Should We Protest When Pagans Rage?
My Response to the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympics in Paris
It was no surprise that France would be the host to this, but the Olympic Opening Ceremony in Paris this week was even more shocking than expected. The author of the performances in question, Thomas Jolly, an outspoken homosexual provocateur known for his bold displays, sparked debate with a performance that blended pagan licentious behavior with Christian symbols. The stated purpose of the author was to combine all aspects of France's history and culture into a unified melting pot of ideas. In part, this was depicted in the blending of the Greek God Dionysus and a pagan feast with France’s Christian heritage as seen in Davinci’s Last Supper Painting. Essentially, it was the mainstreaming, acceptance, and normalization of pagan sexual freedom, putting it on the same plane as Christian ideals.
While questions swirl about the motives behind the event, there is no denying that the performance was linked to Christianity. This, despite attempts to spin its meaning and gaslight the critics into disbelieving their lying eyes. Not only did the producers acknowledge the connection, but the performance in focus was also referred to by French media using three key phrases: "La Cène" (the Last Supper), "La scène" (the stage), and "La Seine" (the river that goes through Paris) Apparently, in French, these words are all pronounced the exact same way.1 So, in a play on words, this was called "La Cène sur la scène sur la Seine"or The Last Supper on the stage on the Seine. The central figure in the performance, Barbara Butch—a halo-wearing, morbidly obese, Jewish lesbian was in the seat of Christ, surrounded by homosexuals, transgenders, and children. She was of course separate from the blue “main serving” that was unveiled in a scene forty-five minutes later—which would be Dionysus the pagan god of all things drunken and dirty. In her own words in a social media post (which was quickly pulled down), she proclaimed “Oh yes! Oh yes! The new gay testament!” Then reposting comments referring to herself as “Olympic Jesus.” The connection is real.
The backlash in France and around the world eventually turned into a new Olympic game itself: “memory hole”-ing. Social media posts vanished, media outlets’ articles disappeared, and the Olympic Committee removed the opening ceremony from the video archive. The French won the gold. This was followed by backpedaling as token apologies were made. Some French lawmakers even responded saying, “This does not represent France”. The outrage had its effect.
Of course, responses to the protesting voices were just as plentiful. Secular commentators like Whoopi Goldberg chided Christians saying, If you don’t like it, “just turn off your TV”. But what was more bothersome was the immediate, disarming response from other Christians. “Oh stop! (they said) After all, pagans will be pagans." Others chided saying, our outrage might only fuel further controversy. Still others smirked, “Why aren't you more angry about [fill in the blank]?" Or "The lost world needs our prayer, not our outrage." Etc… So for myself, I found myself questioning. Should I speak to this? I do want to be careful, and I don’t want to argue for argument’s sake. Are there reasons for me to voice my outrage in person or in writing or on social media? Does this response align with the practices I see in Scripture?
As I delve into the biblical accounts, I find compelling examples of God's people speaking out in the face of cultural hostilities in their times. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos, for instance, did not remain silent about the social injustices plaguing them, such as the oppression of the poor, corruption among leaders, and false worship practices. Amos, specifically, criticized Israel's elite for exploiting the poor (Amos 2:6-7). Then I find Elijah, who confronted the idolatry and corruption of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. His challenge to the worship of Baal was public, pointed, and passionate (1 Kings 18). Moving to the New Testament, John the Baptist did not shy away from addressing the moral failings of public officials in his time. He openly rebuked King Herod for unlawfully marrying his niece who was also another half-brother's wife, Herodias, a bold stance that eventually led to his imprisonment and execution (Mark 6:18). While his fate was grim, it highlighted a zeal for publicly addressing ungodliness. So, I wonder if he would be criticized today if he said it in a social media post?
The apostles, like Peter and John, also spoke out against the Jewish local government leaders who opposed the public preaching of the gospel (Acts 4:18-20). Paul was similarly outspoken, addressing various cultural issues such as idolatry and sexual immorality in his letters. In his correspondence with the Corinthians, Paul explicitly instructed Christians to distance themselves from the sexual libertinism prevalent among pagans (1 Corinthians 5). He didn't limit his critiques to internal church matters—bashing other Christians; he also addressed the public practices visible in the broader society (1 Corinthians 6). Daniel and his friends provide another example. In Babylon, they stood firm against the cultural practices of idolatry and the consumption of food offered to idols (Daniel 1:8-16, Daniel 3:12-18). Daniel also confronted the pride and idolatry of kings like Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar (Daniel 4:27, Daniel 5:22-23). It was certainly with action, but ultimately with words. Words that were public, words that were recorded, and words that will be circulated until Christ returns.
I have to conclude from these accounts, that although I must be careful to keep my motives pure and work toward peace, and clarity in the Gospel, there is an undeniable and consistent pattern of speaking out against cultural and moral issues, not just within the faith community but also in the public square. It seems that in the biblical testimony, all these men encourage a proactive engagement with the issues of the day, motivated by a commitment to truth and righteousness.
So, while I’m sure not all people in the Olympic opening ceremony were intentionally insulting, or blasphemous, in the end, the actions were. Moreover, these examples in God’s Word give me confidence that my public voice and written responses to them all are in line with the revealed will of God. In fact, I would summarize ten reasons why I should continue to voice outrage when pagans rage on ignorantly or with full understanding of what they are doing. Speaking out accomplishes several things:
It Proclaims God's Hatred for Sin: Like the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos, who condemned Israel's injustices and idolatry, Christians today speak against sin to declare God's holiness and His opposition to all unrighteousness. This helps people understand their need for a Savior, much as these prophets pointed Israel and the pagan world toward repentance.
It Effects the Mainstreaming of Sin: Elijah publicly challenged the worship of Baal to prevent the spread of idolatry in Israel and in the culture at large. In the same way, addressing sin today helps prevent its normalization and spread in society, protecting communities from moral decay. When this kind of dirty behavior is allowed to go unchecked, we allow it to become the norm.
It Bears Witness to God's Holiness and Justice: Daniel and his friends stood against idolatry in Babylon, bearing witness to the holiness of God. Christians similarly bear witness to God's standards of holiness and justice by condemning sin, showing the world that God is just and righteous. We do this publicly in our actions and our words.
It Fulfills the Church's Prophetic Role: Like the apostles Peter and John, who spoke boldly against opposition, the church today is called to speak God's truth into society, challenging unjust systems and behavior and calling people to repentance. Pagans acting pagan is expected, but Christ's followers informing pagans is what we do. Pagans all belong to God and answer to him too.
It Testifies to the Gospel of Redemption: Highlighting the reality of sin, as the apostles did, points to the hope of redemption found in the Gospel. This message, which offers forgiveness and a new life in Christ, remains central to why Christians address sin, inviting all to experience God's grace. In calling out sin, it’s good to remember that the call for repentance is only part of the Gospel. Let’s make sure that we preach a whole Gospel.
It shows Loving Concern for Others: John the Baptist's rebuke of Herod's immoral behavior was actually an act of love, warning him of the consequences of his sin. Similarly, Christians must speak out against sin, not from a judgmental spirit, but out of concern for the spiritual well-being of others, especially those harmed by sinful practices.
It Protects the Vulnerable and Oppressed: The prophets often spoke out for the oppressed and marginalized, like Amos who condemned the exploitation of the poor. Christians today continue this tradition by advocating for justice and protecting the vulnerable from harmful practices. To not speak out when people are trapped in sexual addiction is immoral. To remain silent when children are being groomed and mutilated is the height of hatred.
It Encourages the Integrity of the Church: Paul's letters often addressed issues within the Christian community, such as sexual immorality and idolatry, calling the church to maintain its purity. Publicly addressing sin in the culture and within the church serves the same purpose, challenging the church to reflect God's standards.
It Encourages Repentance and Transformation: The biblical call to repentance, seen in the ministries of figures like John the Baptist and Paul, is a call to transformation. Addressing sin today encourages individuals and societies to turn away from evil, and wrongdoing and embrace the goodness of the new life offered in Christ. This is an immediately good life, with an ultimate good outcome.
It Provides a Moral Compass for Society: The teachings of the prophets, apostles, and Jesus himself provided guidance on how to live righteously. By addressing moral and ethical issues, the church continues to provide a moral compass, helping shape a just and compassionate society. This does not get people into heaven, it just makes things better for everyone while we are here.
To summarize, it has a meaningful effect. So, while it is important to avoid unnecessary offense and ensure that the message of the Gospel is fully communicated, silence is not an option when confronted with actions that challenge core beliefs and moral living. Speaking out, whether in person, through writing, or on social media, aligns with a biblical and prophetic witness. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer aptly noted, "Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act." Therefore, let us speak and act — thoughtfully and courageously for the glory of God and effect change when pagans rage.
https://www.thewrap.com/paris-olympics-producers-last-supper-inspired-opening-ceremony/