I feel like I need to add a disclaimer to this blog because it might touch a nerve with some folks, so here it is: like every blog I write, the thoughts are strictly my own and do not (or may not) represent the whole congregation at FPC. Also, I am happy to talk about my beliefs any time if you have questions.
So, with that out of the way, can we talk for just a minute about the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics and the dustup about whether the organizers were taking a shot at Christianity by having what some have been calling a “drag queen last supper”? I will admit, in some ways the image was reminiscent of Da Vinci’s famous painting, but the games’ organizers were quick to explain that the tableau was actually meant to represent a Greek Feast of Dionysus, the Greek God of fertility, wine, and, well, partying, who was represented by the little blue guy who showed up draped in grape leaf on a serving platter.
Since the Olympics originated in Greece and the opening ceremony and the games are meant to be a festive, welcoming to all time, this explanation seems pretty plausible to me. That didn’t stop many Christians from being offended and downright angry about it. If you were one of them, I’d ask you to think for a minute about why. What was it that you found offensive? Was it that drag queens and marginalized members of our society were at the table? If it was the Last Supper, I’d like to think that’s exactly who would be gathered around Jesus at the Lord’s Table. I would also ask, were you just as angry when the TV show The Simpsons portrayed the Last Supper with Homer in place of Jesus? Do you feel the same way when you see all the other parodies of the Last Supper you can find on Google?
You can believe what you want about what the image in the opening ceremony represents, but sometimes I think Christians need to lighten up a little. In the rush to judgment and condemnation, it paints (pun intended) Christianity and Christians in a pretty bad light. It’s great to want to protect and uplift our faith and I’m sure some people thought that’s what they were doing. But the harshness and the vehemence of the response is contrary to the message of Jesus and counterproductive to the church’s mission and ministry in this world.
The Olympics represents the coming together of people from every nation, upbringing, and orientation. It’s a time for radical hospitality and unconditional welcome and inclusivity…a time to celebrate the rich diversity of all the peoples of this planet. To be offended by this is to shine a light on just how exclusive, judgmental, and unwelcoming the church can be. It also elevates the Last Supper to something more than it was (just as some Christians tend to elevate the Bible to something more than it is). In doing so, our image of the Last supper actually becomes a golden calf. The painting Da Vinci created is nothing more than paint on canvas and it doesn’t even do a good job of representing the actual event. 12 white guys sitting at a long rectangular table doesn’t fit with what we know about Middle Eastern people and traditions.
It’s time for Christians (and yes, I am one) to lighten up and quit taking offense at every little thing…especially when it has nothing to do with Christianity. Something is only offensive if we allow ourselves to be offended by it. One of the reasons Christianity always gets such a bad rep is we are too quick to react when we perceive something to be an affront to our faith. Example: Is there really a war on Christmas? We’ve been told there is and because it’s a matter of faith, some Christians are angry about it. I also don’t agree that there’s a war on Christianity or Christians in our society either…I think we’re being held accountable for beliefs and actions that cause division and harm…those times when we don’t seem to act much like Jesus.
When we respond with anger and hostility, whether it’s the church responding to something or us in our individual lives responding to something, we perpetuate an “us versus them” mentality. We see the world and those outside the church as evil and ungodly and then we treat them as such. We need to stop being offended and start being more loving and grace-filled without the expectation of it being returned and simply because it’s how Jesus teaches us to relate to other people. And that’s the challenge, isn’t it? To model Jesus in those moments when we feel anything but Jesus-like…when we feel less than charitable and gracious. Are you up to the challenge?