Did the Olympics Opening Ceremony Mock Christianity?

Glen Joseph Kohler

The carnal and sensual indulgence portrayed in the opening ceremony were exactly opposite to the spirit of the Olympic Games.

Openly and deliberately provocative, they perverted the images of The Last Supper so vividly that Christians, and people of all faiths, had ample cause for a deep sense of unease.

Legalistic disclaimers about Dionysus do not ring true. Far more people around the world are familiar with the Last Supper than with the cult of Dionysus—which as said above, has nothing to do with the intensive preparation and supreme efforts in the Games.

In the present era societal norms are being distorted in a host of ways. This event is a clarion call to the ministry.

Theresa C. Marquess

Are they so insecure in their own heart and thoughts that they have to mock the faith of another?

Barry Lee Lopatic

I did watch the ceremony. Two of the actors admitted it was a parody of Christian/Greek mythology themes. I know the historical Greek mythology that heavily influenced the show, so I don't need anyone to explain that or the crossover of ceremonies, characters and rituals that have been borrowed and recycled into Christianity. The bull, pale horse, table of feasters with the crowned centerpiece, and all the other makings of biblical references can't be argued against.

What I have is a complaint about is the appropriateness of this show at the Olympics, of all places. I think it was in bad taste. Having guys with nutsacks hanging out, drag queens frolicking around with the child next to them and all the other stuff just didn't seem like the place or time to do it. That's my 2cents

Scott Thornweaver

I seriously wonder how many of these internet morality warriors hiding behind their screens actually watched the ceremony, or if they did how many thought to be offended by any of this until someone on the internet told them to be offended?

Rev. Dr. Father JJ

Interestingly in today's NYTs is an article about the Paris Olympics Opening and how the artistic director has been receiving onlne harassing and death threats.

Who would want to harass, much less threaten to kill the artistic director? Another director who didn't get the job? A drag queen who felt left out or not hired?

Given that the controversy appears to have started here in the US and by an american kkkristofascist one can only assume that others of his ilk are behind the harassment. As for the death threats, well that takes a very special kind of "christian" now, dunnit? So it becomes clearer every day, each time that christinsanity is still seeking a lower new low and are rapidly approaching the manic, homicidal mind set that has taken over half of islam. And so now the world will have to deal with CHRISTIAN JIHADISTS along with the regular islamic jihadists.

SMFH at the things people will, and/or are convinced to do in the name of their particular flavor of religious cognitive dissonance. And at least, as far as CHRISTIAN JIHADIST TERRORISM goes we can all be proud and grateful that it's 'murican, home grown CHRISTIAN JIHADIST TERRORISM, no more of that imported jihadism, strictly homegrown TERRORISM from here on out.

WIN FOR JEBUS!

Kathryn Darcy Smith

As a transgender person I find all drag OFFENSIVE AND DISGUSTING! It has no place near our children or the Olympics!

Vincent Van As

Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper reflects Christian themes but draws heavily from pre-Christian traditions (FACT). The use of a long table and communal meal, symbolism of light and betrayal, and artistic techniques all echo earlier mythologies and religious practices. For instance, ancient banquet scenes, Mithraic rituals, and Egyptian sacred feasts influenced its depiction. Christianity has incorporated many elements from these older religions. Religious Radicals need to know what the meaning of Living a divine life involves. It is living in harmony with wisdom and compassion, empowering others, embracing diversity, and fostering unity. Celebrate life, explore its mysteries, and inspire understanding to create a balanced and enlightened world. Not through dictation and claim to rights that does not belong to them.

PT Barnum

Actually the French designer of the ceremony talked live about the ceremony and said it was based on Da Vinci’s Last Supper. He said it was intended to display France’s inclusive culture and acceptance.

Jim Augustus Ramsey

The whole world is on a greased poll sliding straight down to hell. I remember my parents and my great grandparents saying that God will let loose Jesus anytime because of what they saw in this world and it's just like Sodom and Gamora (I think that's right) the plain open mockery of Gods word and the gays and lesbians being forced into or childrens and our faces. Gods about to turn Jesus loose and I pray that we are ready.

David McHaley

It wasn't depicting The Last Supper. It's based on a painting called Supper or something of the Gods. And even if they were mocking Christianity, it has nothing to do with my salvation. As a devout Christian Minister, I will say that I am deeply disturbed at that vile behavior thrown at me 24 hours a day. The mockery of God's creation of them. Transgender, Gay, Non-Binary, (whatever the hell that is), sex, all aimed at not just us, but more so at our young children. In grade school, children don't think about those things. No they're pounded with sex Ed. Be what you want to be, I do not judge you, and I love you. But I don't flaunt my heterolsexuality in you face for you validate.my choice. I don't demand to be called brave because I put my sexuality out in the forefront. Do what you want, but leave me out of your delusional life.

Bridget Kielas-Fecyk

Oh good grief. SO much faux outrage and screaming hate. I swear, I rolled my eyes so hard at all the "christians" throwing temper tantrums over this, that they risked falling out of my skull.

First off, this was NOT a mockery of, or depiction of, the Last Supper. It was an homage to a painting of a bacchanal. This was a large celebration that honored the god Dionysius. The Greek God of Wine. The celebration was a way for farms to come together, compete with each other, and to enjoy each others' company. And, guess what? The Olympics is a GREEK event in the beginning. And guess what culture Dionysus comes from?

Second, people on the parallel bars and other competitions are not "mocking god" or "mocking jesus" by competing. What's going on are idiots taking still shots of something that lasts less than 10 seconds, and then throwing their photos up on the internet screaming "Der mokin' god! Der zatinsts!!!!" People are absolutely determined to hate and find a reason to be pissed off these days rather than just enjoy the competitions.

In many ways, those screaming hate and rage over it are the ones that the spirits of evil are truly trying to recruit into their folds.

Julie Lydia Rogers

In the words of the famous French Queen Marie Antoinette “ let them eat cake”. Let the French have their party. Let them celebrate their culture and history. Why do the Americans have to take offense with everything. My God its exhausting. Simmer down people. God has bigger problems to solve, like war, world hunger, homelessness, the sick and dying, poverty. That’s where your so called Satan is. He is hate in the hearts of men. And I see a lot of hate. As clergy I implore you to seek what is important. And a ceremony celebrating diversity and culture is not important. Jesus was a messenger of peace, and the Olympics are a symbol of solidarity and peace. A coming together of nations for the sake of sport. So relax and enjoy the show, it only happens every four years. Be about your business of spreading love as Christ commanded it. I bid you all peace.

Gary James Thomas Garrett

As I watched the opening ceremonies, parts of them were amazing, parts of them were OK, and parts of them were kinda dumb. It would be only my opinion of which parts were which. (although I did think the silver horse on the water was the best part.) However, because there were parts that I disliked, or was even offended by, I didn't attempt to deride and degrade it all to anyone who would listen. There is so much else on TV that I find immensely vulgar (MTV anyone?) and you know how I react? I SHUT IT OFF and don't watch it. I DON'T attempt to condemn it because of some god or whatever. And I really don't get offended to my very core: "well that's stupid, I'll never watch that again" is my reaction, or maybe "well that's awful, I wonder what's on channel 20?" click, click. That's also my reaction to all the mega-pasters promising miracles for money - now that's vugar.

Maryann Palms

We cannot always control our thoughts, it is a thought world, a thought race. We still tend to fall to the dictatorship of our own minds, eyes and our ears are always flooded with commercial ideas of the world's view. This scene reflects the imbalance of the nature of our Culture. Our human nature is to be a Staff or a King of our own dominion of mind. We all must have a watchman at the gates our thinking, Paris display in it opening events caused our reasoning minds to relinquish the power of how we choose to thinking giving rise to consciousness, giving rise to energy to be projected to this specific outcome, daunting as it maybe. We have to remember our Divine pattern of our life is in the superconsciousness, "Except that the Lord has built the house, they labor in vain that build it (Psalms 127:1) To glorify God is to raise your Christ consciousness. Thoughts are not created they are received based upon what frequency your mind is set. Thoughts, topics and subject are a vibrational frequency. Aim to become a multidimensional creature and not to be bound to just one reality. Maybe Paris display was selfishly motivated by selfish interest. Nevertheless, focus from your point of view and observe the power of your focus. This Global vein revived the interest that is important to us. So, relax you are aligned with what you know to be. Be encouraged, keep up with what you are vibrating to you have the word of source at your back. Stand as witness don't stand in step, do not disrupt your intention. Let every thought and every act express your unwavering faith. "Father, remind us of the sacredness of the secrecy in our spiritual discipline. Guide us to understand the profound value of the sacred calling."

John M. Endress

It was so easy to miss the point of the performance. The producers should have done a better job of communicating the point they intended

James A

Performative outrage is what the GOP does best. Jenna Ellis, Bill Mitchell, and the other anonymous twitter sources are fervent and vocal Trump supporters, yet I've not seen them denounce images of Trump as Christ being crucified, or even golden statutes of Trump. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds.

As for the headless Marie Antoinette's...I think France was simply sending a message about their feelings towards fascists. France is a fiercely secular nation and I think the US could learn a lot from them regarding religion's proper place in society. That is, at home, at your place of worship, and out of government.

Mark P. Bender

They are simply trying to cultivate religion away from God to their own mission of Pagan rituals. Remember Corinth as Paul wrote them several times. Sodom and Gomorrah. All examples of Judgement that came from God. Yes He is a Loving God but shall have no False God's before Him. The Ceremonial Display Embraces Paganism. For that his Wrath is great, and so the City of Lights went Dark and that was message enough for me. He separated Light from Darkness and French Christians turned out by the Thousands holding His light. For this reason I see Evil not Good in it all. Pray for repentance for what Man does against His Word. Its a daily Battle. Thank You.

James Richard Norby

The opening ceremony was about Greek mythology. Some might recall that the Greeks created the Olympics.

Cameron Randall Lewis

It would make more sense that they are paying homage to the Greek gods since the Olympic Games trace their roots to ancient Greece. A Bacchanal was a Roman feast celebrating the god Bacchus, known to the Greeks as Dionysus, aka, the blue guy on the platter. These feasts were know for their excess in all aspects, whether held by the Romans or the Greeks. After all, he was the god of wine and pleasure.

I feel that the controversy is overblown, and people are looking for something to be mad at. It's easy to claim that they're making fun of your own religion when you won't even think about researching the symbolism of other faiths...

Kevin A Phillips

I'm not sure which is more amusing; All the narrow-minded comments based off of beLIEfs vs actual understanding or the Post itself promoting such division.

To BE "Happy" takes as much effort as it does to BE "offended", which one you choose will reveal your mental maturity.

It was Fanz Kafka who said, “By believing passionately in something that still does not exist, we create it. The nonexistent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired.” Fun FACt: 78% of the word unDESIRED is 100% DESIRED. So, when we put our attention on the unDESIRED we are actually telling the Universe/Higher Power, it is DESIRED.

Lest we acknowledge “God changes his appearance every second. Blessed is the man who can recognize him in all his disguises.”

Esther Cecilia Hermosillo Solis

I wouldn't be bothered even if it was a Last Supper representation. I found more than 50 Last Supper representations in pop culture. I found The Sopranos, The Simpsons, Battlestar Galactica, The Expendables, House... just to mention some. And I didn´t see the outrage showed here. Which got me thinking... I don´t think the problem was to think it was a Last Supper representation. The problem was who was representing it (if it was the Last Supper which is not). While it wasn´t a problem that a bunch of drunks was representing it (The Simpsons), a bunch of mafia guys (The Sopranos), a narcissist doctor (House), mercenaries-killers (The Expendables), and I can go on... the problem was that in this occasion it was drag queens. Let´s remember that drag is an entertainment form such as kabuki in Japan, and not a sexual orientation or practice. Yes, drags queens have been usually gay men, usually but heterosexual men has been too because again, it´s not a sexual practice. And I thing more would do it for the fun and the experience but sadly, masculinity is fragile. Women we have no problem dressing as men for fun and we don´t receive the kind of scoffing men receive , but we know that this is due to the rejection of all that is considered feminine and the misoginy. But going back to the point....the outrage is not because this supposed mockery, is because the people representing the so called Last Supper are in the minds of the outraged persons morally below mafia guys or killers. Persons who love and express their identity in different ways are morally below. That sounds like bigotry to me. As a former catholic I can´t see the mockery. God was for me something so incredible big that these very terrestrial issues were totally out of their mind. As a common sense person I can see that some biblical themes are now cultural touchstones, like The Apocalypse and all the cultural products related and I don´t see the outrage with the loosely based movies about it. So.. I´m glad this conversation was out and terrible terrible sad to discover the bogotry in the communities that should be following Jesus teachings. And if I am allowed... all the people saying that the ceremony wasn´t mostly about the athletes... have you seen Olympic Openings before? The ceremonies are about the athletes marching by and the country culture. And this ceremony was very very french. I just remembered the opening of London 2012 where Eric Idle sang "Always look at the bright side of life" which is the ending of the movie "Life of Brian" and was considered blasphemous and was banned in many countries. What happened with the outrage? Or it is because Eric Idle is an hetero man? Keeps you thinking....

Dana Joan Reynolds

Save your outrage for the true atrocities, maybe. This warrants amusement, at best. Or, simply walk away.

Matthew L. Feinberg

Note the entity on the left in black shorts. Their (correct pronoun?) scrotum appears to be hanging from their shorts. That should clarify any doubt about is there any perversion.

Keith D

Ok. It's Olympic gods. Are they happy with it? Maybe they are! I would guess not, but I haven't asked them. Has anyone? Would we listen if they spoke? Why or why not? Are they speaking now?

I rolled my eyes at the depiction. Oh well. I don't really care: the fact remains that the Olympic Games have become a means of making statements and not focusing on Unity or even athletic prowess as were ostensibly the points of the games.

Let us unite (acknowledge our unity) as single sovereigns, ruling no one and being ruled by Divinity only, whatever conception one has of it, accountable for harms and subject to any kind of ruler only when a genuine Earthly harm has been done and requires a judge and imposition of rightful Earthly justice! All else is between the individual and The Divine.

Rev. Dr. Father JJ

Bearing in mind that da Vinci's painting was from his imagination. He painted what he thought that apocryphal story would look like based on his own life experiences.

If the jebus wore horns and his apostles were in drag, to depict them today differently would render the same reaction (plus, consider a jewish man in his thirties, never married, lives eats and sleeps with 12 other men and has one or two women (allies) who accompany them everywhere, if that doesn't have the makings of a Fabulous Last Brunch I don't know what does (p.s. jebus WAS gay))

Alejandro Medina de Wit

You all seem to hate each other

Rev. Fr. Craig Goral D.D.

I did not see any depiction of the last supper. At least to my understanding of DaVinci painting.

TA

Of course they intentionally mocked the Christian faith. They have been doing that forever.

James R. Harmon

Just to set the record straight: the scene depicted is not The Last Supper. It was a depiction of The Feast of Dionysus or colloquially known as a Bacchanal. It’s sad that people forget that the Olympics began in Ancient Greece. And worse than sad that 1 religious group believes it’s about them that claims it began in the US. Read more and stop supposition.

George S Guida

Yes, the extreme level of ignorance in the United States is embarrassing. Christianity is the youngest of religions, being a conglomerate of a number of other religious ideas rolled into one that was assembled in 365AD by a Roman Emperor. Many if not all Christian holidays were originally those of Pagan and Celtic traditions that Christianity hijacked. With the worldwide Internet available today one would think people would be more well educated but it appears the unlimited treasure trove of information has caused Human intelligence to atrophy.

Rev Charles Hicks

I think it's all been blown out of proportion I don't see anything wrong with it It's just entertainment people If you don't like something just don't attend or watch it Rev Hicks

Samuel Tamayo

It is written Galation, 6 , 7- 8 . Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. Hear me when I say God cannot be mocked. To Adulterers and blasphemers, you shall reap what you sow. Whoever reaps to please their flesh from the flesh you shall sow destruction. Whoever sows to please the spirit from the spirit will sow Eternal life. All in his time the mocking will be addressed to in his own way . Warning to those associating with the mockers. Unavoidable events will come, blame not the lord for their blasphemous mockery and the Judgment for which you will stand in alongside those Who blaspheme the Lord God. 🤨. So it is written so it will be done .

Thomas F. Kistner

Is mocking religion offensive? Yes. The problem as I see it is deeper. The anti-Judeo/Christian sentiment across the globe is alarming.
I wonder if the same depiction had Mohammad and arab garb would have offended the Muslim world with only peaceful outrage. We as people of this world have lost the sensibility towards the values of respect for others and their beliefs. We have left a few minorities of various beliefs become martyrs by a press corps that lives on sensationalism (both progressive and conservative) and they believe that all moral values are suspect. I believe we need to look inside ourselves. We innately know what is right and wrong. Pastor T.

James Bennett

Your vanilla account of Satan's attack on Christ at the Olympic opening ceremony was despicable. It reminded me of the German Protestant Church's response to Hitler in the 1930s - do nothing! The gay movement has moved from inclusion to outright Satanism. Recognize it. Realize the movement wants to taint everything precious to Scripture. Youthful innocence: sex, marriage, self-worth; human morality; and privacy of the womb; are just a few of the social targets of the gay community. Please, recognize Satan as Satan and fight this enemy wherever it raises its evil ugly head.

Eustress

I recently pubished a book, "The Story Has a Secret" that seems relevant to posted comments. Self-awareness is the clue here. Use some self-dislosure to discover your " hidden" and " blind" spots. The artistic presentation reminds us all, how we create our interpretations of experience that we call reality. The French are known for their artistic presentations. Much like a projection technique, the picture allow us to attribute to the picture whatever is going on with us.

Theresa C. Marquess

For me, it was a simple choice. Yes, I found it offensive, so I did not watch or support the Olympics.

Alicia Susan Matthews

Being a Christian, being a theater geek I can't believe that Paris the home of such culture and art choose this horrific display as what they want to be remembered by. It was not a top notch production. I would have much preferred a glorious production of "Can you Hear The People Sing" and other French historical attributes as host countries usually do! A runway show with Famous French designers. More about France!

Heidi A Heise

The energy of the opening ceremony was dark. However, I chose to focus on the excitement and exhilarating energy radiating from the athletes. These gifted individuals exude their light from within as they embark on their journey to inspire and unite the human race from all over the world. The light always shines the brightest through the darkness, as love will always Conquer fear. It's up to you what you choose to focus on. I choose love and light! That's how we change the world.

Stefanie Chritton

I am a Christian and I wasn’t offended. Some Pastors use risky sermon titles, play on words and secular music to get others into the doors of a church building, how is this any different? Is because the Pastor had a good intention with what was being presented so people are okay with it? If anything, Christians make a mockery of God himself. What happened to freedom of expression? EVERYONE is entitled to express themselves and somebody is ALWAYS going to be offended by what somebody else does or says. If you sit waiting to be offended, you will be offended! God cares for everyone and everything that He made. Psalm 145:9 The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.

Stefanie Chritton

I am a Christian and I wasn’t offended. What happened to freedom of expression? EVERYONE is entitled to express themselves and somebody is ALWAYS going to be offended by what somebody else does or says. If you sit waiting to be offended, you will be offended! God cares for everyone and everything that He made. Psalm 145:9 The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.

Steven Ferrell

This was a total mockery of Christianity. The alphabet bunch say they want to be accepted and yet do all they can including things like this to build walls.

Lady Mutt Cat

Any educated person recognized a Bacchanalia. Christians, get over yourselves. Not everything is about you.

Richard T. Warn

They denied that this was mocking the Last Supper and insisted it was depicting a Greek Feast. To the contrary the Olympic Commission issued an apology. You don' t apologize for something that didn't happen. The world is in turmoil.

Patrick Meier

This has nothing to do with "being French" and this dishonest or perhaps ignorant statement is invalid. On the contrary, most French find this unnecessary and offensive themselves. I can only decide for myself what I will and won't tolerate. And hence will no longer watch anything, no Eurovision, no Olympics that shows what I believe is totally immoral. Why show perversion openly to kids who depend on us for guidance and to teach them what's right and what's wrong, what's good and what's evil. Why in the world would we want to influence like that where we teach them that there is no difference between marrying a men or a woman, teach them sexual organ mutilation is great and if you are tired with your gender you can change it? Why do we glorify fornication in front of children? In the end, religion doesn't even have to enter the discussion necessarily - healthy human reasoning suffices. I say let not perversion be continuously marketed to children, I say protect your children from mental sickness for Gods sake.

Rev Ned

Read the Bible folks! The whole Bible! Not just the parts that bolster your preconceived beliefs! Don’t just read Leviticus read the New Testament too. If you can’t read go back to school and learn. That said, I realize, if you can’t read, this is futile. Sorry.

Mathew Mowbray

The Olympics are no longer about sport, it is all politics and sponsorship.

Peggyann Johnson-Hansen

There are many translations of what the Olympic Opening Ceremony was meant to depict, however, the setting at the long table for this depiction makes it difficult to relate it to the other translations such as: The French Revolution or the Greek Gods at play. The Olympics encompass a variety of sporting competitions between countries around the world. Those who attend beside the athletes, coaches, and specific entourages for each type of sporting event, remain a combined audience of spectators, families, and children. This presentation was a slap in the face to all religions. If this disrespectful opening ceremony goes against one religious group in the world others will come next if such displays, go unchecked. Christians may or may not turn the other cheek, however, there are world religious groups with more back bone that may have attacked the Country of France for allowing this inappropriate opening ceremony. I for one now refuse to watch the 2024 Olympics in protest of this opening ceremony.

Christine

everything is all about meeeeeeeeeeeeee. There's no way this reference wasn't about meeeeeeeeeeeee. Meeeeeeeeeeee. Mmmmmmmm yes meeeeeeeeeeee. No other cultures exist but mine and satanists

ServantOfJudgement

As a whole the spirit of the Olympics art and performances is dark, sinister and consistent. They've included pale riders, beheaded corpses that sing, golden calves and a replica of a corrupted painting of a painting depicting the last meal of our Creator before his crucifixion.

When my wife and I discussed this last night I suspected what I'd discovered. Satan is the corrupter. He seeks to corrupt the things of God. That's where I entered my investigation.

Van Jan Bijlert copied and corrupted Davinci's painting of the last supper some 200 years later replacing the characters with various gods/demons. This performance is naturally a mocking of Jesus the Christ, his suffering and the redemption he offers for our lost souls. Bijlet's mockery was merely a building block to rest this corruption upon, which even christians are deceived by. This corruption replaces the apostles with transvestites, replaces the Christ with a morbidly obese chick(I think) and adds children, Satan's most favored to corrupt.

To an antichrist this will never be seen as mockery of God, they are blind. It can't be explained or detailed to them. It is literally beyond their ability to plainly see the undeniable and provable facts for ot only are they blind, they are also deficient of hearing. Quite the opposite will occur, they will love it, as Jesus said they would.

Mockery of God is just that. It's not mockery of me or any other Christian. God deals with mockery his way on his time table.

Christian friends, google the Paris power outage that occured after the Olympics opening and see the Sacre Coeur church still illuminated in a dark city, reminiscent of the shining city on a hill the apostle Mathew documented. This was a warning and sign. A warning to the offenders of God and a good sign for those who have eyes. Do not be deceived.

In other news, France is crumbling before our eyes and under their feet. Google that too.

God will not be mocked.

April B

I don’t think it was a mockery at all. The performance was fun and fashion all the way!!! ALL the performances were excellent! Especially Celine Dion! Love it! 🫶🏼🇫🇷🎭

Lori-Ann Neeb

just by presuming you have the right to decide who is 'evil" and who isn't , is proof that you already gave crossed over to a middle area. Lost in confusion in there

Paula Copp

The opening ceremony was a nod to Dionysus (Bacchus). It was a depiction of a feast of Dionysus, not the last supper! Those who don’t know the difference need to go back and look at the actual painting it referenced. Reverend Paula Copp

Mark Hannon

Remember how da Vinci got all the Apostles and Jesus to stand and pose at the longest table in Jerusalem? Of course not. The Olympics started in Greece and ALL the men were naked. This is actual history.

James Riggle-Johnson

It’s the Olympics. Can’t you just explain to your children the origins of the Olympics, and that back then they believed and prayed to many Gods? This wasn’t about LGBTQ anything. It wasn’t about the Last Super. It’s The Feast of the Gods by Jan van Bijlert.

I am truly tired of Christians false claims that their religion is under attack. It’s a pollical ploy and nothing else. Nobody is saying they can’t practice Christianity. It’s called deflection. Accuse others of what you are doing. They have begun fighting against anything that is not Christian or that doesn’t see the world how they think it should be. If we don’t agree we are demonic.

Maria

We all have our own opinions. But when I want to watch a sports event, I don’t need to see drag queens! And neither do my children! If you can’t understand that then you’re the problem.

James Mounts

What better way to open the Olympic Games in which men will be competing against women, than with a bunch of female impersonators. Works for me.

Man of God

Yes! the pagen believers do and did mock our faith. Our Lord has prepared us for this. So, remember we are believers! Do not fall into the evil ones tricks. We know Jesus is placed onto the judgement throne. Only Jesus earned that right by living a perfect life as defined by his Father and our God. We are to live a life as best we can following Jesus's example. Our Lord and Savior commands believers to do so. God has never asked us to judge others or to fight and kill in his name. Jesus never killed anyone. He promised to cut the evil ones down by swinging a double sided sword to the left and to the righ. Be patient, live in faith and do not worry. Do not become like the evil ones....

Rev “D”

Once again the christians that hijacked so many pagan holidays and other religions’ symbols is all upset over a display that clearly does not infringe nor insult on their beliefs. Boohoo, stop all the whining all the time christians! No one is persecuting you, just your own pastors fleecing you and your chosen god since you are born with sin. So unless christians want to give back all they stole from religions before them, cut the bull. So sensitive, here is a tissue. I’m watch Homer Simpson and the Sopranos that really copies a certain artist’s rendition made 1,495 years after a magician named jesus walked around. SMDH.

David Webber

Bwahahahaha. Offensive to Christianity, not likely. It wasn't the last supper. And it's Christianity that mocks and steals ideas from other religions. As it was stated, it was from a depiction of a Greek Deity supper. Even if it wasn't, not everything is mocking Christianity.

Especially that one, tweet/message of a acrobat holding himself up via rings, and the poster was tired of people mocking Christianity. Then explain to us how in the world, are Acrobats/gymnastics are supposed to hold themselves up.

Robert James Ruhnke

Words that will resonate with those who read it.

1. People do not need to defend God. People do often feel the need to defend the religious practices they have centered - and the ways they have chosen to behave because of what they believe to be true about God. But that is not the same thing as defending God. The accusation that one is mocking God begs questions about what precisely the accuser is defending.

2. Treating an Italian painting of white Jesus as sacrosanct is most certainly honoring something that is not God. The accusation that one is mocking God begs questions about what exactly the accuser is honoring.

3. A depiction of Jesus welcoming table guests that others shun is Biblical. The accusation that one is mocking God begs questions about which Gospels the accuser is reading.

4. "Mocking God" is a mean-spirited critique. The accusation that one is mocking God begs questions about the intention of the accuser.

But more than any of this: the fact that American Christians so wildly missed the celebration of the Greek gods is stunningly and embarrassingly a result of the anti-intellectual tragedy into which the far right has invited evangelical Christians.

Listen. There is no shame in not already knowing something. It is ok to not readily recognize the Feast of DIONYSOS (Dionysus). I have to look up how to spell it every time I write it.

But the Greek gods are at the heart of the history of the Olympics.

And the opening Ceremony in Paris was about things deeply rooted in French culture and in Olympic history.

Artwork from the Louvre was highlighted.

And though there are depictions of the last supper in the Louvre, the particular painting in question is not at the Louvre because it is in a church in Italy. It has nothing to do with France-or the Olympics and it would have been wildly off topic.

It makes much more sense for the bawdy scene in question to be a depiction of the Feast of DIONYSOS (Dionysus).

I hope you will stop spending energy being angry about the opening ceremony mocking God.

And.

There are things that dishonor God.

Policies that make it harder for children to eat dishonor God.

Policies that strip dignity and self-determination from those whose realities you do not understand dishonor God.

The dismantling of public education dishonors God.

Racial injustice dishonors God.

Centering heteronormative relationships dishonors God.

Championing women who are able to birth live children as virtuous or honorable dishonors God.

Using tricky words to herald a society where freedoms and safety-nets are taken away in the name of some false nobility of suffering dishonors God.

Lying dishonors God.

Cheating on your partner dishonors God.

Destroying ecosystems dishonors God.

Filling the oceans with plastic dishonors God.

Hoarding wealth dishonors God.

Choose, then, whom you will serve.

Nicholas J Page

I don't watch the Olympics too boring for me.I haven't watched it in years

Russel A. Kester

The opening ceremony mocked Christianity and showed the complete depravity of the woke, trans and queer ideologies. 83% of those who saw it thought it was vulgar and offensive. Which it was. I hope this horrid display will help the entire world to wake up and rid itself of this soulless ideology that must mock and suck the life out of anything good because it lacks anything of value in itself.

Dorothy Hawkins

My thoughts on the Olympic ceremonies: Very French!

The fear-mongering and marginalization of the "others" signifies to me that people's beliefs go beyond rational thought...in just about any area of life. Time to re-think our thinking on the whole.

We're ONE species - one FAMILY: the human family. Jesus taught people to love one another - so I wonder what's up with all the hate, people?

All religious leanings were preceeded by some other religious leanings throughout time. Can we acknowledge each other's humanity? That's the challenge, in my view.

Stefan Schulz

Whose spirit dominates the Paris Olympics at the will of the secular "elite"?

A. See Revelation 6:8 "And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth."

How do the worldly governments relate to this spirit?

B. See James 4:4 "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

Bishop William Dusenberry, DD

If the Christian myth, Jesus, was supposed to bring “Peace on Earth, good will towards men” then the only the only act that even came close conveying such a message was the most memorable rendition of “Imagine” I’ve yet to experience (Google it,) it’ll bring tears to your eyes — “Imagine no religion, it’s easy if you try; no more hell below us; above us only sky” and if “Imagine” is offensive to Christians, it’s deservingly so.

Michael Holland

People need to learn America is not the only country in the world and christianity is not the only religion. Americans are so full of themselves!

Brien

I guess if you are a toxic zealot then everything mocks your beliefs. I don't believe anyone set out to mock anything, I just thought the ceremony was terrible. The worst Olympic opening I have ever seen.

Lawrence A. Benson

Grow up people, Christianity is NOT the only "religion" in the world. Everyone needds to be tolorant of the traditions and beliefs of other people and other countries.

Rev. MichaelRS

They're pleading plausible deniability, but those fools knew exactly how it would be perceived. Right up there with the disgusting act of the "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence".

It's so funny to me how those groups continue to attack and make fun of Christianity but they don't Islam, when guess what would happen to them if the "Gays for Palestine" unfurled their flag and started to march through Gaza, even before the war.

Or never mind Gaza. March through Dearborn, Michigan.

Parson Golden

No, but the actions of Christians continue to mock Christianity on a regular basis.

Maria

The opening ceremony of the Olympics absolutely mocked Christianity! I’m not Christian and I felt it was offensive! And absolutely not needed! Personally I’m sick and tired of this LBGTQ crap! If you’re not male or female why the hell do you need to tell the whole damn world?! I don’t go around advertising that I’m a woman! And there are only two genders, male and female! All else is not normal! Instead of trying to ram your BS on us and children, get some psychiatric help! I never ever had any problems with the LBGTQ community until they started ramming it down our throats! You are all making people hate you more than ever before! It’s backfiring! Wake up!