Olympics 2024 And The Christians

The opening ceremony of the Olympic Summer Games is always a spectacle with its blend of cultures, histories, and artistic expressions from around the world. Yet, there always seem to be killjoy clowns lurking in the arena waiting to find something to b*tch, gripe, and sh*t themselves about. Some person or group will take great offense over cultural representations that don't align with everyone’s beliefs or values. This phenomenon (or is it?) which is visible in the recent ceremony, highlights the power of the lenses through which we view the world. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that our way of looking at things, our values, and our moral outlook are the "right" way, and every other ideals are "wrong."

Take, for instance, the recent uproar over the artistic depiction that some claimed resembled the Christian Last Supper. The criticism suggested that it was disrespectful and offensive to their religious sentiments. However, such a view often overlooks and ignores the fact that Greek mythology and its representations have existed looong before the Christian depiction of the Last Supper. Yet, we do not hear an uproar over how Christianity has appropriated the ideals and stories of other cultures - example, the creation story. It is a reminder that the cultural narratives we hold so tightly to, are not universal truths, but rather, interpretations shaped by our historical and social contexts. 

The US feeling of righteousness often leads them to expect everyone to be aware of and respect their feelings. Yet, for most things that they choose to get offended by, the individuals or cultures “offending” them aren't even thinking about them. Very often people in the US remain unaware of anybody else until said 'anybody else' offend them. The Christian bullies are at it again. 

Be that as it may, realizing that the Christian so-called moral framework is just one of many lenses, and NOT the definitive view of the world, is crucial. No one group has any inherent right to expect the rest of the world to share their perspective or alter their behaviors to accommodate that group's beliefs.

In light of this, let me say that there are broader issues affecting the world today, such as the housing crisis, food insecurity, divisive politics, and life-sucking policies that Christians and every other group ought to give their energies to. These issues actually have real impacts on people's daily lives, far more than any ceremonial performance ever could. Instead of creating a fuss over cultural differences, perhaps our energy is better spent addressing these critical issues that affect millions globally.

As I am thinking about the ceremony, hear me say that it is an act of arrogance and presumption for the Christians to expect everybody else to be aware of our/their beliefs, care about them, or change their actions based on our sense of morality. As human beings, we deserve respect and consideration. However, our ideas, beliefs, and deities do not automatically merit respect or consideration, especially from those who do not share them. Stop the nonsense.

The Olympics, with its diverse display of global cultures, reminds us of the beauty and complexity of human expression. It calls us to appreciate the differences rather than demand conformity to our own views. This realization can be so liberating! Give yourself the gift of appreciating the multitude of perspectives without feeling threatened by them. 

While I'm here, there has been a lot of misinformation about regionalization. Regionalization in The United Methodist Church makes sense because it respects the contexts and expressions of people beyond the US - even within the US beyond any person or group. "It helps to create diverse platforms for making disciples of Jesus Christ." (Bishop Tracy Smith Malone). I agree, Bishop. I agree. 

If only human beings can see the world and celebrate the differences that God blessed us with, we would foster a more inclusive and understanding world, where cultural expressions are seen as contributions to the global fabric rather than offenses to personal beliefs. 

Focus, people. Focus. Life is on the brink here, where an orange felon is on the run for office of president of the US. Focus on voting for policies and people who would urgently address the mountain of poo-poo that human beings and all of God's creation deal with daily. The last time I checked, racism was still diametrically opposed to the incarnation. Leave behind the trivial disputes that distract us from our shared humanity. If righteousness is truly your goal, pay attention to Jesus. 

**Credit for Laughing Black Jesus: Rev. Dr. Latricia Scriven - Elder in the Florida Conference of The UMC. 

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