The Da Vinci Code

There is a growing furor over the upcoming release of the movie "The Da Vinci Code". And rightly so! We, as Christians and leaders, must be prepared to deal with this heresy and guide the flock safely away from the confusion and even possibly doubt that may result from reading this novel or viewing this movie. Very much like the "Theory of Evolution" is an unproven theory which has very little to do with facts or science, so it is that the Da Vinci Code, though written as a novel and having no foundation in truth or history, is embraced as actual and tenable.

I point you to and article by Dr. Ted Baehr of "Movieguide" which appears in the "World Net Daily" entitled "Da Vinci Code: Compromising with Evil".

Also, Sony Pictures, which is releasing the movie, has established a website, "Da Vinci Code: The Dialogue". Below is the stated purpose of the site.

The primary focus of The Da Vinci Dialogue is to help Christians prepare for the inevitable question that will arise with the release of the film, "What do you think of The Da Vinci Code?"

These are the facts - currently, there over 40 million hardback copies of The Da Vinci Code in print. There have been thousands of column inches already written about The Da Vinci Code, and there will surely be more. It is now possible to take tours across Europe to visit historic sites referenced in the novel. On May 19, 2006, the highly-anticipated film version of the book, starring Academy Award-winner Tom Hanks, will open in theaters. There are literally millions and millions of devoted fans of The Da Vinci Code spanning the globe.

But there are also numerous people worldwide who question the theories espoused in The Da Vinci Code. Books refuting the claims of the best-selling novel have collectively sold millions of copies. Churches have held sermons and seminars to address the controversy and dispute assertions that many believe run counter to the foundations of their faith. These, too, are the facts.

The Da Vinci Dialogue offers a thoughtful and faithful response to the questions raised by The Da Vinci Code. In the weeks leading up to the release of the film, prominent scholars and experts from across the spectrum of Christianity have volunteered to tackle specific issues raised by The Da Vinci Code - cultural, historical, theological and practical. By tapping into the collective wisdom of these respected Christian men and women, The Da Vinci Dialogue hopes to present a forum where people can wrestle with the complex topics raised by the book and the film.

While Sony Pictures Entertainment has provided the means for this discussion to take place, neither the studio, the filmmakers nor Dan Brown have any editorial control over the content of this site. None of the Christian experts have been paid for their commentary or insights. This is an open forum where discussion, debate and disagreement are welcome. The Da Vinci Dialogue wholeheartedly invites you to join the conversation.

Among those contributing to this dialogue are:

Tony Campolo

Tony Campolo, Professor Emeritus at Eastern University in St. Davids, PA, is the founder of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, an organization that develops schools and social programs in various third world countries and in cities across North America. He is the author of many books, his most recent being Speaking My Mind.

Chuck Colson

Chuck Colson is the founder and chairman of Prison Fellowship, the world's largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoner. A popular speaker and prolific author, he has written 23 books, which collectively have sold more than five million copies. His autobiographical book, Born Again, was one of the nation's best-selling books of all genres in 1976. Beginning in 1991 Colson launched a daily radio feature called BreakPoint, a unique and popular program that provides a distinct Christian perspective on current issues and conflicts.

Gloria Gaither

Gloria Gaither is a Grammy-winning lyricist, whose collaborative efforts with co-writer husband, Bill, have resulted in the creation of over 700 songs – a collection that expresses the faith of millions around the world. Author of many books, a dozen musicals, and countless published works, Gaither is also recognized internationally as a Steinbeck scholar and has contributed articles to the Steinbeck Quarterly and a 2005 presentation to the Sixth International Steinbeck Congress in Kyoto, Japan.

Hugh Hewitt

Hugh Hewitt is the host of a nationally syndicated radio show heard in more than 70 cities nationwide and is a professor at Chapman University Law School in Orange, CA. He is the author of Blog: Understanding the Information Reformation That’s Changing Your World, as well as The New York Times bestseller If It’s Not Close, They Can't Cheat. Hewitt is also an Emmy winner for the PBS news show Life & Times and a columnist for World Magazine.

Josh McDowell

Josh McDowell is a renowned speaker, author, and champion of the Beyond Belief Campaign. He is a representative of Campus Crusade for Christ, having spoken to more than 10 million people in over 80 countries, including 700 university and college campuses. McDowell has authored or co-authored more than 100 books and workbooks, including The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict and his latest releases, The Last Christian Generation and The Da Vinci Code – A Quest for Answers.

It might be worth your time to investigate this site as a way to prepare yourself for the questions.

As information comes my way that may be of assistance, I will forward it on. If you have more information or other resources, please feel free to leave a comment that I and others can read.