The 2024 Paris Olympics recently stirred up backlash after controversial performances during its opening ceremony. However, the Associated Press has celebrated the display by artistic designer French artist Thomas Jolly. The various scenes in the opening ceremony featured sexualized themes, transgenderism, and bizarre depictions of the French Revolution.
One of the most controversial moments of the event featured what many have labeled as a mockery of the famous Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” which depicts the final meal Jesus Christ shared with the apostles before being crucified. In another part of the ceremony, there was a dance skit that suggested a bisexual encounter between three individuals.
While many have found the performances appalling, the Associated Press has celebrated them. “In an unprecedented display of inclusivity, drag queens took center stage at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, showcasing the vibrant and influential role of the French LGBTQ+ community — while also attracting criticism over a tableau reminiscent of ‘The Last Supper,’” per the AP.
However, countless outspoken Christians have spoken out against the ceremony, denouncing the seeming mockery of their faith in the international sporting event. The American Tribune reported on comments from Christian actress Candace Cameron Bure, who sounded off on the opening ceremony, noting, “It made me so sad.”
“Hi friends. So I didn’t really wanna weigh in on the Olympics opening ceremony publicly because… I always risk it becoming a headline. But it felt too important not to,” she said. “I love the Olympic Games . . . The Olympic Games have always brought me so much joy. It’s the best of the best athletes in the world competing for the title.”
The actress continued, criticizing the displays during the opening ceremony, stating, “So to watch such an incredible and wonderful event that’s gonna take place over the next two weeks and see the opening ceremonies completely blaspheme and mock the Christian faith with their interpretation of the Last Supper was disgusting.” She further stated that she felt sorry for the “souls” of those in need of Christ. “And it made me so sad. And someone said, ‘You shouldn’t be sad. You should be mad about it.’ And I’m like, ‘Trust me. It makes me mad.’ But I’m more sad, because I’m sad for souls.”
Outspoken Catholic and Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker also weighed in on the seemingly blasphemous performance. The professional football player asserted that the apparent mockery was “crazy” while quoting scripture from Galatians 6:7-8, which states, “Be not deceived, God is not mocked. For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap. For he that soweth in his flesh, of the flesh also shall reap corruption. But he that soweth in the spirit, of the spirit shall reap life everlasting.”
Watch Candace Cameron Bure’s reaction below:
Catholic Bishop Robert Barron also opined on the matter, urging Christians to stand up and defend their faith. The bishop slammed the “gross mockery” while stating, “I think folks, what’s interesting here is this deeply secularist, postmodern society knows who its enemy is. They’re naming it, and we should believe them. They’re they’re telling us who they are. We should believe them. But furthermore, we Christians, we Catholics, should not be sheepish. We should resist. We should make our voices heard,” he said.
Featured image credit: Ibex73, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Olympic_rings_on_the_Eiffel_Tower_2024_(10).jpg
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