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From my earliest years, watching the Olympics was high on my list. After all, they only happen every four years for summer games and winter games. In fact, many of you might agree that much of the excitement was the wait. Apparently, the Greeks knew what they were doing. Watching sports being played at this level is inspiring, not to mention pulling for Team USA to win gold never gets old. Yet, regardless of who wins, these games exemplify sportsmanship, teamwork, and unification.
The Olympics have earned the distinction of iconic. Heck, the Olympic logo is the most recognized in the world. Another iconic event is The Last Supper. When you juxtapose these two, it’s easy to deduce their vast differences. Yet, the opening of the 2024 Paris, France Olympic Games left many people confused, offended, and even drawing parallels between these two unrelated occasions. Things like inclusion and blasphemy, among many others. What do you make of these comparisons? From my vantage point, they are misguided and in poor taste. To understand why this is the case, we must delve into the nature of each event and the context in which they exist.
First, the Olympics: A Celebration of Athletic Excellence.
The Olympics are a global celebration of sportsmanship, athletic prowess, and international unity. Originating in ancient Greece, the modern Olympic Games were revived in 1896 with the aim of fostering peace and promoting the spirit of fair competition among nations. Each edition of the Games is marked by a special opening ceremony, designed to showcase the host nation’s culture, history, and values. The emphasis is on athletic achievement, cultural exchange, and the collective joy of competition. The ceremonies often feature elaborate performances, artistic displays, and symbols of global harmony. I find it hard to believe that France, as a country, considers the drag show to be an accurate display of its culture, history, and values.
The Last Supper: A Religious and Historical Event
In contrast, the Last Supper is a profound event in Christian tradition. It refers to the final meal Jesus Christ shared with his disciples before his crucifixion, as described in the New Testament. This event is central to Christian theology and commemorated through the ritual of Communion. The Last Supper is a moment of deep spiritual and religious importance, symbolizing themes of sacrifice, fellowship, and divine grace. Its representation in art, most famously by Leonardo da Vinci, serves as a poignant reminder of its sacred nature.
The Incongruity of Comparison
From my perspective, given the stark differences in purpose, context, and significance, it is evident that comparing the Olympics with the Last Supper is more than just inappropriate, it ignores the essence of each. The Olympics, as a celebration of global athleticism and camaraderie, operates within the framework of secular entertainment and cultural display. Its goal is to bring people together through the universal language of sport, rather than to address spiritual or theological concerns.
On the other hand, the Last Supper is a deeply religious and solemn event that resonates with profound meaning for billions of Christians around the world. Its sanctity and the rituals surrounding it are not merely historical but form the foundation of religious practices and beliefs.
Mixing the Sacred with the Secular is like Oil and Water
Opening the Olympics with a performance or theme inspired by the Last Supper could be seen as disrespectful due to the clash between the secular nature of the Games and the sacredness of the Last Supper. Such a juxtaposition risks diminishing the spiritual significance of the Last Supper while trivializing the Olympic celebration of athletic achievement. It is crucial to recognize that each event occupies its own distinct space in human culture and history, deserving respect within its own context. Surely those in charge of the event were smart enough to know this would not end well.
Conclusion
In summary, the Olympics and the Last Supper serve vastly different purposes and hold distinct places in human culture. The Olympics are a celebration of global athleticism and unity, while the Last Supper is a sacred religious event for billions of Christians around the world. Conflating the two or merging their symbols inappropriately proved to be offending to both the participants of the Games and those for whom the Last Supper holds profound spiritual significance. Respect for the unique qualities of each event is essential to maintaining the integrity and dignity of both. In my humble opinion, those chosen to direct global events will do well to consider the potential damage caused by ignorance.
