Lots of commenting going on about the release of The DaVinci Code.
Brian McLaren makes the following comment.
"Frankly, I don't think it has more harmful ideas in it than the Left Behind novels." He goes on to explain...
"Brown's book is about exposing hypocrisy and cover-up in organized religion, and it is exposing organized religion's grasping for power. Again, there's something in that that people resonate with in the age of pedophilia scandals, televangelists, and religious political alliances. As a follower of Jesus I resonate with their concerns as well."
I do think Brown has more of an agenda than McLaren states, but I don't want to get into all that. I do think it's a great open door for discussions about spiritual things.
And I do like the comparison to the Left Behind series. As works of "fiction" I have no problem with either. It's where they try to lead people to accept them as factual that we get into problems.
Posted by ed...the good thing about the book is that it opens the door to discussion and an opportunity to disciple.
One of the pastors in our church was challenged by a non-believer about the contents of the book and now those of us who haven't read the book will be able to attend the debunking of the book this Sunday ... should be interesting!
Yes, Brown's Davinci Code has a Fact page before the prologue that among other things declares that all descriptions of documents are accurate, which is a complete falehood. The Left behind series is a joke.
Posted by: TrishI agree that DB has a greater agenda and that he states that his work is based on factual documents. However, when it's proven that his documents are not accurate or true, he hides behind the "it's only fiction" part of the story.
As for the LB series, agreed. I do have to say, though, I've never read any, so they might good pieces of fiction. They certainly have been profitable pieces of fiction.
Posted by: ed
When it comes to DB and his novels... well, let's put it this way, I do not give much merrit to a person who is selling something for profit (his) or other reasons... let's say "agendas"! Right now DB has 7 mins left on his ride, and the truth always seems to rise to the surface. Let's say that the DVC is not the only novel were his "facts" are turning out to be false. Let's face it, DB writes fiction novels. I have to admit that I am upset that he chooses to profit off of the things that society fears.
The good thing that came from the DVC is that it has made me search for the truth and within the search, it has re-affirm my beliefs and introduced me to things that I had taken for granted.
Well I guess I just spent me 2 cents. Have fun with this thread guys!
nick
Posted by: NickRemember the hoopla surrounding Peretti's "This Present Darkness" series of novels? I had people bringing his books to church along with their Bibles. Whenever they had a question about spiritual warfare, they would reference Peretti before the Bible. Seriously.
I think that concern about the DaVinci Code is overblown. Have you seen how many churches are doing sermon series on it? It is so clearly a work of fiction... why do we feel so threatened?
I say let's use it as conversation starter to get to who's really important... Jesus.
Brian
PS I still have arrow scars in my back for doing this with Bruce Almighty, too!
Posted by: Brian MullinsWas away for the weekend, not ignoring your thoughts. Agreed. Fiction. Let's live lives that are about the truth. However it is scary how many people are blown by this teaching and that teaching. Someone says Jesus was married, so everyone goes, really? As long as we lead people to that place where they're searching for the truth, it's a good thing. Actually, this is a great opportunity to help people in that process. Yes, why is it that Christians react in such a threatened manner to these things. What are we scared of?
Posted by: edAs has been said before, this book is a work of fiction, nothing more, no matter what the author says in his "fact" page. Mary Magdalene was the Holy Grail? Whatever. That being said, I thought it was a very well-written work of fiction, I really enjoyed reading it. Hope to see the movie as well but will probably be disappointed. I think its good though, the discussions that people have been having about it. A great opportunity to share the real truth!
Posted by: Karen