{"id":23613,"date":"2024-07-29T09:19:57","date_gmt":"2024-07-29T13:19:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/news\/?p=23613"},"modified":"2024-07-29T09:19:57","modified_gmt":"2024-07-29T13:19:57","slug":"christians-react-to-drag-last-supper-at-paris-olympics-opening-ceremony-organizers-apologize","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/news\/2024\/07\/christians-react-to-drag-last-supper-at-paris-olympics-opening-ceremony-organizers-apologize","title":{"rendered":"Christians React to Drag Last Supper at Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony, Organizers Apologize"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony has ignited a storm of controversy among Christians, drawing significant backlash due to what many perceive as a deeply offensive portrayal of sacred religious themes. The opening spectacle featured several provocative elements, including a reenactment of Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s The Last Supper with a modern twist that many found disrespectful and blasphemous.<\/p>\n

At the heart of the controversy was a performance that presented The Last Supper with a notable deviation from its traditional portrayal. A woman wearing a crown assumed the role of Jesus, while men in drag represented the disciples. Adding to the contentious nature of the depiction, one of the performers, a bearded man with long, blonde hair, danced suggestively down a catwalk situated in front of the Last Supper table. A young girl stood near the performers, adding another layer to the already complex scene.<\/p>\n

This display was set against the backdrop of the Seine River, with the iconic Eiffel Tower in view, amplifying its visibility and, consequently, the outcry it generated. The song King blared during the performance, which further heightened the dramatic and contentious atmosphere. The reaction from the Christian community was swift and fierce. Many viewed the performance as a direct affront to their beliefs, finding it not only inappropriate but also intentionally provocative. Social commentators and public figures alike condemned the display, describing it as blasphemous and satanic.<\/p>\n

One notable voice was Harrison Butker, a kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, who took to social media to share a Bible verse from Galatians 6:7-8, emphasizing that God is not mocked and warning that \u201cthose who soweth in the flesh shall reap corruption.\u201d\u00a0 Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood clinic director turned women\u2019s advocate and host of the Politely Rude podcast, also voiced her strong disapproval. Johnson criticized the depiction of Jesus and His disciples, asserting that such acts openly degrade and mock Christian beliefs, yet Christians are often labeled as intolerant for expressing their dissent.<\/p>\n