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The Da Vinci Code An Attack or an Opportunity? May 1, 2006, Redlands, CA— The best selling novel The Da Vinci Code has sold over 40 million copies worldwide. On May 19th Sony Pictures will release the movie version, starring Tom Hanks and directed by Ron Howard. It is likely to be one of biggest movies of the year, exposing millions more to the theories of Dan Brown that the true nature of Christianity has been hidden. When it comes out, Christians will be asked about the movie and its theories. Should Christians see this as an attack and protest the film the way they did Martin Scorsese’s 1988 film The Last Temptation of Christ?Christian apologist Elgin Hushbeck, Jr. author of the Consider Christianity Series and founder of Consider Christianity Week, who was among the thousands who participated in a march at Universal Studios protesting the earlier Scorsese’s film, suggests that rather than an attack, the church see this movie for what it is: fiction. “The Da Vinci Code is a work of fiction. We don’t look to Star Wars for valid information about space travel, nor do we get upset when Han Solo uses a parsec (a measure of distance) as if it were a measurement of speed. Why should any one look to the Da Vinci Code for valid information on Christianity or the Bible?” Instead of attacking the film, we should see this as a tremendous opportunity. Millions of non-Christians will see this movie. “People will be asking questions and this will be a wonderful opening to share will people the truth about the Bible, Jesus and Christianity.” 1 Peter 3:15 says “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” To be ready for this opportunity, churches should now be preparing their members to answer the questions that will come up as a result. “Rather than focus on the errors of the book and movie, Christians should be focusing on the truths of the Bible and Christianity. This is a perfect time for pastors to consider a sermon or classes on the reliability and trustworthiness of the Bible.” 1 Peter 3:15 say we should "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks." While one way to prepare would be to study the numerous errors of the Da Vinci Codes, a better way to prepare would be study the positive evidence that supports the Bible. In short study the truth, instead of error. Not only will this prepare people to answer the errors found in the Da Vinci Codes, but it will also be effective in countering the numerous other errors that are surfacing such as the Gospel of Judas. A great resource for such a study is Consider Christianity Volume I: Evidence for the Bible and accompanying Study Guide for the book. The Da Vinci Dialogue A wonderful web site that contains a number of articles and essays by Christian leaders discussing the various aspects of the Da Vinci Code, and the evidence for the Bible. Its Layout can be a little confusing at first. To get to the list of articles click on “What do the Experts Say.” Mark D. Roberts The Da Vinci Opportunity A series of blogs on the various aspect of the Da Vinci Code. **********
Elgin L. Hushbeck Jr. founded Consider Christianity Week in 1993 with the main goal of equipping Christians with the knowledge and ability to "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks" (1 Pet 3:15 - NIV). Another goal is to promote interest among non-Christians in Christianity as a viable religion in the twenty-first century. Individuals and churches can become involved through the Web site, www.consider.org. See www.consider.org for additional information. Books and press materials are available upon request. To schedule an interview with Elgin Hushbeck, Jr. contact CLASS at 1-888-CLASS-71 or classinterviews@cox.net |