da Vinci, Christianity & Me

This summer marked the first time all three of my kids joined the swim team. My oldest started two years ago and spent the winter months conditioning for this season. His hard work paid off, as he had a phenomenal year, even earning the Jaws Award for hard work and sportsmanship. He placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in most of his events and had an amazing season overall. My other two kids also did great for their first year, placing in most of their events. When the Olympics started last week, they were eager for my husband to get the TV ready so they could watch. By the time we tuned in, we missed the controversial part of the opening ceremony but learned about it through news and social media.

Initially, I didn’t see how the clip resembled the Last Supper. It wasn’t until I read some articles that I realized it was a parody of da Vinci’s “Last Supper.” When controversy arises, I try to understand the perspectives of those involved. Here’s a brief history of Leonardo da Vinci and the Church (excerpt from Britannica):

Last Supper, one of the most famous artworks in the world, painted by Leonardo da Vinci probably between 1495 and 1498 for the Dominican monastery Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. It depicts the dramatic scene described in several closely connected moments in the Gospels, including Matthew 26:21–28, in which Jesus declares that one of the Apostles will betray him and later institutes the Eucharist. According to Leonardo’s belief that posture, gesture, and expression should manifest the “notions of the mind,” each one of the 12 disciples reacts in a manner that Leonardo considered fit for that man’s personality. The result is a complex study of varied human emotion, rendered in a deceptively simple composition.The wall painting was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, the duke of Milan and Leonardo’s patron during his first extended stay in that city. The Sforza coats of arms appear with the family’s initials on the three lunettes above the mural. Leonardo likely began working on the painting in 1495 and, as was his manner, worked slowly with long pauses between sessions, until he finished in 1498. 

One thing I’ve noticed about Catholicism is its connection of the Christian faith to human history. I often see how art and culture are intertwined with the Catholic Church, connecting us all to the story of humanity. We may not know if da Vinci was a Christian, but we know he created many pieces devoted to the Catholic/Christian faith, meticulously portraying human emotions in response to Biblical scenes. Because “The Last Supper” was commissioned by the Catholic Church, it became a sacred part of church history.

As a Black woman, I’ve always felt disconnected from da Vinci’s Biblical paintings, as they don’t reflect the diverse lineage of the Savior and other Biblical characters, as outlined in scripture. Knowing the actual ethnicity of Bible characters has played a large part in me feeling so confident about God’s love for me. Only showing the Bible from a European perspective often alienates diverse people from the faith. It was not God’s design for anyone to feel that Christianity is only for and about one ethnicity. For God so loved the WORLD! Even though his art is beautiful, Da Vinci’s art has shaped people’s perceptions of Christianity worldwide. The “White Jesus” is a reflection of da Vinci’s “Jesus.” However, da Vinci didn’t create his work to promote a racist agenda. Based on his world and human experience, this was the image of Christ he saw. Unfortunately, as the centuries progressed, many have used his art to teach that Jesus and the Bible only connect to those of European descent. Instead of appreciating his art as his own artistic representation, created with reverence and without malice, diverse communities often respond to it with frustration.

The Olympics sought to show a mosaic of human culture in its opening ceremony, referencing da Vinci’s “Last Supper,” Greek mythology, French history, LGBTQ themes, and more. I do not believe that this was a religious attempt or an effort to mock religion. The creators likely thought they were promoting unity. They used the framework of da Vinci’s “Last Supper” to create an image of inclusivity. People have often recreated art to reveal their vision for the world (like the picture I used for this blog post). To the average person, this seemed harmless, as the Olympics isn’t a Christian event but one that brings together all continents, countries, cultures, and beliefs to celebrate a centuries-long tradition. However, we often mistakenly expect everyone to be united. True unity would require compromising our beliefs to ensure mutual agreement. We’re not called to be one in that way; there are too many differing beliefs and compromise could cause many people to deny essential aspects of their faith. So how do we learn to dwell in peace?

Most devout religions require some form of consecration, whether following the Five Pillars of Islam or taking Communion. The liturgies of faith are sacred. Parts of Christianity cannot mix with other faiths, religions, or beliefs. Scripture even says we shouldn’t integrate with other faiths. We should respect differences but there are parts of Christianity and I am sure other faiths, where integration is not permitted. Coexisting is not the same as integrating. Depicting an image of Christians sitting at a table where people are relishing breaking sacred Christian/Biblical laws, mocks what Christians believe. Jesus is sacred. The Last Supper is sacred. Every part of the image is a sacred representation created by the church to honor the Savior. I may not connect to the image itself, but the intention of da Vinci’s heart was to honor that very sacred moment in Christian history. It took him years to complete, meticulously capturing every expression each person felt at such a sad time. It is how it has been adopted as a sacred work of art. Regardless of the intent, it was offensive. So, how can a country with so many faiths and beliefs be united? By learning about one another’s faith more, instead of assuming the other is “evil” or hateful. Every law, tradition, representation tells the story of faith and we should learn what these all mean, instead of dismissing them because we don’t share or understand them. We can respect one another better, and that should be reciprocal. Christians should not be the only ones expected to do this. It works both ways, by allowing each person to share their beliefs and respecting the boundaries of their faith. The respect Christians want for their faith must also be extended to those with different beliefs. The country wasn’t created for Christianity alone but to allow all faiths to be practiced freely without persecution. This was one of the main reasons the Pilgrims came here and was central to the founders’ discussions when drafting the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson said,

Almighty God hath created the mind free. All attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens…are a departure from the plan of the holy Author of our religion…No man shall be compelled to frequent or support religious worship or ministry or shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief, but all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion.

Though the Olympics take place in France, we represent what our country should stand for. When we disregard the sacredness of various faiths or look down on those who don’t believe the same, we fail to live out the founders’ vision for this land. The first settlers escaped persecution for having different beliefs than their leaders. Our country was created so we can practice our beliefs without fear of persecution or discrimination. Mockery is a form of persecution. Even though I don’t see Jesus in da Vinci’s “Last Supper,” others do because of their faith’s history. Creating a parody of “The Last Supper” that disregards Biblical law only contributes to the division in our country and the world. Many view “The Last Supper” as a divine work of art by a gifted artist visualizing the Savior. We must respect that, even if it doesn’t reflect our beliefs. At the same time, many view Christianity like Greek mythology and history, and we must respond with grace rather than anger when people express themselves outside of a church context.

I was taught that any Biblical images should be historically and geographically accurate and that showing any image of Christ is disrespectful because no one knows what Christ looks like. My faith teaches that He must remain a mystery and evoke a sense of wonder. When I wrote and directed Biblical plays (before my husband and kids came along and shut that all down!), I depicted Christ with His back to the audience, draped in white. This is my cultural context.

For the first time, I’m working in academia where Christ’s face is everywhere. Verses are inscribed on buildings, plaques share scriptures throughout the campus, and crosses are at every turn. It’s a new experience to work in academia and be constantly reminded of the Savior and His Word. Even though this is not my cultural or religious context, I find it so refreshing because it gives me the freedom and encouragement to boldly declare my love and passion for Jesus Christ. After being told I couldn’t dedicate my dissertation to God, I know my faith has found a home. The world is becoming increasingly hostile to any form of the Christian faith, and some denominations are compromising Biblical teachings to avoid persecution and to increase tithes. We’re called to be Salt and Light and we can’t do that if we compromise the Bible. Respecting people’s beliefs does not mean rejecting the Bible. It means holding to what we believe, while respecting those who may believe differently. We live in a country where we can cry out when our faith is disrespected, but the same laws that protect our freedom to make these declarations, also protect those who believe differently. We must balance being bold about our faith with demonstrating grace in a country where we’re all supposed to be free.