In Theory:

With the Olympics there is an opportunity to transcend the games our governments play with each other and just focus on the game at hand. We don’t sanction Marjan for developing nuclear capabilities, and we don’t worry about Shen and Zhao’s import/export ratio. We want to watch them all defy gravity.

Maybe it gives us a little hope that we can fly free of the struggles that weigh us down and keep us apart.

If I weren’t such a SWOO, I could be inspired like this on a regular basis.

To CEOs: Our faith family trains regularly to defy gravity and transcend the struggles that weigh us down. It’s a game that everybody wins.--The REV. PAIGE EAVES is pastor of Crescenta Valley United Methodist Church. Reach her at (818) 249-6173, or e-mail pastorpaige@cvumc.org.

Rabbi Simcha Bachman: The Olympics are a wonderful — and most welcome — expression of global harmony. Almost everything related to the Olympics is geared toward bringing different people together and making the world a more peaceful place. The competition’s central creed asserts that “the most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.”

Even the five colored rings that make up the Olympic symbol — which is among the world’s most recognizable images — represent unity of continents and include colors drawn from the flags of every nation.

For two weeks every two years — alternating between the winter and summer games — citizens of diverse countries gather together, united with a singular cause, and display extraordinary solidarity and sportsmanship. Considering the state of world affairs, this remarkable event seems like an impossible dream come true. Representatives of nations which may be at great odds with each other — possibly even at war — put their differences aside and demonstrate how, regardless of disagreement, we can be civil and respectful to one another if we possess a strong enough will to do so.

I believe this unusual display of camaraderie among the world’s most talented young athletes can serve as a template as we strive toward world peace. Looking at the Olympics, all citizens of the world should be asking themselves the following question: If we can put aside all our grievances for the purpose of winning a few medals and gaining some national pride, is it not far more important to find common ground for the sake of our children’s future?

If an athletic competition can achieve this feat of unity, surely we can work toward the same goal when the stakes are our children’s education, prosperity and safety. Indeed, if we want to ensure a bright future for humanity, the nations of the world must see the light of the Olympic torch and follow the example it so brilliantly illuminates.--RABBI SIMCHA BACKMAN is spiritual leader of Chabad of Glendale and the Foothills. Reach him at (818) 240-2750.