I just finished reading Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code." I had heard two seminars on it, and finally got around to reading it. From a literary standpoint, the characters are thinly developed and the action improbable. However, it is definitely a page turner, and what it lacks in character development it makes up for in plot.
Now to the historical/biblical standpoint. Dan Brown's work is riddled with obvious historical errors. For good documentation of these errors, see http://www.crisismagazine.com/september2003/feature1.htm. A few of his more outrageous claims:
- Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had a child. (The Gospel of Mary and Gospel of Peter, which Brown draws from to support his claim, were written hundreds of years after the accepted gospels. It would be like someone today claiming to know intimate details of George Washington's life, conversations that he had, etc.--and that, by the way, he was not really our first president. Who would believe such a "gospel" of George Washington?)
- Jesus was not divine, and the church covered up this fact and created the myth of his divinity. (In fact, the church readily accepted Christ's divinity; the earliest questions were whether or not Christ was also fully human). He also claims that the Council of Nicea had an extremely close vote on whether or not Jesus was divine. No such thing happened. See http://www.beliefnet.com/story/168/story_16806_1.html.
- Ancient Judaism worshiped both a male and a female deity with sex rites in the temple, and all worship of the "sacred feminine" was suppressed by the church and eliminated fom history (there is no evidence of this, and immorality in the temple was condemned in 2 Kings).
- The Catholic Church murdered 5 million women in the Spanish inquisition (actual estimates are 50,000--a gross exaggeration).
This is just the tip of the iceberg. His supposed exegesis of biblical and non-biblical texts is simply horrendous, and he rewrites history at every turn.
On the other hand, as one author put it, Who knew that church history could be so hot? Christ is being talked about, and this is a good thing. Many who never would even think about Christ are now reading about him, hearing about him. Christians are being called to reexamine their faith, and they will soon discover that while it is based on faith, there is overwhelming evidence that supports the claims of Christianity.
The Da Vinci Code is a #1 bestseller, and it will be a huge movie with Tom Hanks. We can't just bury our heads in the sand and pretend that it doesn't exist. So, how can we use this to talk with others about Christ? How should we address this with our members? What did you think of the book? Do you plan to see the movie? On the whole, do you think that the result of the book will be positive or negative for reaching people with the gospel?
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Hey James,
This is a hot-button issue right now and like "The Passion of the Christ" and "The Chronicles of Narnia," it will most likely have the same world-wide box office grossing these movies have seen with their religious and seemingly controversial material (although I'm in love with the fact that our Savior wasn't afraid of controversy).
Initially, I wondered “what’s the big deal?” After all, we know The Da Vinci Code fiction and can see both the book and the movie as something entertaining, but all in all, fantasy. But, after further review, it dawned on me that the book/movie are a challenge NOT to others to seek the truth, but to us as Christians to defend it and share it.
Perhaps defend isn’t the right word. What I mean is, in many spiritual conversations with family, coworkers, friends, enemies, we find that Jesus’ power over love, suffering, hate, the weather, why Pepsi tastes sweeter than Coke, movies, etc., people want to know how it all adds up from a divine perspective. Personally, I’ve gotten used to saying, “I don’t know. God said His name is ‘I am’ and that means ‘I am not.’ He’s big and I’m little, and I’m more than okay with that.” Thus, this movie, and I look forward to seeing it with my wife, is one more challenge for us to defend Who we believe in and why its true.
Also, I want to see it because I don’t believe in boycotting movies simply because they don’t fit into my particular cookie cutter pair of rose colored glasses. I relish seeing movies like “The Last Temptation of Christ,” “Constantine,” and “The Matrix” trilogy because they remind me of Who my savior is. . .and more importantly, who He is not. Not to sidebar, but I think we’ve done a poor job overall of labeling something as “Christian.” This movie is “Christian,” that one is not. That song is by a “Christian” artist, that one isn’t. Christian is so much better as a noun than an adjective.
In addition to regular Scripture study, it’s a great idea to check out different resources to help with the challenge. If you have some time, visit www.notreligion.com and www.exitdeath.com for ways to equip yourself with the basics on the Christ.
Thanks for posting this James. It will be interesting to see how others see the book and upcoming movie.
Ecclesiastes 9:11.
Having enjoyed this book so much, I had bought Angel and Demons, Digital Fortress, and Deception point, his other writings. I think the thing to remember is that the book is Fiction, and it was written as Fiction, and he states the fact very much so that it is all Fiction....
Whether it is good or bad, it could swing both ways just like everything else that affects Christianity. People will take things in different ways since we are all different. Who knows, in some ways this movie/book could bring people to Christ who haven't taken the opportunity to look into Christianity, or were not interested in it until it was sparked by this book. While the facts are wrong, they may look up what is right and begin their journey with Christ all because of the book suggesting something wrong, that we need to fix in them.
I can see where it can go bad though, with the false facts and the moving of Christ from the top spot, to merely a cover up. All we can really do is share with others, give people the opportunity to learn what is right, and pray for those that do not.
I will probably see this movie opening night, as I have enjoyed Dan Brown's writings and wish to see how it translates into a movie(books to movies are kind of sketchy sometimes, interesting to see how each author does it). But I will not let the Fiction of it all cloud my real feelings, and what I know to be true. Anything that challenges our Christianity will ultimately strengthen it.
Young Ignorance,
I too wondered if Dan Brown really believed what his characters say in the book, or if he was just writing a novel. Clearly, the work is a work of fiction. However, in his interviews he says that every bit of the work is based upon fact and history. See, for instance, www.bookbrowse.com/author_interviews/ full/index.cfm?author_number=226 - 59k - .
I actually am for using whatever the culture offers that is spiritual or religious in nature as a way to talk about God/Christ/Holy Spirit. This was Paul's methodology in Acts 17, in which he took the altar to an "unknown God" and used this to talk about the true God. This is why I often quote from Bono, Avril Lavigne, and others in our culture. I believe that the Da Vinci Code can be used for great good. People are talking about Christ who would never go into a church building and who are skeptical about all things Christian. and this is a good thing.
My issue with the book is not that it is heretical, but that it is filled with easily proven historical inaccuracies--and then Dan Brown claims that all the "history" in the book is accurate. Personally, I think that Dan Brown, despite what he says in his interviews, may be well aware of the historical inaccuracies in the book. He simply knows that the more controversy that surrounds a work, the more it sells.
By the way, I mean "holy James" in an ironic way, for I am well aware of my many flaws and shortcomings. The amazing thing about Christ is that despite these flaws, he declares me to be holy. That just blows my mind, and shows how amazing God is to take in someone like me.
What does you name, Young Ignorance, mean? Is it meant ironically too, for certainly you seem well versed in culture? Thanks for contributing.
James
Young Ignorance,
Part of this discussion rests on the definition of "facts." The most common definition of fact is that it is something that is true. Perhaps Dan Brown has another definition of "fact," and he means something accepted as being true. This may well be true. However, if so, it does not seem to be because he believes that Christianity is true. He is not mocking the theories, but has said that he believes at least some of them.
Here is an interesting quote on this subject from the following website:
www.tektonics.org/davincicrude.htm
"Brown’s sleight-of-hand under the cloak of fact has tricked others, including the Book Review Editor of the New York Daily News, who commented naively that 'his research is impeccable.'
The work is fiction, yes, but it claims to be rooted in fact. Brown himself, it should be added, acknowledged on the television special that he “became a believer” in the theories The DaVinci Code espouses after allegedly trying to disprove them. We should no more let this pass than one would let pass a fictional work rooted in the premise that a particular race was inferior, and that put the claims of this premise into the mouth of someone cast as a trained anthropologist, and prefaced by a statement that, 'All descriptions of cultures, biology, sociology, and genetics in this novel are accurate.'"
Whatever Brown's true intentions and personal beliefs are--and I think only Brown knows these--there are many who believe the "facts" found in the book to be true. Maybe they are not as enlightened as they should be. Maybe they are ignorant. But the "fact" is, they do now believe in things that are untrue (not factual?).
Despite all the confusion, I still think that it is good that people are talking about Christ, and this work can be used for much good.
In addition, check out:
http://www.crisismagazine.com/september2003/feature1.htm
"While his extensive use of fictional formulas may be the secret to Brown’s stardom, his anti-Christian message can’t have hurt him in publishing circles: The Da Vinci Code debuted atop the New York Times best-seller list. By manipulating his audience through the conventions of romance-writing, Brown invites readers to identify with his smart, glamorous characters who’ve seen through the impostures of the clerics who hide the 'truth' about Jesus and his wife. Blasphemy is delivered in a soft voice with a knowing chuckle: '[E]very faith in the world is based on fabrication.'"
Seems Brown's fictional conspiracy story isn't leaving him in the poor house. Apparently manipulation in Jesus name works for some people.
My faith in Christ is NO fabrication. In fact, it's the only thing worth believing, and I think I'll take my chances on that claim.
"We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ."
- II Corinthians 10:3-5 (NLT)
Sometimes Faith can be dangerous, when put in the hands of the wrong people. I think its sad that people are believing someone that wrote a fictional book more than someone trying to preach from the bible and share their love of Christ with them. It would seem that Dan Brown "researched", and wrote "facts", he pushes that it is true because a lot of people like conspiracies, and him using the Bible and the way things we believe to have happened, to sell more books. Its contreversy that sells. I'm not saying this is right, just saying its proven to be true in the past.
Who fills more chruches and seats than a lot of people? The televangelists that thump peoples heads and heal cancer and the blind on TV. All for what? Money and fame it would seem. This is what it would seem Dan Brown would be doing.. all we can really do is play Damage Control, I guess?
I'm new to the church scene, just reading through the bible for the first time. If something I say is wrong, please let me know. I do know I want to contribute, and want to debate, and want to learn and grow in my knowledge in all of this.
Have a good night folks
Matt,
You may be new to the church scene, but you have incredible thoughts and much to contribute. We want you to debate, engage in the conversation, and share your insights with us.
I particularly thought that your approach that you outlined in your first comment is good. You pointed out where the novel is good and engaging. That is what Christians should do--be honest and complementary wherever we can. I loved this quote from you:" All we can really do is share with others, give people the opportunity to learn what is right, and pray for those that do not." I think that with your kind, open-minded approach, you will reach many people for Christ.
As Christians, we should be aware of the true historical record and seek to pursue the truth (ironically, "seek the truth" is the slogan for the movie). However, in seeking to reach people and talk to our friends, it does little good to go on the attack. Younger, postmoderns are not convinced by arguments or "facts," but by a way of life. While Christianity is rooted in history, the pathway to belief for most people today is experience. We must help people experience the joy of being in Christ, having a purpose in life, partnering with God, and having his presence in our lives. This seems to be your approach, and I appreciate it.
Thanks for contributing.
James
Mark,
I don't believe in boycotting movies simply because they aren't wholly accurate or they don't fit perfectly into my worldview. I will definitely be seeing the movie.
I believe that God is at work in all of the world, and that he can use anything for good. That is the essence of the cross, right? God took a wrongful, horrible death and made it the saving act for the entire universe. If God can use the cross in this way, then surely he can use a novel, right?
James
I have a quick late addition to your blog entry, as I just ran across an interesting article about this book. It's not written from a religious standpoint...just looking for flaws in the book. Check out http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/davinci-code.htm
Thanks, Devin, for the reference!
James
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