I think it’s safe to say I’ve never in my life been so disappointed in my brethren. I can’t tell you the last time I’ve been criticized so harshly by Christians. The temperature of the room in the comment section, the vile in which the words were spoken, and the frequency of these hateful statements, took my breath away (If you are unaware of any backlash, please read the previous blogs on the persecution of Christians).
Hundreds of messages, phone calls, texts, and DM/IMs at all hours of the day and night lit up my electronic devices. In fact, I couldn’t even answer a question, or respond to comments, because the phone kept lighting up and buzzing. People were actually defending the drag show! They were in favor of the artistic expression. Some immediately started arguing that it had nothing to do with Jesus.
Online criticism started almost immediately with Christians, Jews, French leaders, and even some LGBTQ+ groups expressing outrage over the depiction of Jesus and the apostles. Coptics, Catholics, orthodox, Baptists, Mormons, Hindus and many other religious groups quickly took to social media to criticize this performance that mocks the Last Supper.
But what about my brethren? Some Christians declared war within the comments section of anyone (and everyone) who dared to be “offended.” Who did they debate? Literally anyone. Some of my “friends” attacked other “friends.” This was so bad that I had to delete dozens of comments (and corresponding comments) to avoid further warfare. Christian brethren were not just argumentative but hateful, rude, obnoxious and even vulgar! Yes, they used curse words and name calling towards each other. It was awful. The behavior of several youth ministers and young people caused me to shudder. Truly unbelievable and reprehensible.
People speaking out in the comments of my page began posting their own public responces calling me out. Arguing that we live in Babylon. To let it go. Crying foul. Not calling for a cease fire but swinging the pendulum. We needed to avoid “pearl clutching” and claiming that Jesus would have loved “sitting at that table” with the drag queens. It’s only entertainment, after all. Yup. Actual statements.
Did they see the nudity? Did they see the sex scenes? What about the satanic influences and dark imagery? What about the hints of pedophilia and homosexuality? Maybe I’m just pearl clutching.
The pendulum swing brought out the worst in people. They rushed to blogs, podcasts, posts and any open comment section that was public. Most people felt compelled to “pick a side.” And they did. And they started picking on the other side. Swiftly. Harshly. Repeatedly. Without remorse.
The first 48 hours were probably the worst, for me. I couldn’t sleep or study or relax. So I posted a simple response through META after dealing with all the hateful and argumentative comments. I said, “Babylon has never had so many Christian defenders. Believers are defending artistic expression, Satanic rituals and blasphemy. This is spiritual warfare! Pray for the church. May God help us.”
I assumed these comments might calm the storm or at least cause people to put themselves in another person’s shoes. I hoped it might awaken the zombies. Praying it might force my followers to stop the regurgitation of hate and word vomit against each other. This was a spiritual battle. Couldn’t we see the damage? Nope. And I was clearly wrong. Let the real pearl clutching begin.
In my DMs I was torched, but thankfully it was not public. Many of my personal responses could be summed up by me saying: Don’t drink the Kool-Aid! Clearly to me it was Jesus and the disciples at the Last Supper acted out by drag queens. It was an international act to provoke Christians. And it’s clear to me that millions of people saw the same thing.
The media tried to right the tide. Didn’t they? More damage control, cover up and gaslighting over the opening ceremonies. I know what I saw. I know how I felt. And I wasn’t alone. However, the media was asking, “What really happened?” It depends on who you ask. Maybe it wasn’t really a parody of the Last Supper. Maybe it was just a depiction of ancient Greek bacchanalia (Bacchus/Dionysus). Really? We’re supposed to believe it was a celebration of the Greek God of feasting, ritual and theater? I wasn’t buying it for a minute! But Kool-Aid drinkers were lining up in droves! Clutching those pearls for dear life.
There is no doubt that the Olympics are from Greek tradition. Likewise, no one would argue that the French culture is deeply rooted in feasting and performing arts. But even Stretch Armstrong couldn’t make those connection and say it had nothing to do with Jesus! Not even close.
I challenged people to just compare the pictures. Which looks more like an imitation of artistic expression? You don’t need to be a Greek scholar, or a French citizen, or an art major to make the connection to the Last Supper. Yes, the chubby naked Smurf guy bursts on the scene quickly to distract from the drag show, but the scene was a clear parody of the last supper.
Today there is more damage control. We’ve seen confessions, apologies and continued cries of outrage against the opening ceremonies. Sponsors have pulled their support. Celebrities have taken To social media. The IOC organizers and NBC have recongnized that the money is drying up. They need the viewers and sponsors, so actions are being taken to remove the images and videos. There is a consensus that this stunt was intentional and hurtful.
I believe that an educated public should be an outraged public. Do your own research. The stubborn things about facts is that you can’t ignore the truth. The truth will set you free. As the Lord told Hosea, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).
The last 24 hours have been easier. I’ve had many messages of support from ministers, old friends, family, professors and complete strangers. I’ve muted the comments section. But I have not deleted the posts (except the ones asked to be permanently deleted). There are some important things we can learn from this situation. Erasing the evidence is easy, but it doesn’t help us learn from our mistakes.
Let me share a story… in my youth I loved riding my bicycle all over town. One day we stopped at a friend’s house. His dogs were super protective! We could not raise our voices in his yard. We could not wrestle or rough house. On this specific day I tested the patience of his dogs. We started wrestling in the yard to see their reaction. That was a huge mistake!
I’d never had a real dog bite. I’d actually never had a healthy fear of dogs. My dogs were super sweet. But now I have some scars on my legs. They are a reminder that you never test the limits of an animal. Never let your guard down. One of his dogs left a big impression on me. Literally.
After I escaped the clutches of the dog and I rode that BMX home as quickly as possible! Crying. Bloody socks and shoes. Limping into the house and into the arms of my momma. Those scars remind me that if you mess with the bull (dog) you’re gonna get the horns (K-9 bite ). I’ve learned that I’m not immune from attack. I’ve learned that if you open a can of worms there will be consequences. I may not always know what to do, but I’ve learned what not to do.
I’m not proud of the reactions from my comments. I’m not proud of the behavior of my “friends” on social media. But I took a stand. I own it. I’ve learned from it. Satan can hit us hard when we stand up but we’re more dangerous on our knees!
I previously challenged: “Wake up, America!” If you are awake… it’s time to stand up. Don’t be lukewarm. Accept the call. Pray for wisdom. Speak up but don’t forget to listen. Be kind but stay bold. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in and accept any criticism. Life is to short to dwell in the shadows.
The response to our collective outrage over the opening ceremonies has made a difference. YOU have made an impact. Have a backbone. Stand tall. Even when it’s hard. Even if you’re alone. Even if your friends are against you. As my grandpa used to say, “If it’s worth doing… it’s worth doing right!”
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds, PhD
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