Alright, my fellow Christians, let’s dive into this hot topic: should Christians boycott the 2024 Paris Olympics after that eyebrow-raising opening ceremony? I mean, they went full-on French, giving a nod to their history and the French Revolution, which, let’s be honest, wasn’t exactly a high point for Christianity. But before we grab our pitchforks and torches, let’s unpack this with a bit of humor and warmth, shall we?
The French Being French
First things first, I thought their allusion to the Last Supper was despicable. But what did we really expect from the French? This is the country known for its love of baguettes, berets, and a certain je ne sais quoi that includes poking fun at pretty much everything, including religion. The French Revolution was all about overthrowing the old order, and unfortunately for many at the time, that included the Church. So, when the opening ceremonies decided to give a nod to this part of history, they were just, well, being French.
Let’s not forget that this is the same country where the phrase “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” was coined, but they sometimes forgot the “Fraternity” part when it came to religious tolerance. The French Revolution had its fair share of controversies, including the failed, attempted eradication of Christianity. But hey, it’s history, and they’ve been celebrating it with a flair that only the French can muster.
Not the Athletes’ Fault
Now, here’s where it gets tricky. It’s easy to feel outraged when something sacred is mocked or misrepresented. The last supper, for instance, holds a profound significance for Christians. Seeing it parodied or trivialized can feel like a punch in the gut. But let’s take a step back and consider the athletes. These are people who have trained their entire lives to represent their countries on the world stage. Many of them are dedicated Christians who view their participation as a way to honor Jesus and their faith.
Think of athletes like Tim Tebow, who’s made his Christian beliefs a core part of his public persona. These athletes see their talent as a gift from God and their platform as a way to glorify Him. Boycotting the Olympics could inadvertently penalize these very individuals who are doing their best to be a light in a sometimes dark world.
God’s Got This
And now, let’s get real for a moment. God doesn’t need our help to defend His honor. Remember Voltaire? He was one of the French Revolution’s intellectual heroes, a brilliant man who also happened to be a vicious critic of Christianity. Voltaire famously predicted that the Bible and Christianity would disappear within 100 years. Well, here we are, several centuries later, and the Bible is still the best-selling book of all time. It seems God has a rather wicked sense of humor and a good handle on justice. So, while it might feel good to take a stand, let’s remember that God’s plans are far bigger and more intricate than our human understanding.
Why a Boycott Might Not Be the Best Move
Boycotting the Olympics over the opening ceremony might seem like a bold statement, but is it really the best way to represent our faith? The world is watching, and sometimes, the best response is not outrage but grace. Thank God Jesus had this attitude toward our sinful behinds, right? By choosing not to boycott, we can demonstrate that our faith is strong enough to withstand a few jabs and that we are secure enough in our beliefs not to be easily shaken.
Also, consider the practical implications. Many Christian organizations and ministries use events like the Olympics as opportunities for outreach. The world comes together in a way that is unique, and these organizations often engage in everything from sports ministry to community service projects. A boycott could hinder these efforts and limit the positive impact Christians can have on a global stage. For biblical context, please remember the Apostle Paul in 1 Cor 5:9,10; I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.
A Final Thought: Faith, Humor, and Resilience
So, here’s my take delivered with a wink and a smile: Let’s not get too worked up. Sure, the opening ceremony may have been in poor taste, but it’s not the end of the world—or our faith. The French have a long history of pushing boundaries and provoking thought, sometimes in ways that are controversial. That’s part of their charm, if you can call it that.
As Christians, we’re called to be in the world but not of it. This means we can appreciate the beauty of global events like the Olympics while staying true to our values. Instead of a boycott, why not use this as a conversation starter? Talk to your friends, both Christian and non-Christian, about why Jesus is important to you. Share your views on the portrayal of religious themes in media and entertainment. This can be an opportunity for dialogue, not division.
In the end, remember that our faith isn’t fragile. It has survived far worse than an outrageous opening ceremony. We follow a God who turned the world upside down with love and grace, not anger and retaliation. So, let’s keep our heads up, our spirits high, and maybe enjoy the games with a good sense of humor. After all, if God can laugh at Voltaire’s bold predictions, we can certainly chuckle at a bit of French wackiness.
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