Changes

Additionally, when Jesus was dying on the cross, he turned to John and instructed him to take care of his mother.  He shows no concern whatsoever for Mary Magdalene in his last moments, which seems odd.  After all, if she was his wife, pregnant with his child, his last hope for restoring the sacred feminine, the future leader of his church, etc. …wouldn’t he be slightly worried about her well being?  Widowed women in those days had little hope of anything but a destitute future with no caretaker.  Perhaps the reason why Jesus did not mention her is because, well, she wasn’t his wife.  (Bock 44)

Additionally, when Jesus was dying on the cross, he turned to John and instructed him to take care of his mother.  He shows no concern whatsoever for Mary Magdalene in his last moments, which seems odd.  After all, if she was his wife, pregnant with his child, his last hope for restoring the sacred feminine, the future leader of his church, etc. …wouldn’t he be slightly worried about her well being?  Widowed women in those days had little hope of anything but a destitute future with no caretaker.  Perhaps the reason why Jesus did not mention her is because, well, she wasn’t his wife.  (Bock 44)

Further evidence that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were not married is the fact that in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul cites reasons why men should marry.  Darrell L. Bock, P.H.D. writes about this evidence against Jesus’ marriage in the following excerpt:

Further evidence that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were not married is the fact that in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul cites reasons why men should marry.  Darrell L. Bock, P.H.D. writes about this evidence against Jesus’ marriage in the following excerpt:

''First Corinthians 9:4–6 may be the most important text for this topic. It reads, “Do we not have the right to the company of a believing wife, like the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? Or do only Barnabas and I lack the right not to work?” Paul noted in this aside that the apostles, the Lord’s brothers, and Cephas (Peter) had the right to a wife. In other words, they had every right to be married. It would have been simple for Paul to add that Jesus was married—had He been. Such a point would have sealed his argument, but he did not make that point…This 1 Corinthians 9 passage shows that the church was not embarrassed to reveal that its leaders were married—or to suggest that they had the right to be. The same would have been true of Jesus if He had been married. In fact, had Jesus been married, there would have been no better place for Paul to say it than here. It would have clinched Paul’s case that he also had the right to be married. Paul did not mention it because Jesus had not been married.

"First Corinthians 9:4–6 may be the most important text for this topic. It reads, “Do we not have the right to the company of a believing wife, like the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? Or do only Barnabas and I lack the right not to work?” Paul noted in this aside that the apostles, the Lord’s brothers, and Cephas (Peter) had the right to a wife. In other words, they had every right to be married. It would have been simple for Paul to add that Jesus was married—had He been. Such a point would have sealed his argument, but he did not make that point…This 1 Corinthians 9 passage shows that the church was not embarrassed to reveal that its leaders were married—or to suggest that they had the right to be. The same would have been true of Jesus if He had been married. In fact, had Jesus been married, there would have been no better place for Paul to say it than here. It would have clinched Paul’s case that he also had the right to be married. Paul did not mention it because Jesus had not been married.

If it were true, Jesus’ marriage would have been a significant addition to Paul’s argument –but it is not mentioned.  Perhaps this is because Jesus was not married. ''(Bock 42)

If it were true, Jesus’ marriage would have been a significant addition to Paul’s argument –but it is not mentioned.  Perhaps this is because Jesus was not married."(Bock 42)

The Da Vinci Code assumes Jesus must be married “because Jesus was a Jew and the social decorum during that time virtually forbade a Jewish man to be unmarried. According to Jewish custom, celibacy was condemned.”  Actually, celibacy was not condemned, nor was it even looked down upon.  (Bock 53)  Several Jewish sects—most notably the Essenes—lived celibate lives dedicating their time wholly to their religion. Additionally, many Jewish prophets and teachers were unmarried and chose to remain celibate: Jeremiah, John the Baptist, and many scholars believe, Paul.  It was a way of expressing total devotion to God, but those who did choose to marry were not viewed as any less. (Welborn 60)  In an article, Archbishop George H. Niederauer points out that when Brown talks about Jesus’ marriage, he “stresses the importance of the social decorum at that time. If “social decorum” had been a high priority for Jesus he wouldn’t have healed people on the Sabbath, talked to the Samaritan woman at the well, knocked over the moneychangers’ tables in the Temple, or socialized often with public sinners.” (Niederauer 2)

The Da Vinci Code assumes Jesus must be married “because Jesus was a Jew and the social decorum during that time virtually forbade a Jewish man to be unmarried. According to Jewish custom, celibacy was condemned.”  Actually, celibacy was not condemned, nor was it even looked down upon.  (Bock 53)  Several Jewish sects—most notably the Essenes—lived celibate lives dedicating their time wholly to their religion. Additionally, many Jewish prophets and teachers were unmarried and chose to remain celibate: Jeremiah, John the Baptist, and many scholars believe, Paul.  It was a way of expressing total devotion to God, but those who did choose to marry were not viewed as any less. (Welborn 60)  In an article, Archbishop George H. Niederauer points out that when Brown talks about Jesus’ marriage, he “stresses the importance of the social decorum at that time. If “social decorum” had been a high priority for Jesus he wouldn’t have healed people on the Sabbath, talked to the Samaritan woman at the well, knocked over the moneychangers’ tables in the Temple, or socialized often with public sinners.” (Niederauer 2)

Instead, he relies on a sole passage from the Gnostic gospel of Mary Magdalene. (Welborn2)

Instead, he relies on a sole passage from the Gnostic gospel of Mary Magdalene. (Welborn2)

''And Peter said, 'did the savior really speak with a woman without our knowledge? Are we to turn about and all listen to her? Did her prefer her to us?  And Levi answered, 'Peter, you have always been hot-tempered.  Now I see you contending against the woman like an adversary.  If the savior made her worthy, who are you indeed to reject her?  Surely the savior knows her very well. That is why he loved her more than us.''

''And Peter said, 'did the savior really speak with a woman without our knowledge? Are we to turn about and all listen to her? Did her prefer her to us?  And Levi answered, 'Peter, you have always been hot-tempered.  Now I see you contending against the woman like an adversary.  If the savior made her worthy, who are you indeed to reject her?  Surely the savior knows her very well. That is why he loved her more than us.''

 

 

This gospel was written over a century after the events it speaks of. (Welborn 69)  None of the Gnostic gospels are traceable to a single person who knew Jesus.  (Welborn 55)  But even if it were a more credible source, this excerpt is taken out of context from the rest of the Gnostic gospels.  In The Da Vinci Code, after hearing this passage, Sophie remarks, “I daresay Peter was something of a sexist.”  However, when a deeper look is taken, the Gnostic Jesus did not have very different views on women; observe his remarkably “sexist” words from the Gnostic gospel of Thomas, and two scholars’ explanation of it.  

This gospel was written over a century after the events it speaks of. (Welborn 69)  None of the Gnostic gospels are traceable to a single person who knew Jesus.  (Welborn 55)  But even if it were a more credible source, this excerpt is taken out of context from the rest of the Gnostic gospels.  In The Da Vinci Code, after hearing this passage, Sophie remarks, “I daresay Peter was something of a sexist.”  However, when a deeper look is taken, the Gnostic Jesus did not have very different views on women; observe his remarkably “sexist” words from the Gnostic gospel of Thomas, and two scholars’ explanation of it.  

''"Jesus said, ‘Look, I will guide her to make her male, so that she too may become a living spirit resembling you males. For every female who makes herself male will enter the kingdom of Heaven.’” (Gospel of Thomas 114)

''"Jesus said, ‘Look, I will guide her to make her male, so that she too may become a living spirit resembling you males. For every female who makes herself male will enter the kingdom of Heaven.’” (Gospel of Thomas 114)

  “Jesus is not suggesting a sex-change operation, but is using 'male' and 'female' metaphorically to refer to the higher and lower aspects of human nature. Mary is thus to undergo a spiritual transformation from her earthly, material, passionate nature (which the evangelist equates with the female) to a heavenly, spiritual, intellectual nature (which the evangelist equates with the male).” ''(Funk and Hoover 532)

  “Jesus is not suggesting a sex-change operation, but is using 'male' and 'female' metaphorically to refer to the higher and lower aspects of human nature. Mary is thus to undergo a spiritual transformation from her earthly, material, passionate nature (which the evangelist equates with the female) to a heavenly, spiritual, intellectual nature (which the evangelist equates with the male).” ''(Funk and Hoover 532)

If Brown had told the whole story, perhaps Sophie would not view the Gnostic Jesus as the “original feminist”.  ("Jesus was the original feminist. He intended for the future of the church to be in the hands of Mary Magdalene." -Sir Leigh Teabing TDVC 248)

If Brown had told the whole story, perhaps Sophie would not view the Gnostic Jesus as the “original feminist”.  ("Jesus was the original feminist. He intended for the future of the church to be in the hands of Mary Magdalene." -Sir Leigh Teabing TDVC 248)

==='''Part IV: Constantine and the Council of Nicaea'''===

==='''Part IV: Constantine and the Council of Nicaea'''===

''…for inasmuch as error is falsification of truth,  

''…for inasmuch as error is falsification of truth,  

it must needs be that truth therefore precedes error.'' –Tertullian in ''Against Marcion''

it must needs be that truth therefore precedes error.'' –Tertullian in ''Against Marcion''

 

[[The Council of Nicaea]] (325 AD)—presided over by Roman Emperor [[Constantine]]—was the first ecumenical gathering of Christians.  In The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown makes some startling assertions about the Council and its leader, Constantine.   

[[The Council of Nicaea]] (325 AD)—presided over by Roman Emperor [[Constantine]]—was the first ecumenical gathering of Christians.  In The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown makes some startling assertions about the Council and its leader, Constantine.   

Brown asserts that it was not until after the Council of Nicaea that the world saw the list of books we know today as the Bible.  Historian Kurt Aland identifies this as error in the following excerpt:

Brown asserts that it was not until after the Council of Nicaea that the world saw the list of books we know today as the Bible.  Historian Kurt Aland identifies this as error in the following excerpt:

''The canon was not imposed from the top… and then accepted by communities.  The organized church did not create the canon; it recognized the canon that had already been created. '' –Kurt Aland

''The canon was not imposed from the top… and then accepted by communities.  The organized church did not create the canon; it recognized the canon that had already been created. '' –Kurt Aland

The gospels were well established long before Constantine was born.  In fact, 150 years before Constantine, Christian leaders dealt with issues radical Marcion raised about the canon, which proves a list of books very close to ours was in existence centuries before Constantine.   

The gospels were well established long before Constantine was born.  In fact, 150 years before Constantine, Christian leaders dealt with issues radical Marcion raised about the canon, which proves a list of books very close to ours was in existence centuries before Constantine.   

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The first page in The Da Vinci Code is entitled “facts”.  The following statement is made about the ancient, secret society known as the “Priory of Scion”:

The first page in The Da Vinci Code is entitled “facts”.  The following statement is made about the ancient, secret society known as the “Priory of Scion”:

''The Priory of Sion—a European secret society founded in 1099—is a real organization. In 1975, Paris's Bibliothèque Nationale discovered parchments known as Les Dossiers Secrets, identifying numerous members of the Priory of Sion, including Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Leonardo da Vinci.''

''The Priory of Sion—a European secret society founded in 1099—is a real organization. In 1975, Paris's Bibliothèque Nationale discovered parchments known as Les Dossiers Secrets, identifying numerous members of the Priory of Sion, including Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Leonardo da Vinci.''

The Priory of Scion, Dan Brown goes on to explain in further detail in the novel, is a secret organization founded to preserve the “Holy Grail”—or the truth about who Mary Magdalene was.  It turns out, however, that the Priory of Scion is none of those things.  It was founded in the mid-1950s by Pierre Plantard, “an anti-Semite who sought to ‘purify and renew’ France.”  In an attempt to prove that he was an heir to the French throne, and a descendent of the royal Merovingian family, Plantard planted false documents in French libraries and archives.  (Welborn 107)  The so-called Les Dossiers Secrets are totally fabricated, modern documents, made to look ancient.  They feature a list of members that include every “intellectual superstar” from the past 1,000 years—an unlikely combination of people of entirely different backgrounds and beliefs. (Welborn 108)

The Priory of Scion, Dan Brown goes on to explain in further detail in the novel, is a secret organization founded to preserve the “Holy Grail”—or the truth about who Mary Magdalene was.  It turns out, however, that the Priory of Scion is none of those things.  It was founded in the mid-1950s by Pierre Plantard, “an anti-Semite who sought to ‘purify and renew’ France.”  In an attempt to prove that he was an heir to the French throne, and a descendent of the royal Merovingian family, Plantard planted false documents in French libraries and archives.  (Welborn 107)  The so-called Les Dossiers Secrets are totally fabricated, modern documents, made to look ancient.  They feature a list of members that include every “intellectual superstar” from the past 1,000 years—an unlikely combination of people of entirely different backgrounds and beliefs. (Welborn 108)

Dan Brown claims that "…Most scholars agree that even Da Vinci's most famous pieces —works like the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and Madonna of the Rocks — contain startling anomalies that all seem to be whispering the same cryptic message."  However, most scholars do not agree with Brown’s interpretations of Leonardo’s artwork, instead viewing them as dubious at best.  In the painting The Last Supper, Dan Brown interprets the disciple John seated on Jesus’ right to be Mary Magdalene, and the ‘M’ shape created by negative space behind those seated at the table to stand for Mary Magdalene.   

Dan Brown claims that "…Most scholars agree that even Da Vinci's most famous pieces —works like the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and Madonna of the Rocks — contain startling anomalies that all seem to be whispering the same cryptic message."  However, most scholars do not agree with Brown’s interpretations of Leonardo’s artwork, instead viewing them as dubious at best.  In the painting The Last Supper, Dan Brown interprets the disciple John seated on Jesus’ right to be Mary Magdalene, and the ‘M’ shape created by negative space behind those seated at the table to stand for Mary Magdalene.   

Georgetown art historian Diane Cappadonna states, “I do not believe there is a woman in The Last Supper, and I do not believe in any way that it is Mary Magdalene.  The ‘V’ shapes”—not a single ‘M’ as Brown interprets—“that are there serve a solely artistic purpose—to place emphasis in the composition on Christ and to emphasize perspective.”  (Burnstein 229-230) Brown also argues the case that the figure must be a woman because “Da Vinci was skilled at painting the difference between the sexes.”  It certainly is true that Leonardo was a skilled painter; however all Renaissance artists depicted the disciple John as decidedly effeminate… Leonardo included.  In fact, most young men were painted with very womanly features.  In Leonardo’s painting St. John the Baptist; the face is astonishingly similar to John in The Last Supper—and equally feminine.  Are we to suppose that this also is secretly Mary Magdalene?  

Georgetown art historian Diane Cappadonna states,  

<blockquote>“I do not believe there is a woman in The Last Supper, and I do not believe in any way that it is Mary Magdalene.  The ‘V’ shapes”—not a single ‘M’ as Brown interprets—“that are there serve a solely artistic purpose—to place emphasis in the composition on Christ and to emphasize perspective.”  (Burnstein 229-230) </blockquote> Brown also argues the case that the figure must be a woman because “Da Vinci was skilled at painting the difference between the sexes.”  It certainly is true that Leonardo was a skilled painter; however all Renaissance artists depicted the disciple John as decidedly effeminate… Leonardo included.  In fact, most young men were painted with very womanly features.  In Leonardo’s painting St. John the Baptist; the face is astonishingly similar to John in The Last Supper—and equally feminine.  Are we to suppose that this also is secretly Mary Magdalene?  

[[Image: johnthebaptist.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Leonardo's''St. John the Baptist'']]   

[[Image: johnthebaptist.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Leonardo's''St. John the Baptist'']]   

In addition to The Last Supper, Brown states that "…works like the Mona Lisa and Madonna of the Rocks al[so] …seem to be whispering the same cryptic message.  He goes on to describe the Mona Lisa as an androgynous self-portrait.  Shelley Esaak explains Brown’s reasoning behind making such an assertion:  

In addition to The Last Supper, Brown states that "…works like the Mona Lisa and Madonna of the Rocks al[so] …seem to be whispering the same cryptic message.  He goes on to describe the Mona Lisa as an androgynous self-portrait.  Shelley Esaak explains Brown’s reasoning behind making such an assertion:  

  “‘Mona Lisa’ is an anagram of ‘Amon’ and ‘Isis,’ if you write ‘Isis’ in the manner of some (unreferenced) ancient pictogram that roughly translates to ‘L'isa’ in Latin text. Thus PROVING that (quoting from p. 121) “… not only does the face of Mona Lisa look androgynous, but her name is an anagram of the divine union of male and female. And that, my friends, is Da Vinci's little secret, and the reason for Mona Lisa's knowing smile.’” (Esaak)   

Unfortunately, Brown’s explanation is entirely fictitious.  Leonardo did not name the “Mona Lisa.”  The painting remained completely unnamed until 1550—years after Leonardo’s death.  (Esaak)

  “‘Mona Lisa’ is an anagram of ‘Amon’ and ‘Isis,’ if you write ‘Isis’ in the manner of some (unreferenced) ancient pictogram that roughly translates to ‘L'isa’ in Latin text. Thus PROVING that (quoting from p. 121) “… not only does the face of Mona Lisa look androgynous, but her name is an anagram of the divine union of male and female. And that, my friends, is Da Vinci's little secret, and the reason for Mona Lisa's knowing smile.’” (Esaak)  </blockquote>

Unfortunately, Brown’s explanation is entirely fictitious.  Leonardo did not name the “Mona Lisa.”  The painting remained completely unnamed until the year 1550—years after Leonardo’s death.  (Esaak)

Brown also makes some errors when discussing the painting Madonna (or Virgin) on the Rocks.  He states that nuns from the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception gave Leonardo particular instructions on what was to be the dimensions and content of the painting.  Brown’s first mistake is in describing the members of the confraternity as nuns—it was definitely an entirely male group as the name (con) fraternity suggests!  (Olson and Miesel)

Brown also makes some errors when discussing the painting Madonna (or Virgin) on the Rocks.  He states that nuns from the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception gave Leonardo particular instructions on what was to be the dimensions and content of the painting.  Brown’s first mistake is in describing the members of the confraternity as nuns—it was definitely an entirely male group as the name (con) ''fraternity'' suggests!  (Olson and Miesel)

Brown then goes on to state that “the nuns” wished for the painting to contain Mary, Jesus, John the Baptist and the angel Uriel.  Leonardo followed “the nuns” instructions, but the first version he painted contained "explosive and disturbing details."  Actually, the confraternity wanted God the Father overhead, with two prophets on the side panels and the Virgin of the Rocks centered in the middle.  It is not known exactly what conspired between Leonardo and the monks, but it is know that Leonardo did not follow their original instructions.  There was nothing startlingly “un-Christian” in either version. (Olson and Miesel)

Brown then goes on to state that “the nuns” wished for the painting to contain Mary, Jesus, John the Baptist and the angel Uriel.  Leonardo followed “the nuns” instructions, but the first version he painted contained "explosive and disturbing details."  Actually, the confraternity wanted God the Father overhead, with two prophets on the side panels and the Virgin of the Rocks centered in the middle.  It is not known exactly what conspired between Leonardo and the monks, but it is know that Leonardo did not follow their original instructions.  There was nothing startlingly “un-Christian” in either version. (Olson and Miesel)

Dan Brown states that the key to Christianity’s success was Constantine’s endorsement.  However, many Christian scholars have different views:

Dan Brown states that the key to Christianity’s success was Constantine’s endorsement.  However, many Christian scholars have different views:

“In this victory of Christianity was also something of defeat.  The victory had been accomplished by compromise, compromise with the world which had crucified Jesus. (Latourette 108) …Outwardly Christianity had triumphed, [yet] many of the nominal Christians paid only lip service to their ostensible faith and remained pagans at heart.” (Latourette 97)

<blockquote>“In this victory of Christianity was also something of defeat.  The victory had been accomplished by compromise, compromise with the world which had crucified Jesus. (Latourette 108) …Outwardly Christianity had triumphed, [yet] many of the nominal Christians paid only lip service to their ostensible faith and remained pagans at heart.” (Latourette 97)</blockquote>

You see, Christianity triumphed for one reason and one reason alone: Jesus Christ.   

Christianity triumphed for one reason and one reason alone: Jesus Christ.   

''“It was faith in Jesus and his resurrection which gave birth to the Christian fellowship…it was the love displayed in Christ which was, ideally and to a marked extent, the bond which held Christianity together.“'' (Latourette 107)

''“It was faith in Jesus and his resurrection which gave birth to the Christian fellowship…it was the love displayed in Christ which was, ideally and to a marked extent, the bond which held Christianity together.“'' (Latourette 107)

The compromise Latourette speaks of did not come without a price, and that was the loss of the purity of original, organic Christianity as nothing but the worship of Jesus Christ and a desire to emulate his character, his example of self-sacrifice, love and mercy.  Jesus’ message had nothing to do with restoring the sacred feminine—but it had everything to do with restoring and redeeming all of humankind.  Brown fails to grasp this basic meaning of Christianity.

The compromise Latourette speaks of did not come without a price, and that was the loss of the purity of original, organic Christianity as nothing but the worship of Jesus Christ and a desire to emulate his character, his example of self-sacrifice, love and mercy.  Jesus’ message had nothing to do with restoring the sacred feminine—but it had everything to do with restoring and redeeming all of humankind.  Brown fails to grasp this basic meaning of Christianity.

In addition to getting the historical facts wrong about the origins of Christianity, Brown also gets the message of Jesus Christ wrong.  In spite of his seeming desire to make the truth known, Brown contradicts himself by having the attitude that, when all is said and done, it doesn’t really matter what the Bible says, or what history says… “what matters is what you believe.”  (The Da Vinci Code, the movie)  In an official interview on his website, Dan Brown states:

In addition to getting the historical facts wrong about the origins of Christianity, Brown also gets the message of Jesus Christ wrong.  In spite of his seeming desire to make the truth known, Brown contradicts himself by having the attitude that, when all is said and done, it doesn’t really matter what the Bible says, or what history says… “what matters is what you believe.”  (The Da Vinci Code, the movie)  In an official interview on his website, Dan Brown states:

''Faith is a continuum, and we each fall on that line where we may. By attempting to rigidly classify ethereal concepts like faith, we end up debating semantics to the point where we entirely miss the obvious--that is, that we are all trying to decipher life's big mysteries, and we're each following our own paths of enlightenment. I consider myself a student of many religions. The more I learn, the more questions I have. For me, the spiritual quest will be a life-long work in progress.''

''Faith is a continuum, and we each fall on that line where we may. By attempting to rigidly classify ethereal concepts like faith, we end up debating semantics to the point where we entirely miss the obvious--that is, that we are all trying to decipher life's big mysteries, and we're each following our own paths of enlightenment. I consider myself a student of many religions. The more I learn, the more questions I have. For me, the spiritual quest will be a life-long work in progress.''

Apparently, Dan Brown believes there are no solid truths—that Christian doctrine is malleable and can be tailored to each person’s desires.  However, he is gravely mistaken; faith is not a continuum.  Christianity does not involve shaky, grey areas of doubt and confusion, but is based upon a solid foundation—the rock that is Jesus Christ.  Christians do not rely on their "own paths of enlightenment", instead looking to the Bible and the Holy Spirit for truth and revelation.  As Martin Lloyd-Jones describes it, Christianity “is to be the acceptance of certain truths, and the working out of a reasoned, logical argument on the basis of those truths.  It is not to be something vague, and general, and intangible, which varies with one’s moods and feelings.” (Why Does God Allow War?)  For Christians, the “spiritual quest” simply means following Jesus Christ and seeking to know him more deeply.  Perhaps the biggest myth in The Da Vinci Code is the misrepresentation of Jesus Christ.   

Apparently, Dan Brown believes there are no solid truths—that Christian doctrine is malleable and can be tailored to each person’s desires.  However, he is gravely mistaken; faith is not a continuum.  Christianity does not involve shaky, grey areas of doubt and confusion, but is based upon a solid foundation—the rock that is Jesus Christ.  Christians do not rely on their "own paths of enlightenment", instead looking to the Bible and the Holy Spirit for truth and revelation.  As Martin Lloyd-Jones describes it, Christianity “is to be the acceptance of certain truths, and the working out of a reasoned, logical argument on the basis of those truths.  It is not to be something vague, and general, and intangible, which varies with one’s moods and feelings.” (Why Does God Allow War?)  For Christians, the “spiritual quest” simply means following Jesus Christ and seeking to know him more deeply.  Perhaps the biggest myth in The Da Vinci Code is the misrepresentation of Jesus Christ.   

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Dan Brown is responsible for feeding millions of readers a pack of lies cleverly wrapped up as a historically accurate novel.  Critics have sung its praises since its publication in 2001, extolling its artistic virtues as well as its historical ones.

Dan Brown is responsible for feeding millions of readers a pack of lies cleverly wrapped up as a historically accurate novel.  Critics have sung its praises since its publication in 2001, extolling its artistic virtues as well as its historical ones.

“Calling Dan Brown's latest novel, The Da Vinci Code, simply a "smart suspense novel" is like referring to Harvard as simply a pretty good university. Incorporating massive amounts of historical and academic information is no easy task, but Brown does it in such a seamless fashion that it is almost invisible within the story's natural narrative.”  (The Mystery Reader)

“Calling Dan Brown's latest novel, The Da Vinci Code, simply a "smart suspense novel" is like referring to Harvard as simply a pretty good university. Incorporating massive amounts of historical and academic information is no easy task, but Brown does it in such a seamless fashion that it is almost invisible within the story's natural narrative.”  (The Mystery Reader)

In addition to the critics, audiences are also profoundly impacted by the book’s “historical” content, as Archbishop George H. Niederauer, D.D., Ph.D describes in an article:

In addition to the critics, audiences are also profoundly impacted by the book’s “historical” content, as Archbishop George H. Niederauer, D.D., Ph.D describes in an article:

“A young friend of mine met a classmate from Catholic high school who told him that she was seriously thinking of giving up her faith after reading “The Da Vinci Code”. My friend said, “You’d give up your faith because of a novel?” She answered, “Oh, but it’s all true!” (How Dark the Con of Man)

Oh, but it’s not true!  And therein lays the tragedy: millions have been presented with a tangled, inaccurate and dishonest representation of history, of Christianity and of Jesus Christ.  Dan Brown is fond of Leonardo Da Vinci’s quote, “how dark the con of man.”  I must agree with Brown on this one point.  How dark the con of man indeed.   

"A young friend of mine met a classmate from Catholic high school who told him that she was seriously thinking of giving up her faith after reading “The Da Vinci Code”. My friend said, “You’d give up your faith because of a novel?” She answered, “Oh, but it’s all true!” (How Dark the Con of Man)</blockquote>

Every component of the “Da Vinci myth” has crumbled and fallen to pieces upon close scrutiny and examination.  But the damage caused by the book is not undone…in fact, far from it.  As Mark Twain said, “A lie is half way round the world while the truth is still putting its boots on.” If nothing else, The Da Vinci Code teaches a lesson on how susceptible people are to believing an attractively-packaged lie, and how vitally important it is that the truth is broadcasted earnestly by those who know it.   

Oh, but it’s not true!  And therein lays the tragedy: millions have been presented with a tangled, inaccurate and dishonest representation of history, of Christianity and of Jesus Christ.  Dan Brown is fond of Leonardo Da Vinci’s quote, “how dark the con of man.”  I must agree with Brown on this one point.  How dark the con of man indeed.   

 

Every component of the “Da Vinci myth” has crumbled and fallen to pieces upon close scrutiny and examination.  But the damage caused by the book is not undone…in fact, far from it.  As Mark Twain said,  

<blockquote>“A lie is half way round the world while the truth is still putting its boots on.” </blockquote> If nothing else, The Da Vinci Code teaches a lesson on how susceptible people are to believing an attractively-packaged lie, and how vitally important it is that the truth is broadcasted earnestly by those who know it.   

 

'''Other:'''

'''Other:'''

Schlafly, Andrew.  World History Fourth Lecture – Ancient History.  October 2006.

Schlafly, Andrew.  World History Fourth Lecture – Ancient History.  October 2006.