Bishop Barron Slams Paris Olympics for Offensive Last Supper Depiction

By
Scott McJunkin
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Bishop Robert Barron | Source: commons.wikimedia.org

Overview

Bishop Robert Barron, a well-known Catholic cultural commentator, strongly criticized the Paris Olympics committee for its depiction of the Last Supper with sexualized drag queens in the opening ceremony, calling the apology issued by the committee patronizing and insincere.

Why It Matters

This incident underscores the growing disregard for religious sensitivities and the potential erosion of cultural values that many Americans hold dear.

Who It Impacts

The controversy primarily affects Christians and religious individuals who feel their beliefs are increasingly marginalized and disrespected in public forums.

Bishop Robert Barron has vocally condemned the Paris Olympics committee after it depicted the Last Supper of Jesus with sexualized drag queens during the opening ceremony, sparking outrage among Christians worldwide. Barron, a prominent Catholic cultural commentator, labeled the committee’s subsequent apology as dismissive and insincere, urging Christians to continue raising their voices against such disrespect.

In a viral reaction video, Barron expressed his disdain for the committee’s portrayal, which he described as a “gross mockery of the Last Supper.” The committee’s apology, which claimed there was no intention to offend any religious group, was met with skepticism by Barron. “Give me a break. So, we have a group of drag queens cavorting in a kind of sexually provocative way, clearly an imitation of Da Vinci’s Last Supper, which presents to the world the last supper of Jesus, and no disrespect was meant? You think anyone takes that seriously?” he questioned.

Barron further criticized the committee’s narrative of inclusivity and tolerance, pointing out its hypocrisy. “Everyone’s welcome. Everyone’s tolerated,” he said sarcastically, “All this lovely diversity until you get to anyone who disagrees with your ideology. Like these 2.6 billion [Christians].”

Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps issued a statement saying, “If people have taken any offense we are really sorry.” However, Barron found this response lacking. “Christians were offended because it was offensive, and it was intended to be offensive, so please don’t patronize us with this condescending remark about ‘well, if you had any bad feelings, we’re awfully sorry about that,’” he argued. According to Barron, a genuine apology should acknowledge the mistake and express sincere regret.

In a follow-up interview with Fox News, Barron reiterated his discontent with the apology and called on Christians to persist in voicing their objections. He warned of the cultural consequences of diminishing Christianity, emphasizing that Western civilization could suffer significantly from the loss of Christian narratives and symbols.

“Here’s what really bugs me. You know, if we just keep mocking Christianity, what will happen when in our culture, people no longer hear the story of the prodigal son? They no longer hear the story of the Good Samaritan? They no longer see the depiction of the Last Supper for what it is? They no longer see the crucified Christ? What will happen to our culture when those things are mocked out of existence? I think the culture will suffer enormously from it,” Barron stated.

This incident highlights a broader issue of growing disregard for religious beliefs in public discourse. The portrayal of sacred religious events in a disrespectful manner not only offends believers but also signals a troubling trend towards the marginalization of traditional values. The controversy over the Paris Olympics opening ceremony serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect and respect the cultural and religious foundations that have long underpinned Western society.

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