Last week, the world was abuzz with reactions to the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics, an event that has elicited strong opinions from various religious leaders and communities. Among the most vocal critics is R. Albert Mohler Jr., Ph.D., president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, who has been described by Time Magazine as the “reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S.” Mohler condemned the ceremony’s controversial scene as a “deliberately pornographic corruption of Christianity.” Similarly, Bishop Emmanuel Gobilliard of Digne, a special representative of the Holy See for the 2024 Paris Olympics, expressed his shock, stating, “To mock the faith and religion of others in this way is very shocking.”
Seventh-day Adventists have also contributed to the discourse. Although the Seventh-day Adventist Church as an organization has not issued an official statement, notable members have voiced their opinions on social media. These reactions often align with those of Catholics and Protestants. For example, Nicholas Miller, J.D., Ph.D., Research Professor of Church History and Director of the International Religious Liberty Institute at Andrews University, contends that the sources of inspiration for the tableau (such as the Banquet of the Gods and the Feast of the Gods) all trace back to Da Vinci’s Last Supper. Miller argues that the tableau is “a parody of the Christian heritage and roots of France and the French Revolution,” pointing out that the revolution “celebrated the overturning of Christianity.” He concludes that Christians should respond seeing this is a blatant mockery.
In response to what I perceive as much ado about nothing, I posted a meme contrasting the Olympic tableau with the tragic assassination of Sonya Massey by a state agent. An execution that I thought was much more important than what was going on across the pond. The catalyst for this violent act appeared to include Massey’s declaration, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” which was perceived as a threat accompanied with boiling water. Tragically, this led to her being fatally shot in the head while she had her hands in the air, apologizing.
In a brilliantly written piece for Bazaar, Aricka Foreman, poet and interdisciplinary writer from Detroit MI, notes the demonic response of Officer Grayson to Massey’s prayer. Despite her clear expression of faith, there were no rallying cries from prominent white Christians addressing this incident in their own backyard. This silence is telling and highlights what is considered important by certain segments of the religious community.
In a discussion with a respected colleague, I pondered whether comparisons are the most effective way to highlight issues that are generally ignored. While I am open to alternative approaches, none have been presented thus far. Meanwhile, the woman at the center of the Olympic tableau, who wore sun rays on her head as if to represent the divine, has had to seek legal counsel and issue a statement regarding the death and rape threats she has received due to her participation.
Barbara Butch, a French DJ and lesbian activist, was cited by the Jewish Chronicle describing herself as follows: “I’m a fat, Jewish, queer lesbian, and I’m really proud of all my identities because they make me what I am now as a human. All the violence and negativity I’ve experienced, I can make into something bigger to help others go forward with a lot of love.” While the debate continues on whether Butch and her team intended to reference the Last Supper, it is apparent that an event requiring such extensive oversight would likely consider potential Christian outrage. I think that fact can’t be ignored.
It is erroneous to assert that those who disagreed with the tableau should never have voiced their opinions. Conversely, it is correct to assert that while extremists will always exist, the same Christians decrying the tableau should be even more vocal in condemning those who issue death and rape threats. As with Massey, the situation is critical as it involves human life. This time, the church has an opportunity to advocate for preservation and the ceasing of all hostilities.
Rather than continuing down a path of criticism, let us consider what could have been done and what can still be done. The Olympics are ongoing, and Christians have the opportunity to take two constructive actions to bring positivity to the situation. There is also a third action that is required to erase what is obviously a dividing line in North American Christianity when it comes to concerns.
Firstly, Christians could invite Barbara Butch to engage in a conversation focused on understanding her story. As someone of Jewish descent who has faced anti-Semitism and has family members who were victims of the Holocaust, a mature Christian approach would be to engage in dialogue rather than launching a holy crusade in response to a tableau inspired by paintings that neither depict the actual Last Supper nor the individuals involved.
Secondly, Christians could focus on significant causes in Paris, such as aiding the poor. Organizing a massive effort to help the city’s impoverished residents would have been a more suitable and impactful response. Planning such an initiative with the knowledge of the upcoming Olympics could have provided an opportunity to collaborate with other charitable groups, thereby alleviating suffering in the city at a time when resources and attention are plentiful.
Thirdly, the church must address how it will function within a grieving community reeling from Massey’s execution. Traditionally, the church has failed to demonstrate overwhelming support for such communities. While some segments of the black church have raised their voices, a substantial response from North American Christianity as a whole is lacking. This situation demands a proactive and compassionate approach, showing that the church stands in solidarity with those who are suffering.
So much energy has been expended on this controversy, and perhaps I too am guilty of spilling digital ink on a non-factor. Ultimately, the world is more interested in a Christianity that demonstrates care for people, resembling the actions of Jesus. Unfortunately, we are often too preoccupied with appearances and rituals to extend the healing touch that we are capable of providing.
Discussion Questions:
How do you think Christians should respond to perceived slights in popular culture?
How can we mourn Massey collectively?
I appreciate hearing from readers and welcome your thoughts. Please feel free to leave a comment.