Posted on 05/17/2006 5:54:17 AM PDT by governsleastgovernsbest
by Mark Finkelstein
May 17, 2006
If the Da Vinci Code was already feeding the flames of controversy with its challenge to the basic tenets of Christianity, actor Ian McKellen managed to throw a refinery tank's worth of gasoline on the fire on this morning's Today show, asserting that the Bible should carry a disclaimer saying that it is "fiction."
Matt Lauer, on his second day "On The Road With The Code," was in Cannes for the film festival, where the Code will have its debut. It has already been screened to some critics, who have given it decidedly mixed reviews.
As I reported here yesterday, NBC reporter Melissa Stark timidly dipped a toe in the sea of controversy when yesterday she interviewed Code director Ron Howard, asking how he reacted to the controversy the movie has created . . . for the Church! Sounding more like the Delphic oracle than a Hollywood director, Howard offered up some ambiguous prose about it being healthy thing for people to engage their beliefs.
Lauer took the bull of controversy more directly by the horns when he interviewed the cast and director Howard today. Said Lauer:
"There have been calls from some religious groups, they wanted a disclaimer at the beginning of this movie saying it is fiction because one of the themes in the book really knocks Christianity right on its ear, if Christ survived the crucifixion, he did not die for our sins and therefore was not resurrected. What I'm saying is, people wanted this to say 'fiction, fiction, fiction'. How would you all have felt if there was a disclaimer at the beginning of the movie? Would it have been okay with you?"
There was a pause, and then famed British actor Ian McKellen [Gandalf of Lord of the Rings], piped up:
"Well, I've often thought the Bible should have a disclaimer in the front saying this is fiction. I mean, walking on water, it takes an act of faith. And I have faith in this movie. Not that it's true, not that it's factual, but that it's a jolly good story. And I think audiences are clever enough and bright enough to separate out fact and fiction, and discuss the thing after they've seen it."
With the camera focused on McKellen, one could hear a distinctly nervous laugh in the background, seeming to come from either actor Tom Hanks or director Howard. McKellen's stunning bit of blasphemy is likely to test the adage that all publicity is good publicity.
Finkelstein, recently a guest on the Lars Larson Show, lives in the liberal haven of Ithaca, NY, where he hosts the award-winning public-access TV show 'Right Angle'. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net
There is a worldwide attack on Christians. THe blast is in the form of this movie, which is fiction, but made nevertheless to unsettle the Church. The Islamic world wants to dominate the Western world and for the most part in America, we are letting them, in the name of freedom of speech. Hence the absence of God. We are quickly becoming a nation without a moral compass.
Anywhere you like, but please only reply in aramaic - like all great literature you really have to read the Bible in it's native tongue to appreciate it's subtle nuances!
Didn't know that.
And what difference does it make? Why does sex have to be dragged into every topic?
Can not someone be an idiot without their sexuality being brought up?
Blaspheming against ALMIGHTY GOD is frightening!!!!!
MSM is trying to pick fights with believers by baiting celebrities with stupid questions. Believers should know their bibles and be able to confront the lies in this movie. Yes this book is fiction but a good percentage of people in the United States will not be able to sort between fiction and half truths weaved within this movie. These same people are allowed to vote. YIKES!!
We are in a time that very little Hollywood does is without an agenda. Even their cartoons have an edge to them. This isn't new, of course, but it is more open. Also, I could agree with many of the old flicks agendas, To Kill a Mockingbird, Casablanca, or most any John Wayne flick.
Yup
'He does choose the oddest folks for His "fan-club" doesn't He? Plus He throws in that rule about them all having to love each other....'
God invented faith, humility and love. Man invented the church. . . :D
Sure, but in this case, its plausably relevant. The actor believes that the Bible is fiction because it condemns his lifestyle choice. Poor man doesn't realize that all he has to do is get in touch with Gay Theology.
Ian is a gay activist.
I would be less than honest if I did not confess that much of what I believe is incredible too-- Jesus' virgin birth, His miracles, walking on water, His resurrection, etc. etc. (Thanks be to God).>>>>>>>>>
I totally agree with you on this. And, I have to say on the thought that well, Jesus could have been married and had children and that would show Him to be more "fully human" misses THE BIGGEST MYSTERY that Christians believe, THE TRINITY. Remember, Jesus is already a father, of the whole human race! Remember when he said "I and my Father are one and the same"!
Serious things are said in jest.
Allegedly.
This from Wikipedia:
He was described as "a collector of statuary, jewelry, and (it was said) handsome youths", though rumours of homosexuality may have been introduced by critics to undermine his reputation.
But don't let me stop you from Catholic-bashing.
The same Bible condemns adultery. If Ron Howard had an affair would it have been brought up a dozen times if he had made the same statement?
I think not.
The Man. Christ gave us the Church through Peter. God also invented morality and justice.
Dan Brown is clearly indicating he believes the blasphemy in his book.
If we look at the immediately preceeding answer we could alternately surmise that he disagrees that it is dangerous, heretical and anti-Christian.
And that the dialogue is wonderful for book and ticket sales. He's hit the jackpot.
IS THIS BOOK ANTI-CHRISTIAN?
No. This book is not anti-anything. It's a novel. I wrote this story in an effort to explore certain aspects of Christian history that interest me. The vast majority of devout Christians understand this fact and consider The Da Vinci Code an entertaining story that promotes spiritual discussion and debate. Even so, a small but vocal group of individuals has proclaimed the story dangerous, heretical, and anti-Christian.
Excommunication? Shunning? Discharge from employment? Crosses burnt into your lawn? Death threats?
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