Yesterday at the gym I was “biking” to nowhere, grateful
that the TV in front of me was set on the Olympics and that the Olympics was
set on rhythmic gymnastics. I know, I know, not everyone’s favorite sport, but
I was entranced. I peddled and peddled and watched young, agile bodies perform
almost impossible movements – wrapping spines around soccer-sized balls,
spinning hula hoops with one over-head foot, twisting and rolling and never
losing sight of the props, always graceful and fluid and elegant. It was enough
to make you think that maybe humans could be perfect. It was enough to make me
realize why our Christian gospel often falls on deaf ears.
Human beings are amazing. That’s why we all love the
Olympics – it’s a chance to see our fellow humans achieving astounding things –
running ever faster, jumping higher, performing ever more challenging dives. We
are all impressed with ourselves – the proof is right there on the TV; human
beings are amazing.
So what’s with this “all have sinned and come short of the
glory of God” thing? Isn’t the glory of the Olympics enough? Look at what
people can do, what awful conditions they can overcome, what remarkable beauty
they can produce, what mind-boggling skills they can develop. And they all seem
like such nice, good people; they train 24-7 – they don’t have time to get into
any trouble. Original sin? Total depravity? Surely you jest.
