This picture is taken at the very spot outside the temple of Hera, the wife (and sister) of Zeus, where according to custom 11 woman (Vestal Virgins) light the flame from a bowl catching the rays of the midday sun.
Lighting the Olympic flame was part of the ancient Games and reinstated in the modern Games in the 1928 Summer Games held at Amsterdam.
There is no ancient precedent for the transporting of the Olympic Flame and the carrying of the flame by torch, i.e. the modern Torch Relay bringing the Olympic Flame from Greece to the host nation. This was introduced by Carl Diem for the controversial 1936 Berlin Games.
We might then as Christians ask questions about participation in the Torch Relay, or indeed the Games with their pagan origins.
However surely that would be to deny the power of God to transform and redeem. To take the best however warped and twisted it may appear, and see it used to bring God glory. Could anything be more evil at any level than crucifixion?
For us in Sussex the Torch Relay will pass through Hastings and Brighton. Plans are already in hand through the two Local Authorities and thankfully this includes Church participation.
Most of the Olympic site was destroyed by a new rising ‘Christian’ empire; it was seen as pagan and of no value apart from bricks for building or gold and other precious artefacts to fund the building of God’s kingdom!
Thankfully we are more enlightened (at least I hope so!) and will work with the prevailing culture and not against it. Seeking to be both salt, bringing flavour, and light, being distinctive. In practical terms that means we will search out the people of peace in the Local Authorities and work with them on initiatives that brings the best out of people and enhance our communities.
Do let me know your own plans.
(Click the title above'The light of the world!' and it will take you direct to the Torch Relay Olympic site)
