The clash of secular France with the Christian and religious world around it was clearly on show in the two key images of the Olympics.
But France is a religious country too. That religion is secularism. It bears all the hallmarks and fervour of a repressive religion and nothing of grace. There is little that is genuinely free about this country of 'Liberté'.
There was an instruction to all French athletes to avoid religious comments in interviews. Any French athletes who chose to wear the hijab were banned from participating – possibly a breach of international human rights.
Aside from
its interminable length, the opening ceremony will be remembered for one image.
A replication of the Last Supper by drag artists. I know that France claims it
to be a Greek orgy (hardly better!) but the half-hearted apology points to it
deliberately being both.
The
remarkable picture of Brazilian Gabriel Medina on the top of the waves will be
the other image that remains after the stadia close. One of the greatest sports
photos of all time, Medina added a scripture to the shot, Philippians 4:13 – I can
do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
We also witnessed a clear Christian faith on show in numerous interviews, including British diver Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix and British swimmer Adam Peaty. We even had Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal using sign language to quote Scripture before her preliminary run. There are many wonderful videos of athletes worshiping together in the Olympic village. Check out this one with the Fiji and Palau athletes.
Here are a few of the best quotes from the Olympics:
- ‘It’s been a
crazy two years. I give glory to God.’ Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix on winning
diving bronze
- ‘Just missing out
on one medal doesn't change who I am. It was just God's way of saying there is
more to do, and I just give God all the glory.’ Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix on
missing a second medal
- ‘I feel like God
carried me through the line.’ US athlete Cole Hocker, surprise winner of men’s 1500m
- ‘Jesus came and
grabbed me; He held me close so I wouldn’t let go.’ Song sung at press conference
by Yemisi Ogunleye, German Shot Putter, after winning gold
- ‘Honestly - praise
God. I was not expecting that, but He can do anything. Anything is possible in
Christ.’ US athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone after winning gold in 400m
hurdles, world record time
- ‘We have overcome,
By the blood of the Lamb, And the word of the Lord.’ Fiji Rugby Team singing
before the match
- ‘Jesus Revealed,
Jesus Glorified, Hallelujah.’ Rasheedat Ajibade, Nigerian Footballer, written
on her shirt
- ‘Blessed is the
man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.’ Yenni Álvarez,
Colombia, weightlifter, posted on Instagram
- ‘Into the light’.
New tattoo with a cross, revealed at Olympics, ‘After three years of hell, my
faith has made me a new man.’ Interview with Evening Standard newspaper, Adam
Peaty British swimmer, silver 100m breaststroke
- ‘A huge thank you
again to God for giving me that immense mental strength, for giving me that
strength of faith, for telling me through tears day after day that His purpose
is great in my life.’ Marileidy Paulino, Dominican Republic, gold medal, women's 400 metres, new olympic record
- ‘Those who hope
in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.’ Eagle tattoo with
Bible reference, Caeleb Dressel, US swimmer
- ‘You turned my
mourning into dance, Lord, my God, I will give you thanks forever.’ Nyeme Nunes,
Brazil volleyball, posted on Instagram
- ‘Though the fig
tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, …yet I will be joyful
in God my Savior. I am resilient. God is good.’ Keturah Orji, US triple jumper,
posted during Olympics
- ‘Winning gold in
the 100m in Paris is still surreal. The journey has been long, winding, and
demanding, but every sacrifice, every tear, and every early morning was worth
it. I’m humbled and grateful for God’s grace and mercy.’ Julien Alfred, Saint
Lucia, 100m sprint winner
Across the nations,
we are witnessing a decline in formal Christian religion. But at the same time, a
glorious increase in the real thing, reflected by these athletes. Revival is in
the air. And secular France is on God’s agenda.
