The Last "Olympic" Supper
A Feast for Art, a Fast for Political Decorum
This weekend, the world gathered to witness the grand opening of the Olympics, an event celebrated for its ability to bring together nations and cultures in a spirit of unity and competition. However, the opening ceremony, known for its creative and often bold artistic expressions, sparked a wave of controversy this year, and I’m not talking about Snoop Dogg (real name Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.) holding what can only be described as the smallest blunt he’s ever held while he participated in the opening ceremony.
The focal point of the debate? A depiction inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting, "The Last Supper."
As the ceremony unfolded, a modern rendition of "The Last Supper" was presented, designed to symbolize unity and the coming together of athletes from diverse backgrounds. While many appreciated this artistic nod to a masterpiece, others were quick to voice their offense, citing it as a disrespectful appropriation of a sacred Christian scene.
Thomas Jolly, the artistic director for the ceremony said that the inspiration for that scene was the Greek god Dionysus, however the producers of the 2024 Paris Olympics said the scene was inspired by the “Last Supper.” Regardless of the true inspiration one thing is for certain, the outrage by many American Evangelicals was omnipresent.
The irony of this outrage cannot be overlooked, especially when contrasted with the almost daily perversions of the Bible by former President Donald Trump, whose actions and statements have frequently sparked debates about the misuse of religious symbolism and teachings.
A Case of Selective Outrage?
The uproar over the Olympic ceremony’s artistic choice seems particularly ironic when considering the actions of Donald Trump, who has repeatedly wielded religious imagery and rhetoric in ways that many argue are far more egregious. Here are a few notable examples:
The Bible Photo Op: Perhaps one of the most infamous incidents was in June 2020, when Trump had peaceful protesters forcibly cleared from Lafayette Square to pose with a Bible in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church. This act was widely criticized as a blatant political stunt, leveraging a sacred text for a photo opportunity devoid of genuine religious sentiment.
Two Corinthians: During a speech at Liberty University, Trump referred to "Second Corinthians" as "Two Corinthians," highlighting a lack of familiarity with the Bible. This misstep was seen by many as indicative of his superficial engagement with Christian teachings, further underlined by his inconsistent and often contradictory public statements on faith.
On Forgiveness: In a 2015 interview, Trump famously claimed he doesn’t need to ask God for forgiveness, stating, "I don’t think in terms of that." For many Christians, repentance and seeking forgiveness are core tenets of the faith, making this statement particularly jarring and at odds with the values he purported to champion.
"Eye for an Eye" Comment (March 2016): In a CNN town hall, Trump referenced the biblical principle of "an eye for an eye" to justify his stance on torture and harsh interrogation techniques, which many Christians interpreted as a misapplication of the Old Testament law, given the New Testament teachings on forgiveness and turning the other cheek.
"Bible is My Favorite Book": Trump has often claimed that the Bible is his favorite book but has been vague or evasive when asked to name specific verses or passages that are meaningful to him, leading to skepticism about the sincerity of his claims.
The Broader Context
The selective outrage over the Olympic ceremony’s artistic depiction highlights a broader issue: the ways in which religious symbols and narratives are manipulated for various ends. While it’s understandable that deeply religious individuals might feel protective over sacred imagery, it’s crucial to recognize and address the inconsistencies in responses to these appropriations.
When an international event like the Olympics uses art to convey a message of unity and togetherness, it should spark dialogue and reflection rather than outrage. Conversely, when political figures exploit religious symbols for personal gain or power, it’s essential to call out these actions and hold them to account. To learn more about how Trump has co-opted the and exploited American Christians, check out our episode we did about the deification of the former president, “Choosing Barabbas.”
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the Olympics opening ceremony’s depiction of "The Last Supper" serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between art, religion, and politics. It challenges us to reflect on our responses to these intersections and to strive for consistency in our defense of sacred symbols. As we navigate these discussions, let’s aim to uphold the true spirit of unity and respect that both the Olympics and religious teachings seek to promote.