The Godly Knight Report

Faith Under Fire: Drag Queens at the Last Supper?

• Michael the Archangel • Episode 3

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Can a parody push the boundaries of faith and art too far, or is it a necessary challenge to keep our beliefs robust? Tune into the inaugural episode of the Godly Night Report with Michael the Archangel as we dissect the provocative Last Supper parody at the Paris Olympics. Featuring drag queens and avant-garde elements, this modern interpretation has sparked a whirlwind of debate within the Christian community. We'll ground our discussion in Matthew 5:13-16, reminding believers of their duty to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world," and scrutinize the strong opinions of figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr., who both call for a more robust defense of the faith.

This episode also takes a surprising turn as we explore Andrew Tate’s unexpected defense of Christianity, despite his recent conversion to Islam. Tate's criticism of the Last Supper parody and his public protests outside the French embassy highlight a deeper conversation about the role of religious imagery in public events. We also delve into former President Donald Trump's condemnation of the event, pondering his alignment with Christian values. Join us as we analyze these reactions and discuss the cultural and political stakes of standing up for one's faith.

We conclude with a powerful reflection on the unwavering courage of biblical heroes like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Peter, John, Stephen, Paul, and Jesus. Their stories of faith and resilience offer spiritual strength and inspiration for modern Christians facing societal challenges. Michael emphasizes the importance of balancing righteous anger with Christian love and forgiveness, encouraging listeners to hold onto their faith during trying times. Whether you seek to understand the controversy, find encouragement, or explore the teachings of contemporary figures like Elon Musk and Andrew Tate, this episode promises a thoughtful and compelling journey through faith and modern society.

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Michael the Archangel:

Hello and welcome back to another episode of. Well, I need to address that now, don't I? Normally I would say the Archangel Chronicles. However, I've had to change the name Only because I have learned that there's another podcast out there that has the same name, so I had to rename it. And so welcome to the first episode of the Godly Night Report, where we explore the intersections of faith, culture and truth, culture and Truth.

Michael the Archangel:

I'm Michael the Archangel, and today we're going to delve into a topic that has started controversy, stirred hearts and sparked debate across the globe the portrayal of the Last Supper at the Paris Olympics. As we navigate through this discussion, we'll examine how this event challenges us as Christians to reflect on our role and the vitality of our faith in contemporary society. We'll also look at the varied reactions from notable figures and what this means for the dialogue between sacred traditions and modern expressions. Now, I know I'm late to the party, as this happened over a month ago. I'm well aware I'm a little late weighing in happened over a month ago. I'm well aware I'm a little late weighing in, but let's set the scene anyway. During the july 26th opening ceremony at the paris olympics, a segment intended and yes, I'm using quotations when I say intended to showcase artistic diversity, took a form that many interpreted as a parody of the last, complete with modern and provocative elements such as drag queens and avant-garde artists, and a strange man in blue that appeared to be naked and possibly depicting our Lord and Savior, really rubbed me the wrong way. This bold interpretation has ignited a firestorm of reactions ranging from outrage to applause. Discussions on respect and representation of sacred traditions in public spaces and talks reflecting broader societal tensions around sacred symbols and artistic freedoms are raging. Before we discuss the reactions and implications of this portrayal, let's ground our conversation in scripture.

Michael the Archangel:

Matthew, chapter 5, verses 13 through 16, says you are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Instead, they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house In the same way. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven. Now Matthew, chapter five, verses 13 through 16, teaches that followers of Jesus are meant to make a positive difference in the world by living out their faith. So let me break it down simply for you you are the salt of the earth. Salt preserves and adds flavor, and just like that, christians are called to make the world a better place by living in a way that reflects God's love and values. This should help preserve goodness and truth in society. You are the light of the world. Light shines in darkness, guiding others and showing them the way Christians are meant to be, like a light that shines by doing good things and living in a way that shows others God's goodness. Now I share the scripture with you because I want you to keep them in mind as we discuss this topic.

Michael the Archangel:

So let's talk about some celebrities who responded to the Last Supper parody at the Paris Olympics this year. So first off we have Elon Musk. Now Elon's known for his ventures like SpaceX and Tesla. Musk is not just a tech mogul, but also a cultural commentator who often shares his views on societal trends.

Michael the Archangel:

Mr Musk has a nuanced and somewhat non-traditional stance on religion, including Christianity. Some would say that Elon is a cultural Christian. He's occasionally referenced his respect for some Christian values, particularly in terms of moral teachings like forgiveness and the turning of the other cheek principle. In an interview, mr Musk described himself as a cultural Christian, indicating that while he may not actively practice the religion in a traditional sense, he appreciates its role in shaping Western culture and ethics. Now, in my last episode I did talk about how there are people out here, cultural Christians, who will go through the motions of being a Christian. They appreciate the way the teachings of Christ lends itself to the moral backbone of society. However, they do not embrace a relationship with Jesus Christ. They don't. They don't proclaim him as their Lord and Savior, but they like the traditions, they like the holidays, they like the rules, the way that Christianity teaches moral fortitude, but they don't have an open relationship with Jesus Christ. Yeah, real interesting, right. So Musk has also expressed a belief in the possibility of a higher power or purpose, but tends to frame his views in more philosophical and scientific terms. He has not explicitly aligned himself with any organized religion, including Christianity or any others at all, but his views show a certain openness to moral teachings of various faiths.

Michael the Archangel:

In the context of the Last Supper parody, however, at the Olympics, mr Musk remarked that Christianity has become toothless, suggesting that he views the religion as having lost some of its influence or potency in modern society. I could not believe that. Toothless, really, christianity, toothless. He also goes on to say that Christianity no longer commands respect or holds the influence it once did in public life. Now this statement aligns with his broader perspective on the role of religion in the contemporary world. As this controversy tends to grow as it's growing, responses from other notable figures like donald trump Jr has made their way into the forefront of the argument. Elon reiterated his stance when he wrote unless there is more bravery to stand up for what is fair and right, christianity will perish. This statement sparked further discussion about the perceived diminishing influence of religious sentiments in contemporary societal and cultural contexts.

Michael the Archangel:

Next we have Ms. Candace is an American actress, producer and author, but she's best known for her role as DJ Tanner on the TV show Full House and its sequel Fuller House. Outside of her acting career, though, she's well known for her strong Christian faith and her involvement in faith-based projects. Candace has been outspoken about her Christian beliefs, which she embraced more deeply in her early 20s, after growing up in a Christian household. She regularly speaks about how her faith influences her personal and professional life, including her decisions in the entertainment industry. She is a devout evangelical Christian and has written several books on faith and personal growth, discussing how her beliefs guide her in maintaining balance in her family, career and spiritual life. Candice also appears regularly on Christian media platforms discussing topics such as marriage, parenting and maintaining strong moral values in today's culture. She has been an advocate for Christian values and traditional family structures, often using her platform to share her faith and encourage others to live according to biblical principles. Candace's critique labels the act at the Olympics as disgusting, reflecting her strong stance on maintaining religious reverence in public portrayals. Hmm, somebody else who found it disgusting?

Michael the Archangel:

Next, we're going to examine a response from Mr Andrew Tate. Now, if you don't know Andrew, he's a figure whose reactions often ignite vigorous discussion. He's a former kickboxing champion. Sometimes I get ahead of myself. Tate has reinvented himself as a high profile social media influencer, known for his controversial views on various social issues. Recently, andrew Tate has publicly identified with Islam and he converted to Islam and um. This religious choice shapes his viewpoints and public statements. Now, his vocal disapproval and subsequent protest highlight his call to action for the Christian community to defend their beliefs more vigorously. Now, now, get this. He is a follower of Islam, but yet he actually took a stance to defend Christianity. Where do you see any Muslim or anyone who identifies with Islam defending Christianity? When does this happen? Defending Christianity when does this happen? Like it took something like this for someone to step up and actually come to the defense of Christianity, even though he's not a Christian. This boggles the mind. I know it boggles mine.

Michael the Archangel:

Andrew Tate expressed his outrage over the last supper parody featured in the Paris Olympics when he asked where are the Christians? He literally asked where are all the Christians, and he was questioning the lack of Christian protest. He highlighted his frustration about the inclusion of such a portrayal in a sports event, especially in what he described as a supposedly Christian country and yes, we're using quotes again, air quotations supposedly Christian country. Tate's response was fervent, and I quote I don't know what it's going to take for you people to stand up and stop this shit. He remarked on social media. Now, those were his words, not mine. I just quoted him exactly, underlining his disappointment with the Christian community for not defending the religious imagery more robustly. Religious imagery more robustly. Additionally, he protested outside the French embassy, signaling his severe discontent and willingness to face legal consequences for his actions. So here's a man who believes in Islam. Okay, he's not a Christian. He doesn't believe in Christianity. All his thoughts and opinions and actions are grounded mostly in his religious belief Islam.

Michael the Archangel:

The display at the Olympics that he went out of his way to go and protest outside the French embassy on behalf of Christianity. What does that say about? Well, one, about the display at the Olympics. You know they're trying to explain this away, as you know. Well, this was. This was not meant to be offensive to Christians. This was not meant to be a parody of the Last Supper. They're saying that this was supposed to be the. If I remember correctly, they were saying that this was supposed to be a feast of of the gods. I believe is what they called it. And that, um, the gentleman that had his body painted in blue and uh and was pretty much naked on camera, um was supposed to be dionysus. Um, I got this wrong. Somebody please correct me, but I believe that's what they said. And there was someone who came on representing an official from the Paris Olympics came on to issue a official apology for what people deemed as the last supper parody, and the creator himself was actually present.

Michael the Archangel:

Now, yes, this was supposed to be an apology, but in my opinion, this did not feel like an apology, um, to me it felt more like oh yeah, we did this and here in our country, we can do this. In our country, yes, we observe, you know, religious beliefs, but, um, we're not told how to love. We're not told that, um, we can't, you know, have same sex relationships or marriages. Um, we're not told that. You know, um, we have to adhere to to certain, to certain ways of displaying things. Um, we have artistic freedom.

Michael the Archangel:

So, yeah, I'm going to sit here and tell you I'm sorry that you know I did it. Even though I'm not sorry, I'm not going to express any remorse. I'm not going to, um, sit here and tell you, you know how, how deeply sorry that I am. I'm going to explain to you why I did it, what my thoughts were, what my intentions were, and that I was well within my rights to do it, but I'm not going to sit here and apologize and tell you hey, you know, I shouldn't have done that, no, no, at least that's how it hit me. If it hit anybody else differently, feel free to let me know. Feel free to let me know.

Michael the Archangel:

But mr tate's example, however, um, I feel that it's a challenge. He basically issued a challenge to us christians, and it's a rallying cry for us to not be passive but to actively defend the sanctity of our symbols and teachings. Ephesians, chapter six, verse 13, encourages us to put on the full armor of God so that, when the day of evil comes, we can stand our ground. Now, I'm going to come back to that a bit later, but I want to get into the next person who had a response to the display at the Olympics. So we have Mr Donald Trump, the former US president.

Michael the Archangel:

Now Donald Trump identifies as a Christian. He was raised in the Presbyterian tradition, a denomination of Protestant Christianity in the Presbyterian tradition, a denomination of Protestant Christianity. Throughout his public life, trump has spoken about his faith, reverencing the Bible and Christian values, and has often highlighted the importance of Christianity in American culture. Now, during his presidency, he aligned himself with many evangelical Christian leaders and policies that appeal to conservative Christians. However, like many public figures, his expressions of faith have also been subject to scrutiny and discussion in the media and among religious communities. His reaction is not just about the act itself, but ties into larger political and cultural battles over traditional values in modern times.

Michael the Archangel:

Donald Trump called the ceremony a disgrace, reflecting a sentiment held by many that our sacred traditions should be respected. This aligns with Psalms 119, verse 160, which says the sum of your word is truth and every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever. In simple terms, this verse means that all of god's teachings are true and the rules or guidelines he provides are right and will last forever. It's a statement about the reliability and eternal nature of God's word. So, as we reflect on these responses and these discussions, let's take time to remember 1 Peter, 3, verse 15. But, in your hearts, revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to explain their faith and the hope they have in Jesus Christ, but to do so in a kind and respectful manner. Let us approach these cultural challenges with grace and truth, upholding our faith with dignity and strength.

Michael the Archangel:

But yes, I did say but I'm going to give you my stance, my stance as a biblical, god-fearing Christian who knows who his God is, and my stance is stand up. I mean stand up now. Yes, we're told to be nonviolent. We're told to be, um you know, peaceful in what we do and what we say. We're told to, you know, to be gentle and to show kindness and mercy and forgiveness and grace. However, I believe that there are times when we, as Christians, need to stand up.

Michael the Archangel:

Ok, first of all, let me say this God will not be mocked. Galatians, chapter six, verse seven, reads do not be deceived, god cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Now, this scripture is a warning that people will face consequences for their actions. It's like saying that whatever you put out into the world, good or bad, it's going to come back to you. So if you choose to ignore God's ways and mock his principles, you won't escape the outcomes of those choices. It teaches that we can't fool God with our actions. He sees everything, everything, and we ultimately face results based on what we've done. Now, for those of you who may not see things the way I see it, and that's perfectly fine the world would not be as interesting if everybody saw things the way I see it, and that's perfectly fine. The world would not be as interesting if everybody saw things the same way.

Michael the Archangel:

However, the Bible does contain several instances where believers stand firm in their faith despite challenges and oppositions. I'm going to give you a couple of examples. First up, daniel, daniel, chapter six, when Daniel's in a lion's den. Daniel refuses to stop praying to God, despite a law enacted by King Darius that forbade prayer to anyone other than the king. Daniel's faithfulness to God leads him to be thrown into a den of lions, from which he is miraculously saved. Another example from Daniel, chapter 3.

Michael the Archangel:

The three Hebrew boys, shadrach, meshach and Abednego. These three Hebrew men refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, a direct violation of their belief in worshiping only God. They are thrown into a fiery furnace for their disobedience, but are protected and preserved by God without even a hint of smoke on them. And the men that threw them into that furnace? They looked into that furnace and they saw not three men but four, and they couldn't figure out who's the fourth man in there. That fourth man was jesus christ. He was there when those men were pulled out of that furnace. There were only three and their clothes weren't even singed. They were protected.

Michael the Archangel:

And then, from Acts, chapter 4, peter and John. After healing a lame man, peter and John are arrested for preaching about Jesus and his resurrection, even under the threat of punishment. They boldly proclaim that they cannot stop speaking about what they have seen and heard. They boldly proclaim it Even under the threat of punishment. Punishment at that time could have been imprisonment, it could have been being flogged in the street, it could have been crucifixion, but they still boldly proclaimed it. From Acts, chapter 7 Stephen Stephen stands firm in his faith even as he faces false charges brought by members of the synagogue. He gives a spirited defense of his faith and a recounting of Israelite history, culminating in his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God had a hand in Israelite history and about his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and these people stoned him to death. I got a few more for you. So, from Acts, chapters 1 through 28, paul Throughout his missionary journeys, paul faces numerous threats, beatings and imprisonments for his teachings and faith in Christ.

Michael the Archangel:

His travels eventually take him to Rome where he continues to preach the gospel under house arrest. So this man faced multiple threats, multiple imprisonments and beatings. They put him under house arrest and he's still preaching. How much courage does that take? How much boldness, how much faith in his God. And last but not least, definitely not least, from Matthew, chapter 21, verses 12 through 13, and from John, chapter 2, verses 13 through 6, our Lord and Savior, savior, jesus Christ.

Michael the Archangel:

Jesus demonstrates a zealous defense of what he believes in when he returns, when he comes to the temple, he comes in and he overturns the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling dubs in the temple, accusing them of turning his father's house into a den of robbers. That's right, jesus himself. He got filled with righteous anger. He was filled with righteous anger for what they had done to his father's house and he went in there and he was flipping over tables, he was throwing people out. I mean, the man was, the man was was. He was full of anger, but it was righteous anger at what they were doing to his father's holy house. But still he stood up, he took action. And this is our Jesus that tells us to be kind and be merciful, forgiving, turn the other cheek, you know, be nonviolent. But even he had a moment where he stood up for what he believed in.

Michael the Archangel:

Now, all these examples reflect the courage and commitment of Christians to uphold their faith and principles even when they're faced with severe consequences, like they provide inspirational examples of standing firm in one's beliefs. Now, I'm saying this because I believe that the things that have been said by Elon Musk and Andrew Tate and several others I believe that there is some truth to what they're saying. We're taught to be non-violent, and peaceful, and gracious, and peaceful, and, and, and gracious, and forgiving, and merciful, and and those are those are qualities that we should exhibit as Christians. Yes, we should exhibit those qualities. Definitely that. That is what we're taught. It is. It is the way we show love to others, but nowhere does it say that we are given a spirit of fear. Nowhere does it say that we are to meekly sit back and let injustices happen.

Michael the Archangel:

Now I will say this when things happen, when we're wronged, when we are attacked, there is one other thing that we can take solace in, and that is that, even though we might be filled with anger and we might want to protest and we might want to stand up, do keep in mind that there is a limit to what you can do. There is a holy limit to what you can do. Now. There's nothing wrong with being, you know, having righteous anger, and for those who don't know what righteous anger is. It's basically an anger out of out of seeing an injustice, out of seeing someone being treated unfairly, out of seeing a loved one attacked or beaten or taken advantage of. That's righteous anger. But you don't want to give in to your anger. You don't want to do that.

Michael the Archangel:

Also, when you're standing up for yourself, keep in mind that you're not seeking vengeance, you're not looking to do harm, but you are looking to stand up and represent your faith in Jesus Christ. You are able to do that, it is within your right to do that and if you see injustice or false teachings, it is upon you to call it out. It is definitely upon you to call it out and you have a right to call it out. But when it gets to a point where lives are being taken, people are being hurt in indescribable ways. One thing we need to keep in mind as Christians, we will never Be able To exact revenge In the way that the almighty can. He is the only one. He is the only one. He is the only one that is perfect when it comes to revenge, when it comes to avenging wrongs. Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord. Vengeance does not belong to us, vengeance belongs to God. So when you are protesting, when you are speaking out about your belief, when you are defending someone, keep in mind you can only go so far, do it in a way that gets your point across, but you're not harming people, because then, when you start harming people, you're no better than the people who commit the act in the first place. But lean, lean on God. Lean on him to come through and enact his wrath, enact his revenge. God. Lean on him to come through and and enact his wrath and act his revenge. No one can withstand the wrath of God. No one is impervious to the wrath of God Nobody, I don't care who you are.

Michael the Archangel:

Now, as we close today's episode, I want to encourage each of you to reflect on these discussions. I want you to reflect on that whole display. What role should tradition play in our rapidly changing world? How do we balance respect for religious sentiments with the push for artistic freedom? How would you protest such acts and displays while adhering to the teachings of our Lord? Share your thoughts with me Now. You can do so by using the link at the bottom of the episode description. I'm really eager to hear your voice in this ongoing conversation. So I truly hope to hope to hear from some people. I'd love to know what you think and how you feel about about this topic. Also, if you'd like to feel free to give me some feedback on my show thus far, feel free to drop me a line.

Michael the Archangel:

Well, until next time, this is Michael, the Archangel from the Godly Knight Report, and I just want to say keep your head up. Those who are out here going through a trying time, through a tough season. Things might look dark right now. They always look dark when you're at the bottom, but if you look up, if you look up while you're at the bottom, you'll see nothing but stars. You'll see the light and you will get to the light. You will definitely get there as long as you hold on to God's unchanging hand, as long as you maintain your faith, you will definitely be brought up from the depths of your despair. And just remember God is always here for you, always. He's always watching, always listening. Even when you are not there for him, the Lord is always there for you, amen.

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