Top 5 stories that defined Christian entertainment in 2024
3. 'Blasphemous' Paris Olympics spark controversy
While the Paris Olympics showcased athletic excellence, it was also marred by reports of widespread debauchery, drawing sharp criticism from faith leaders.
The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris in July showed a ménage à trois and a depiction of The Last Supper with drag queens as Jesus’ disciples, among other symbols that rankled Christian viewers.
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Abby Johnson, host of the “Politely Rude” podcast and former Planned Parenthood clinic director-turned-women’s advocate, rebuked the depiction of Jesus and His disciples, writing on X, “It’s crazy how they openly degrade and mock our beliefs then call us intolerant.”
Franklin Graham, CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, called the move “disrespectful to Christians everywhere,” adding: “Even more than being disrespectful to Christians, I would be concerned about being disrespectful to God. His Word tells us, ‘Be not deceived, God is not mocked’ (Galatians 6:7). It would be nice if President Biden, a Catholic, would issue a statement condemning this. Whether you’re Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, or Protestant, it is offensive.”
Actress Candace Cameron Bure lamented seeing “the opening ceremonies completely blasphemed and mock the Christian faith with their interpretation of 'The Last Supper,'” describing the portrayal as “disgusting.”
Harrison Butker, a kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, shared the Bible verse Galatians 6:7-8 in a post on X in response to what many dubbed a “blasphemous” display: “Be not deceived, God is not mocked. For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap. For he that soweth in his flesh, of the flesh also shall reap corruption. But he that soweth in the spirit, of the spirit shall reap life everlasting.”
Greg Laurie of Harvest Fellowship in California questioned on X, “Why go out of your way to insult billions of people who believe in Jesus Christ?” He wrote, “So how should we react to this? We redouble our efforts to bring the Gospel to a lost world. That’s it.”
In response to the growing backlash, Anne Deschamps, spokesperson for Paris 2024, stated, “Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group.” The opening ceremony, she added, “tried to celebrate community tolerance. … We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offence we are really sorry.”
Leah M. Klett is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: leah.klett@christianpost.com
