How Should Christians Respond to Mockery?

Recently, an incident at the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony caused a stir in the Christian community. This article addresses the significance of that event and how believers should respond.

During the opening ceremony, a controversial artwork resembling the Last Supper, but featuring LGBTQ figures and symbols, was displayed. This prompted widespread debate about whether it mocked Christianity and how believers should respond.

The scene, intended to challenge Christian symbols and beliefs, replaced Christ and the apostles with LGBTQ figures. Despite attempts to deny its significance, it was a clear rejection of Christian truths. The reactions varied from outrage to justifications as artistic expression. Many Christians felt they had been the target of mockery one time too many and asked if this had happened with a revered secular symbol, such as the ANZAC symbol in Australia, the outrage would be expected and seen as understandable. So why should Christians feel any different?

The portrayal included a blend of elements from the Last Supper and a festival of Greek gods. The designer claimed it depicted a festival of Greek gods, specifically Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy. However, the similarities to the Last Supper, combined with the symbolism of replacing Jesus’ new covenant, symbolized with a cup of wine as a symbol of his blood and sacrifice, being replaced with the god of wine and ecstasy, were evident. This act was a profound rejection of Christian truth, promoting the idea of rejecting Christ and choosing one’s path, suggesting people are gods of their own life.

How should Christians respond to such mockery of the Christian message when the Olympics are meant to bring people together, not create division? Here are a few considerations:

Don’t Be Surprised

Jesus warned that his followers would face persecution and mockery. Matthew 5:11-12 says, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” As followers of Christ, Christians should expect and be prepared for such challenges.

Understand the Context

Society is in a post-Christendom world, where the church no longer holds the same influence over the state. Christendom, the period when the church controlled the state, had both positive and negative impacts. While it brought advancements in education and charity, it also led to corruption and violence by the church itself. It is essential to recognize that now is a period where the church’s influence has waned, and mockery is commonplace.

Respond with Grace

Jesus taught to respond to evil with good. Matthew 5:38-39 instructs, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” The response to mockery should be one of grace, not retaliation. Christians should seek to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

Protest with Dignity

While retaliation is not the answer, standing up for beliefs is important. Non-violent resistance, responding with dignity and defiance, and living out the kingdom’s ethics are all ways to protest without resorting to violence. Actions should reflect the love and teachings of Christ, even in the face of mockery. Some examples of Christian values for protesting include:

  • Love: “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Protesting with love involves showing compassion and understanding, even to those who mock or oppose Christian beliefs.
  • Humility: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Demonstrating humility means recognizing the worth of others, even in disagreement, and protesting without arrogance or pride.
  • Truth: “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another” (Ephesians 4:25). Protesting with truth involves speaking honestly and clearly about beliefs, while avoiding deceit or exaggeration.
  • Forgiveness: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). A protest grounded in forgiveness emphasizes reconciliation and the possibility of change, rather than holding onto anger or resentment.

Refocusing our Efforts.

Rather than concentrating our efforts on ourselves, I suggest we shift our focus toward others. By moving away from seeing ourselves as victims and instead becoming supporters who actively help others, we can not only change the current narrative but also engage in actions that bring honour to God. This shift could encompass various initiatives, such as:

Injustice and Oppression

Christians are called to stand against injustice and advocate for the oppressed.

  • Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
  • Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
  • Proverbs 31:8-9: “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Corruption and Dishonesty

Christians should oppose corruption and dishonesty in all forms.

  • Proverbs 11:1: “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.”
  • Proverbs 12:22: “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”

Injustice Against the Unborn

Christians should stand for the sanctity of life, including the protection of the unborn.

  • Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
  • Exodus 20:13: “You shall not murder.”

Environmental Stewardship

Christians should care for God’s creation and protest against its abuse.

  • Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”
  • Romans 8:19-21: “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”

Racism and Discrimination

Christians should oppose racism and all forms of discrimination.

  • Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
  • James 2:1-4: “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there,’ or, ‘Sit down at my feet,’ have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”

In conclusion, the incident at the Paris Olympics highlights the ongoing challenges Christians face in a post-Christendom world. As followers of Christ, responding with grace, understanding, and a firm commitment to faith is crucial. By doing so, moments of mockery can be turned into opportunities to share and demonstrate the love and truth of Jesus’ message.