However, I was disappointed to learn about “The Last Supper” controversy during the opening ceremonies. It bothers me for 2 main reasons:
- Because the Olympics are supposed to be about unity, not division
- Because I didn’t notice the similarities until someone pointed it out. What does this say about my faith?
Now many people will tell you that the opening was supposed to be a representation of Dionysus, but to have something near and dear to your heart mocked. It stings. But Jesus warned us of this, didn’t he? John 15:18- 21 says: “If the world hates you, keep in mind it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out with the world. This is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘a servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me..”
Jesus reasserts this idea many times throughout the Bible- even making it a category in his Sermon on the Mount. In verses 11 and 12, he says: “Blessed are you when they insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Even if it portrayed Dionysus, that isn’t the greatest thing to highlight either.
Yes, the Olympics are Greek, and it is a nod to its origins. I get that. But what does this have to do with unity? Some may say it’s all about coming together and celebrating. But what are we celebrating when we highlight the Feast of Dionysus?
Lucky for you, I did a little research. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica website, Dionysius has ties to the Grecian-Roman religion and is known as a nature “god” whose major concern was on fruitfulness and vegetation; he is also referred to as the “god” of fertility and wine. Though some book entries say these feasts often include musical and written entertainment of different art forms, this doesn’t make it much better. In reality, they were celebrating their sin and indulging in it.
That’s the same thing we are doing today.
Some of you may disagree with me and say that’s just the world we live in. While that’s true, there’s a difference between living in and being a part of (actively participating in) the world. Our faith constantly reminds us to live in this world, but not to be of the world. What does this mean? We are called to be God’s ambassadors, bringing light into a very broken world. In 2nd Corinthians 5 verses 20- 21, Paul writes: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” Here’s where things get a little dicey. Though we are called “to love our neighbors as ourselves” (Matthew 22:37- 39), this doesn’t mean we accept sinful behavior.
As ambassadors, it is important to know that we have been “set apart” in Christ. This doesn’t mean we are perfect, but we are endeavoring to live by the standards that Jesus gave us. Mind you, these standards are impossible to meet on our own but lead us to look to Jesus instead. Remember God took our sin upon himself on the cross. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Paul reminds us in Romans 12 that we should be “worthy” of such a sacrifice, presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice. In verses 1 and 2, Paul writes: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Now some Christians have boycotted watching the Olympics because of the Opening ceremonies. That’s fine, they’re entitled to make that choice. But what does that say about me? I am both disappointed and glad that I didn’t the “disgrace” of the opening ceremonies get to me. How can you be both? Well, I’m disappointed that I didn’t have as strong a reaction as some Christians- I know and respect. On the other hand, I’m glad it didn’t spoil the entire games for me. I look forward to cheering on the USA team in gymnastics (They have one gold in the team’s sport and Simone and Lee take Gold and bronze consecutively in the women’s all-around final, by the way) I also feel we have a distinct responsibility to cheer on the Christians in their sports that are trying their faith in such a big platform as the Olympics.