It’s not John Cena’s Oscars nudity that should offend Christians

Was John Cena’s flesh really the most problematic thing about the Oscars? Christians need to get better at picking their battles, says Jonty Langley

It wasn’t just Oppenheimer that had a winning streak at the Oscars. John Cena did, too. And some Christians were outraged.

Of course they were. You can always count on a small but vocal group somewhere to be absolutely fuming.

At last week’s Academy Awards, loveable goofball and wrestler-cum-actor, John Cena, did a skit with host Jimmy Kimmel while they presented the award for Best Costume Design. As part of the skit (a tribute to a 1974 streaker at the Oscars), Cena appeared on stage, ostensibly naked, covering just his privates with the announcement envelope. It was a big envelope (that’s relevant, not a compliment). In the wings, Cena pretended to prevaricate over his decision to get his kit off, allowing for a wonderful piece of dialogue where Cena said: “The male body is not a joke!” and Kimmel responded: “Mine is!”