Posted on 05/19/2006 9:53:45 AM PDT by Simi Valley Tom
War on Christianity has been declared. On which side of the battle line will you stand?
The movie version of Dan Brown's book, THE DA VINCI CODE, is now in theaters. Although the movie significantly waters down the unrelenting, anti-Christian attacks and virulent paganism and goddess worship of the novel, it promotes the book and contains enough falsehoods and scurrilous conjecture to distort the truth about Jesus Christ, the Bible, Christianity, and God. That, coupled with the books popularity and some Christians ignorance about their faith, leads us to believe that the movie, and the attention it draws, will increase peoples hatred and prejudice against Christians and Christianity.
If this sounds like an overreaction, consider this:
* THE DA VINCI CODE presents blasphemous fiction as fact in a deceptive fashion
* THE DA VINCI CODE book denies the divinity of Jesus Christ, claiming He was no more than a mortal prophet, and the movie says it doesn't matter whether Jesus was divine or not
* THE DA VINCI CODE alleges Jesus married Mary Magdalene with whom He had a child
* THE DA VINCI CODE falsely claims the Christian church has historically hidden these facts through deception, murder and conspiracy
THE DA VINCI CODE novel has already caused great harm. Over 45 million copies of Dan Browns book have been sold, and its been a staple on worldwide best-seller lists for two years and counting. Brown, however, doesnt present it as an overt work of fiction. A simple statement in the prologue reads, All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents and secret rituals in this novel are accurate.
Many Christians are already theologically malnourished; how will they withstand the assault of distortions, lies and bigotry from THE DA VINCI CODE?
We must combat THE DA VINCI CODEs attack on Jesus, the Bible and the very integrity of the Christian faith.
On which side of the battle line will you stand?
Note: See the News and Articles sections of www.movieguide.org for more analysis of Dan Brown's book, and see Current Reviews at www.movieguide.org for a review of the movie version.
I am not big on teaching ID, so I missed your point. However I do think evolution teachers should be more respectful and fair to religious beliefs. Most of the teachers probably are, but there are evolution zealots too, especially at the collegiate levels, who hate Christians and mock their beliefs and let it be known.
"Allowing this blasphemous slander to stand without being attacked is wrong."
That's strange, everyone here seemed to support it when the Danish were slandering Islam with cartoons Blasphemous to THEIR religion.
Not a fair analogy. A lot of the opposition to Islam was based on their violent response to the cartoons, rioting and death threats. Besides most of the Blasphemous attacks were based on historical fact, unlike this which has been totally debunked and the fraud behind it has even been admitted.
Nah! that happened more than 2000 years ago..
Old news..
I did not mean to insinuate that Christians were having a violent reaction (which they are not and rarely do in comparison to the horrible religion that is Islam), however they are being equally silly in whining like little children when someone dares to challenge their views even in a fictional way.
The movie is going to fail due to all the bad reviews, why build it up by attacking it.
It's not advertised as a documentary. I think most people watching it will quickly figure out its a movie, not a documenatary.
Ditto to that.
I do think it shows we are a real religion. No rioting, no decapitations, etc...
Christianity survived Nero.
It will survive Dan Brown.
Who played the hunchback?
That's Sid Blumenthal!!!
"Wouldn't we better off feeding the spirit of the malnourished Christians (as you call it) as opposed to fighting a movie of fiction? "
While that would certainly be more in line with Christian teachings, feeding the poor in spirit doesn't get the photo-ops that movie protests do. Jesse Jackson knows this well.
In some venues he has stated the "it's just fiction" comments, but not in all venues....read on
One reason some people have been confused is that the opening page of the book says, FACT
All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate. When asked on The Today Show how much of the book is based on reality, author Dan Brown replied, Absolutely all of it
is historical fact (October 10, 2005).
On the side of enLIGHTenment. On the side of people finally reaching a point of individual responsibility for searching out the truth, not needing to be spoon fed.
The Internet, for one, provides a open and vast source to the histories of mankind - including religious, church histories.
And we are responsbile for oursleves to learn the truth God gave us a mind and his greatest gift - free agency. And the responsibility to use both.
I have one book that, beautifully illustrated with medieval 'illuminations' has ONLY the words of Jesus - separated from the often conflicting words of others...I find it soothing and anchoring.
The truth is for each of us to search for. And Jesus taught us how to ascertain the truth -"...you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32 .
He said that after He was gone He would send us that still, small voice, the Comforter who would tell us the truth of things
"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth".
Don't forget about George Burns roasting in the pits of hell.
One of civilizations great paradigm shifts - like the Internet ;o)
Exactamundo, Zavien
I think the stupid book and movie is a great opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ with people. Instead of picketing, which only makes weak-minded people think the code has struck a nerve, why not stand outside the theater with a sign "You've heard the bull - now hear the truth!"
Which people do you refer to as being slandered? Members of Opus Dei? If they didnt go around flagellating themselves like the crazy shiite Muslims, then maybe people wouldnt think they were a little weird and wouldnt be ready to believe even worse. And if you dont think there were political popes in the past 2000 years that didnt have the greatest moral character, then you are a fool. One pope did aid the French King in his torture and execution of Knights Templar in the 1300's. They reigned over the murder of many a person who didnt believe in Catholic dogma.
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