The opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris has sparked quite a bit of controversy, especially among Christians. A noticeable hubbub arose when the ceremony featured a performance with drag queens parodying Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’.
Bishop Robert Barron’s Strong Response
One of the loudest voices criticizing this display is Bishop Robert Barron, a prominent Catholic leader from Minnesota. He took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice his disappointment, calling the performance a “gross mockery” of a very sacred moment in Christianity.
Bishop Barron, who is the head of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, is known for his online influence and strong dedication to the faith. With over 285 thousand followers on X, his comments drew significant attention. In his post, Barron lamented how Christians in the West are becoming too passive and weak against such disrespectful acts.
The Performance and Its Implications
The opening ceremony featured several performers, including drag queens and a large woman in a halo crown, mimicking ‘The Last Supper’. It’s a scene deeply revered in Christian tradition, symbolizing Jesus Christ sharing his last meal with his apostles before his crucifixion.
This portrayal upset many Christians and conservatives, including Barron. He expressed his disappointment that a nation with such a rich Catholic heritage would stage such a disrespectful act. “France, historically known as the eldest daughter of the Church, ironically chose to mock a central moment of Christianity,” Barron remarked.
France’s Rich Catholic History
Bishop Barron spoke about France’s deep Catholic roots. He reminded everyone that Paris was a major center for great religious scholars like Thomas Aquinas and Vincent De Paul. The country has historically played a significant role in spreading the Catholic faith worldwide. Therefore, a display mocking such an important event seemed particularly out of place.
Addressing Modern Secularism
Barron suggested that modern secular society recognizes Christianity as an ideological opponent. He implied that this recognition is evident through such performances, which openly challenge and mock Christian values. For Barron, it is crucial that Christians do not shy away but speak up against such instances of disrespect.
Calls for Active Resistance
Barron encouraged Christians not to be meek but to resist and let their voices be heard. He referenced historical fightbacks against injustice, most notably Martin Luther King Jr.’s non-violent movements. Barron interpreted Jesus’ teaching to turn the other cheek not as a call for passivity, but as a strategic way to expose and confront injustice.
In his own words, “We should mimic King’s battle for justice: call out evil for what it is, highlight its negativity, and strive to disrupt its progress.” He also emphasized the power of social media in today’s world to fight against wrongs, mentioning how his own platform can effectively resist actions like those seen in Paris.
Bishop Robert Barron’s remarks come at a time when Christians are facing numerous cultural challenges. His call for a more assertive defense of the faith might resonate with many who feel that their beliefs are increasingly under attack.
