Ready For Da Vinci

In May, one of the most popular books of all time will hit the big screens across the world. The Da Vinci Code, a fictional novel by Dan Brown which has sold more than 36 million copies worldwide, will feature Oscar-winning megastar Tom Hanks in the lead role.

Brown’s riveting whodunit is expected to draw millions to the theatre, of whom many are devotees of his novel. Many more who have not read the book will flock there just to find out what the hullabaloo is all about.

Some Christians are concerned and for good reason as the novel issues outrageous claims that challenge the bedrock of the Christian faith – that is, Jesus was a mere man; he married Mary Magdalene; they had a daughter named Sarah and their descendants are well and alive to this day. Additionally, this “secret” was kept alive by a secret society that was patronised by 15th century Italian painter Leonardo da Vinci who left clues of the “secret” in his painting, The Last Supper.

These are the main elements that the story revolves around but there are many more shocking and scandalous claims targeted at the Christian faith and the Church. (See the box story “Brown’s Believe It or Not”.)

Brown’s genius is in writing a convincing story, weaving facts with fiction so skilfully and seductively that many readers would have trouble separating fact from fiction. On the title page of the book, Brown claims: “All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate.” He also lists a long list of acknowledgement that gives the impression that he collaborated with all these prestigious sources and institutions in his research.

Will the film further popularise the book’s controversial portrayal of Jesus and undermine the Bible? Most probably not, but there is concern that youths and teens may be influenced, the way they were influenced by “The Force” theology of The Star Wars trilogy.
Christians, especially Christian leaders, should therefore be ready to respond to questions and guide those who are confused or whose faith is challenged as a result of reading the novel.

More importantly, we should see the film as an opportunity to talk about the real Jesus with our non-believing friends in a clear, sane and persuasive manner. The point is to engage in fruitful discussion and avoid impassioned denunciation and over-reaction that may lead to foolish behaviour.

In order to engage meaningfully and intelligently with others, we therefore ought to be familiar with the controversial elements of the novel. For this, we should attempt to read the book. Some Christians have advised against reading the book as it depicts a running theme of sexualised religion and contains violence and sex that may be unsuitable for many readers. If you cannot stomach these, try reading just chapters 55 to 60.

This booklet is available on a freewill offering basis from RBC Resources, tel. 07-3355919, e-mail malaysia@rbc.org. The NECF office has ordered several hundred copies (in the English and Chinese versions) available on a first-come-first-served basis.

It also helps to read the critiques of the controversial elements of Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, which you can easily find in the bookstores. Recommended reads are: the The Gospel Code by Ben Witherington III; Breaking  the Da Vinci Code by Darrell L. Bock; The Truth Behind The Da Vinci Code by Richard Abanes; Cracking Da Vinci’s Code by James Garlow and Peter Jones; and The Da Vinci Deception by Erwin W. Lutzer. For a quick grasp of the controversies, try the Discovery Series’ The Da Vinci Code – Separating Fact from Fiction published by the RBC Ministries available in Malaysia from RBC Resources. The booklet highlights some serious challenges made in the book and provides historical facts, or “reality checks”, to counter-challenge the claims.

Perhaps churches can also organise public talks or discussion groups about The Da Vinci Code. Let’s pray that God will use the release of the movie to open a door of opportunity for telling the truth about Jesus.