Reformed. Christianity. Evangelism. Modern Culture.
The opening ceremony of the Olympics in every host nation always tells the story of … whatever! The Summer 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony celebrations were whatever you wanted to make of them. That may sound post modern but look, we all got what ever we wanted. Didn’t we? Booms, blasts and Bond! Oh yes, we even saw Her Majesty become a Bond girl. There was a high speed river chase in a super boat. An adrenaline pumping helicopter dash with a heroine leaping into a gaping hole of pyrotechnics. Industrial action (pun intended)! Health care service was given a make over. Ancient pagan worship and modern dance entertained us with one titillating love story. Or so we thought. Even the conspiracy theorists got enough fodder when they saw Illuminati pyramids surround the arena. How about the Christians? Well there was the Christian hymn “Abide in me” to keep conservatives happy. It was a vague after-note some still say after it was edited out by American media. The bigger story was to be a diverse celebration of Life, humanity and death.
Speaking of which do we ever think of life here after? Maybe the answer was hidden in the tallest animated symbol of all in the Olympics stadium. Do you mean the hideously monstrous “death” effigy?
Whatever the glamorised character was, it sure kept the children in awe. Our performance arts, theatre and movies glamorise “death”. The Olympics did not fail to impress by feeding our rabid base lust for the necrotic. We indeed got what we wanted.
One would wonder, in the midst of our mundane uncertainties of life where do we Earthlings draw our comfort and strength from? Does all of life consist in the winning of an Olympic Gold or breaking a record? A wise man once asked a very pertinent question and it is a fitting question that every one should ask themselves whether Olympian, spectator, royal or pauper. The question is: What is your only comfort in life and death?
We sure know how to celebrate life, humanity and death but how about God? We seem to be able to put on the greatest shows on earth, master great feats of human conquest and endurance but not be able to love God the way we ought to…unless He revives us. Revive us, dear Lord despite our folly and innate wickedness! Will you regard our helpless estate and give us what we desperately need?
Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? ~ Psalm 85:6
A Twisted Crown of Thorns ® 
The Olympics is based on paganism – what else can we expect?
Well said indeed!
Good and balanced comment. I did think that the long history of Christianity in these islands was almost wholly absent. I always have a problem with ‘Jerusalem’ as it opens with four questions, the answer to all of which is ‘no’.
it was a strange event to watch !!