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East White Oak
Bible Church
11922 E. 2000 North Rd.
Carlock, IL 61725-9684
Voice: 309.454.3833
309.376.6771
Fax:309.376.1208 |
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The Da Vinci Load
Dr. Jeff VanGoethem
I read Dan Brown's novel "The Da Vinci Code" a couple of years ago. It was a real "page-turner." It had everything a modern reader could want: murder, intrigue, car chases, narrow escapes, a love interest, and a happy ending. What's not to like?
Well, what's not to like is Brown's factually erroneous presentation of the origins and history of Christianity.
Much has been made of the list of "facts" inside the title page with which Brown begins his story. The problem is that this list of "facts" is more than partly fiction. I am still thinking about Brown's ethics in doing this - did he mean to present these things as fact (which would be quite dishonest) or did he merely wish to create a certain impression of realism (which might be permissible within the confines of artistic expression)?
I think it is the former unfortunately. Brown clearly has an agenda to discredit Christianity. By this time many have risen to refute his claims - numerous books and articles have been put forward which refute Brown's numerous errors and misrepresentations. I hope that if you read the Da Vinci Code or go to the movie that you will also take the time to read one of these books (I recommend New Testament scholar Darrell Bock's book, "Breaking the Da Vinci Code"). I read somewhere that Dan Brown is no longer doing interviews. This is not too surprising.
The Da Vinci code makes some very novel and amazing claims, such as: Jesus was married and had offspring, some of whom survive to this very day; Jesus was really a pagan worshipper who never claimed to be God; no one in the early Christian era believed that Jesus was divine; the New Testament scriptures are fabrications put together by the Roman emperor Constantine; and the "Holy Grail," if it is ever found, will reveal all this.
According to the Da Vinci Code, all of these "facts" have been systematically covered up by the organized church (especially the Vatican) through the centuries. The typical practice of the Church has been to bribe and kill to protect the cover up. At the core of the Da Vinci Code's plot line is a history of premeditated and systematic murder and bribery on the part of Christians.
Now, if you believe all this, please see me - I have a nice bridge in New York City I would like to sell you. There may be a few people who sincerely believe all this stuff (like Brown) but these people I put on the same level as those who think that Captain Kirk and First Officer Spock are currently the President and Vice President of the United States.
That's why when I read the book I did not get particularly angry - I had enough background in history to realize that the novel was outrageous fiction. However it does make one pause to consider that there could be many without a strong background in the history of Christianity who could be deceived by some of this.
The unbelief of the human heart is often exposed by its willingness to be deceived. So be careful with this book and movie. Treat it like perfume - sniff it but don't swallow it.
The preferred religion of the Da Vinci Code is pagan goddess worship. If pagan goddess worship is the Truth, as this novel suggests, then I have to say it has been a rather woefully unsuccessful religion.
There have been millions and millions of converts to Jesus Christ through the centuries. There have been more schools, orphanages, relief agencies, service organizations, missions, and institutions of mercy founded (and enduring) in the Name of Jesus than all other names put together. But I can't think of much done in the name of goddess worship - and its converts seem few and far between. Which gives evidence of being the Truth?
So if you must, read the book and go to the movie. But I have a challenge for you. Add up the number of hours you spend watching the movie and reading the book. Then spend that same amount of time reading the gospels, which tell the real story of Jesus. See what makes a bigger impact in your life.
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