With the Olympics kicking off this weekend in China, much of the focus is on the restrictions being placed on the athletes and what they are not allowed to say while staying at the Olympic Village. And in a country where religious speech is as closely guarded as political talk, that means athletes will be legally limited as to what they can say while in the country.
According to
this article in The Washington Post, some Christian athletes still plan on kneeling for prayer, raising their hands and expressing their faith in other ways during competition, but they may also be walking a fine line when it comes what China will allow. One runner for New Zealand, who became a Christian after moving to the United States, was told to sign a pledge that demanded him “to refrain from any political, religious or other forms of discussion at events or in the Olympic Village or risk harm from the New Zealand Olympic Committee."
I know the Olympics are a great expression of world unity, and it’s always inspiring to see nations lay aside their differences and compete in athletic events—but what duty do Christians have to express their faith?
I could never speak for an athlete, and I have nothing but respect and admiration for those representing their countries in Beijing, but for the individual believer, it does raise some interesting personal questions about faith, speech, expression and civil unity.
What do you think? Should athletes keep their faith to themselves on the corporate stage in Beijing, or should they express it openly even if it means risking an international conflict? Comment below ...