Before I get into this, let me paraphrase the Old Testament writer Amos and say, I’m not a prophet or the son of one, but I’ll do it until one shows up…
I’ve had some time to process the events at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and I am concerned.
What has me deeply concerned is the uproar from many Christians over the opening ceremonies. Some Christians are outraged by the drag performance, believing it mocked the Last Supper.
I didn’t watch it and don’t particularly care but the moment I saw the pictures, I was confused. I immediately assumed it was portraying the feast of Dionysus, which makes sense, considering the role of Greek mythology in Olympic history and the fact that a famous painting by that name hangs in a Parisian gallery.
We may have jumped to conclusions by reading our culture into another one, rather than seeing what was there in context.
It’s not the fact that we may have misinterpreted the performance that frustrates me, however. My frustration remains even if they were mocking the Last Supper.
I’m not defending anything or anyone but I think our reaction may be missing the mark on this one.
Here’s my issue: Why do we waste so much energy on a pointless culture war when real problems demand our attention?
I got a text from a kid tonight saying that her family hadn’t eaten in two days.
Nothing in the fridge.
No feast in their house. Passover, Dionysus, or otherwise…
I’m writing this while I wait in the Domino’s parking lot for their pizzas to get done. Not a feast but I’m sure it will feel like it to six kids who haven’t eaten in two days.
Tomorrow, the church will buy them groceries.
I was reluctant to share this because I don’t want anyone to get the idea that I’m bragging about the good we’re doing.
I’m not bragging.
I’m angry.
I’m angry that we’re wasting our energy fighting unwinnable culture wars instead of caring for the orphans, widows, immigrants, and the poor.
You know, the things Jesus commanded us to do.
We would rather rage about drag shows than show the love of Christ.
We’d rather give our money to politicians than to the poor.
Let’s stop trying to control a culture that belongs to Satan.
Hollywood? He can have it.
The music industry? It’s always been his.
Pro sports? Same thing.
Washington? Let him keep that mess, too.
You will be shocked by what God does when we stop giving all of our attention to Satan and start being the hands and feet of Christ in our communities.
Let’s stop trying to take political power and change the world with the power of the cross.
Peter accomplished nothing by cutting off the soldier’s ear.
Jesus accomplished everything on a cross.
Trade your white horse for a donkey.
I’m echoing the frustration of Jesus when he turned to His disciples and said, “You’ve been with me this long and you’re still this stupid? No, we are not going to take back the government. I’m talking about a new kind of kingdom. (paraphrased)”
Still want a Christian nation? Wake up.
Hell is real and a lot of your neighbors are living in it.
Some of us have had our heads in the clouds too long and are getting high off our own self-righteousness.
There is no winning American (or any other) culture back. There are, however, millions of souls in need of Jesus.
Our mission is clear: to serve and uplift those around us by sharing the love of Christ in EVERY way, EVERY day, to EVERYONE.
EVERYTHING else is idolatry.
Spot on. Thank you.
Thanks!