Let's begin with some simple ground rules and understandings.
"The Last Supper" is a painting and not a photograph. Of course. Any sensible person already knows this. It is an "artist's conception" from the brush of Leonardo DaVinci, and what is illustrated here may or may not have taken place in that exact fashion.
Yes, I know. Sounds terribly foolish to even write. However, in light of what has transpired, it seems more than a few people need to get a grip on that reality.
The meal itself is considered by many historians to be a Passover Seder, not a Christian gathering as there was no Christian faith at the time, nor any Catholicism.
There is no agreed-upon and detailed account of the event, who was actually there, what was served, or what was actually discussed. Everything comes from Gospel stories and interpretations.
Because of the years between the event and Leonardo DaVinci's painting, it's believed that none of the Apostles are even remotely close to what they looked like. As noted, there are, of course, only rough painting and descriptions. DaVinci even used observations of jailed criminals and their faces to come up with the ones he painted.
In other words, while the event does have a canonical spot in the history and tales of Jesus, DaVinci's painting is one of interpretation and passion. It may never have happened as depicted, though there was certainly a meal for the Apostles. Even Mary Magdalene may have sneaked in there close to Jesus himself.
What I find interesting is that "The Last Supper" has for centuries been used as a seminal moment of religion, and has also been copied, reimagined, mocked and even denigrated by many. Yet, rare is it that such an outrage would occur.
"The Simpsons" reimagined the scene, and I don't recall anyone calling for heads to roll over that. This despite the fact it featured cartoon characters known for being drunks and alcoholics, with questionable morals and the collective IQ of cheese whiz. That, and Jesus was replaced by a figurative idiot.
"The Sopranos" all gathered for a similar pose, replacing Jesus with the cinematic embodiment of murder, racketeering, prostitution, adultery and other forms of violence.
And if it's truly mocking that is the real anger spot here, Mel Brooks in "History of the World Part 1" turned the entire scene into one long running gag between argumentative diners.
Where was all this outrage then? Crickets, anyone?
What is obvious in reading and hearing the various reactions is that the majority of people are enraged at what happened at the Paris Olympic opening ceremony because there were cross-dressers, drag queens, and other alternative lifestyles represented, which are despised by the various religionists because they are "an affront to Christianity and God", despite the face they are also, if you believe the teachings, God's children.
What we're seeing here is a group of people admitting their hate for LGBTQ+ people and any lifestyle that doesn't fit their version of what society needs to be. This is all about intolerance and hate, little more.
As NBC News and many others pointed out, the loudest bellowing came immediately from one American political group that was being used as carping harpies of misguided anger. Even after being informed what the scene actually depicted, and offended were already too far gone in their rage and could not back down, for if they did, they would face something terrifying. Being outed as "wrong".
That, and as has been pointed out to exhaustion, the scene was not meant to mock Christianity or religion. Hell, there are 9 million Catholics in France, and we don't hear them all up in arms, now do we? That's because they know their history, what the scene actually was based upon, and they also know tolerance. "Tolerance". Try to find that on the American dinner table these days.
The next phase was to insist, as one person did to me on Facebook, that "the IOC (International Olympic Committee has apologized". No, they didn't. An apology of sorts was issued by the Paris Olympic organizers, but only to quell the madness, for they truly had nothing to apologize for.
Getting the facts wrong has become a sideshow habit for a large and delusional faction of America. They know those pesky facts are out there, but unless delivered to them by social media or some other form of addled communication, then it doesn't exist.
We have a society here in America that is looking to be offended. They prepare themselves for it every day, and go searching for it. They want to slap onto social media their indignance, believe they are right and everyone else is wrong. They want to be insulted and mocked, just so they can "rise up" with fervor and conviction.
Despite the fact their convictions are shallow and filled with hypocrisy. Mostly, they are filled with political fear and hate.
As a child of 2 faiths, I was and am not in the least bit offended by what occurred. I recognized the historical aspect of the scene immediately, and chuckled at the sight. Even if it WAS about "The Last Supper", which it wasn't, I recognized it as an art form and thought nothing else of it until the cavalcade of rage descended upon news and social media. My first thought was and remains, "THIS is what has everyone so up in arms?" What tragic nonsense.
Jesus was mocked, beaten, tortured, eventually killed for his beliefs. What were his last words?
"Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do".
It wasn't rage. It was understanding and forgiveness.
Another lesson that those always prepared to rage don't want to learn, nor do they want to practice what was preached to them.
They are too busy being manipulated and influenced by those in powerful positions who use them as all-day suckers, amusement for their need to gain power and adulation of the masses. Their media blares out "INSULT!!!" and they fall for it like lemmings who haven't slaked a good thirst in weeks.
I would break bread with these people to discuss it in a rational manner, but I fear they would not hesitate to throw the manna at me for not believing as they do.
I believe Jesus would not approve. Neither should you.
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