Letter: Opening ceremony was anti-christian (2024)

This is written on behalf of those who have gone on before me who had a strong influence (by words and actions) on my Christian faith and upbringing: Grandparents reading the Holy Bible by candlelight; aunts; Sunday school teachers at Memorial Baptist Church; two deceased brothers; and, most importantly my mother and father. This letter is also written to honor the Christian stance and witness of my sole living brother along with countless friends and business and political leaders in our county and state.

Those close to me know that I quit watching pro sports on TV long ago. That's mainly due to the attitudes and behavior displayed on and off the field of competition by players. While I love college football, changes have entered that arena as well. Turning to the world's stage of competition, we have the Olympics once every four years.

I vividly recall watching on our TV the U.S. men's basketball team being denied (very controversial) the gold medal at the hands of Russia's team. South Carolina's own collegiate star Kevin Joyce was a member of the U..S. team, as it was strictly "amateurs" back in those days. Subsequently, Joyce and his fellow team members refused the silver medal.

I remember the accomplishments of swimming champion Mark Spitz. Moving forward, I remember the gold medals garnered by household names in track/field and gymnastics.

Olympics of years past were highly anticipated. Back then, the term "woke" was certainly used only in reference to sleeping. Fast forward and "woke" ideology has, unfortunately, found a way into society as a whole (sports, business, political, etc.). Things have happened in our society that would have been thought unheard of previously. This has alarmed us as a society regardless of skin color, background or political affiliation. I'm glad to say, though, that there are way more things that bind us together in society than seek to divide us.

While I didn't watch the opening ceremony of the present Olympics, I write this letter in condemnation and utter disgust with the betrayal of the "Last Supper" with Jesus and his followers. However this is "spun" by some media outlets, office holders and TV personalities, it was disgraceful, period. This is a direct reflection of the present attacks and mockery of Christians. As the saying goes: "If you don't make a stand for something, you will fall for anything."

I write this letter standing strong in my conviction and belief in Jesus Christ and his life changing message.

Robert G. Gossett

Aiken