As the Paris Olympics opened with a blasphemous parody of Da Vinci’s Last Supper, a gasp rose from the collective mouths of the Catholic and Christian World. Even Elon Musk, who self-describes himself as a cultural Christian, protested at the unnecessary offending of one-quarter of the world’s population.Â
Ironically or perhaps understandably, some of the Paris Olympic organizers have offered a non-apology apology.1 They are sorry that anyone was offended. Paris 2024 spokesman Anne Descamps said, “Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group.”2 Sorry Anne, but that wasn’t very clear. In contrast, others have defended the parody as protecting and celebrating true freedom of expression. France just wants the world to see it as a tolerant community. The fact that it was offensive to a large part of the world’s population if not the intended outcome, was simply a bonus. In a calculatedly secular society, nothing is sacred…literally.
Of course, for some time now, France has considered itself to be a secular nation devoid of religious symbolism and attire. Laws are passed to ensure that a cross on a necklace and, equally, a Sikh turban or Muslim hijab are taboo in government offices. It is not necessarily an attempt to be anti-religious but more of a move towards pretending that it doesn’t exist. It reminds me of a scene in the first Matrix movie. Neo is waiting to see the Oracle and watches a young boy in a robe bending a spoon, ostensibly by psychokinesis. The young boy admonishes Neo to try to realize the truth. In response, Neo asks, “What truth?” The young boy’s answer sums up the attitude toward religion of any secular society. He says, “There is no spoon.”3 The parody of DaVinci’s painting is the french answer to the question, “What truth?” The so-called tolerant community adamantly states, “There is no religion!”
In a calculatedly secular society, nothing is sacred… literally.
Am I personally offended by this mocking of my faith? Sure, but I am not surprised. Jesus himself said, “Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.”4 The church in general has enjoyed a fairly long run of popularity. Thankfully the message of faith is dangerous again.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
