Faith Under Fire: The Shocking Insult to Christianity at Paris 2024 Olympics
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the spirit reap eternal life" - Galatians 6:7-8
"We must be vigilant, for "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" - Matthew 26:41
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone"
- John 8:7
The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, intended to celebrate diversity and unity, unfortunately ended up causing significant offense and alienation among the Christian community. During the ceremony, there was a segment that many Christians found deeply troubling, as it appeared to mock Jesus Christ and the sacred historical event of the Last Supper. This portrayal, seen by many as a disrespectful imitation, can be considered blasphemous and an insult to the core beliefs of Christianity.
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Standing up for what is sacred is not just a right but a responsibility for those who follow Christ. Christians need to come together to defend their faith and the honor of Jesus Christ. This does not mean responding with anger or hostility, but rather with a firm and peaceful assertion of the importance of respecting religious beliefs. "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). The Christian community should respond to the offensive elements of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony with a united and respectful voice. Let us ensure that our sacred traditions are honored in the public sphere.
It is important to understand that as Christians, our mission is not to condemn or judge, but to love and guide others with compassion and truth. Jesus teaches us, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Matthew 7:1-2). When we condemn and judge those in different communities, we fail to follow Christ’s example of love and grace. Jesus himself did not come to condemn the world, but to save it (John 3:17). His interactions with sinners were always marked by love, understanding, and a call to repentance. Christians are called to reflect Christ’s love and to treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their sins.
However, it is also important to recognize that the actions of some individuals do not represent the entirety of Christianity or its teachings. The flaws and faults of individuals who judge and condemn are not a reflection of the Christian faith itself, but rather of their failure to live out its true teachings. Christianity calls us to love one another as Christ has loved us (John 13:34-35), and to share the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
It is equally wrong and hypocritical for those in any community to mock and be judgmental and intolerant of Christians and people of faith for their beliefs about sexual immorality. Just as it is wrong for Christians to judge, it is equally wrong for anyone to respond with mockery and intolerance. Christians are called to love and respect others, those in different communities are also called to show respect and tolerance for differing beliefs. It is hypocritical to demand tolerance and acceptance while being intolerant and judgmental towards others.
God loves each one of us equally, no matter our sins. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). This love extends to everyone, including those in other communities. God loves you deeply and desires for you to walk in His truth and righteousness.
However, while God’s love for us is unconditional, His acceptance of sin is not. This does not mean that we can remain in our sinful ways. God’s grace calls us to repentance and transformation, not complacency in our sins. To those who believe that they can continue in sinful lifestyles because God loves all people; remember that God's love is not a license to sin. His love calls us to change, to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). We must understand that while God loves each sinner, He strongly dislikes sin.
To the LGBT community, I say this with love and respect: God loves you and wants you to walk in His truth. So that you may have eternal life. He calls you to leave behind any lifestyle that contradicts His Word. "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral... nor men who have sex with men... will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). This is not a message of condemnation but of hope and transformation.
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). Let us all strive to live lives that honor God. Let us support one another in love, helping each other to overcome sin and to grow in our faith. "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness" (Hebrews 3:13).
