The Olympics and World Peace
Posted in Once I Was a Kansas Girl and tagged with Gospel, Jesus Christ, Olympics, Peace, Russia, Sports, Swimming on August 11, 2008I know, I know, I’m bringing up the Olympics again today. It’s just that I watched a lot of Olympic coverage yesterday. Did you see the men’s 4 x 100 free relay yesterday? Incredible! I haven’t cheered that loud since KU won the national championship. I think I could swim 100 meters in 2 minutes at best on a good day, but Jason Lezak did it in 46 seconds. Not only have I been watching the Olympics, but I’ve also been following the growing crisis in Georgia. I can’t help but compare the two.
The modern Olympics were started to allow countries from all over to come together for sports, even if they can’t come together for any other purpose. The idea of world unity and peace can be seen throughout the Olympic games. Athletes from nations that are not particularly friendly with one another compete side-by-side for the same medals. But Russia’s continuing assault on its former territory, Georgia, is a fresh reminder that this world isn’t at peace. Neither sports nor any other cause, no matter how noble, will be able to bring us together in true harmony.
As much as you or I might like it, world peace isn’t actually humanly attainable in this fallen world. History confirms this. Competing selfish interests will continue to fuel countries to war against each other. What is needed for world peace is not a sporting event, but the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. Only through the working of God is there any hope for unity among the nations.
August 11th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Yes, I did see the relay and it was amazing! I do disagree with peace being unattainable – I believe it IS. Even your own answer disputes that it isn’t – God’s answer is attainable for each of us. Likely? Hope so. Believe so. Never ruling it out.
August 11th, 2008 at 9:03 am
I didn’t say world peace is unattainable, but that it isn’t HUMANLY attainable. It will never happen apart from God.
August 11th, 2008 at 10:12 am
100% agreed!
August 11th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Well said, Ronnica. It amazes me how so many scoff at the fact that Jesus is the true answer to world peace. It can’t be that simple they say.
Have a great week.
Brenda
August 11th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Well said, Ronnica. It amazes me how so many scoff at the fact that Jesus is the true answer to world peace. It can’t be that simple they say.
Have a great week.
Brenda
August 12th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Amen and amen. As long as there are at least two people on this earth, there will be no peace.
August 12th, 2008 at 7:50 am
It’s unfortunate. As a social worker, I long for peace. Too much of life is spent on fighting and viewing our brother as the enemy. As a Christian, I understand that because of the fall, life will never be perfect- jealousy, envy, bitterness, and strife are all a part of everyday life.
Good post.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:15 am
I agree. I always get excited to see all the countries competing for something so silly as a medal (not silly but in the grand scheme of things, it really is) but take out the competition, these countries wouldn’t have anything to say to each other.
Just ask the French swim relay team. In some ways, even competing doesn’t squash the negativity.
February 15th, 2010 at 12:37 am
[...] friends for the Winter Olympics) come together for one cause. Of course, we need to remember that world peace isn’t possible on our own terms. But there is something special about people from different peoples coming together…reminds [...]