The Da Vinci Code Debate

Rev. Dr. W. C. Champion

General Secretary of Evangelism and Mission

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

The Da Vinci Code, which has become a worldwide best seller, took even its accomplished author by surprise. Dan Brown, the author confessed, "I never imagined so many people would be enjoying it this much”. Since it was first released in 2003, Brown's book has sold more than thirty-six million copies and been translated into forty-four languages.. .and counting.  It has spawned its own industry of sorts, including a special illustrated edition (with 160 illustrations interspersed with the text), guides on how to read the book, rebuttals, parodies, and an ABC television documentary.

The plot of the novel revolves around the murder of the elderly curator of the Louvre, in Paris. Because the victim is surrounded with baffling clues and ciphers, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is called in to solve the riddle. Langdon's investigation unites him with French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, and together they uncover the late curator's involvement in a secret society whose members included Leonardo Da Vinci, among others. Their inquiry into a murder quickly becomes a quest to expose an ancient conspiracy and discover a shocking and priceless religious relic, suppressed for centuries.

The Da Vinci Code has ignited a  resurgence of interest in Leonardo da Vinci, and conspiracy theories, as well as a general interest in theories about Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and the early history of  Christianity.

Around the world, those who have been fascinated by The Da Vinci Code-whether by the book, the movie, or both-are interested in delving deeper into artistic, historical, and spiritual mysteries. For many, Dan Brown's intriguing characters and conspiracies have opened new doors, posed new questions, and launched them on an exhilarating quest for answers. Millions of people want to know more about the secret societies mentioned in The Da Vinci Code. They're intrigued by the hints of mystery religions and evidences of "the sacred feminine" in the history of Christianity. They're hungry for more details about Jesus, Mary Magdalene, their relationship, and the Holy Grail. They're interested in all the twists and turns "the truth" took from the time of Jesus to the councils during the time of Emperor Constantine.

Josh McDowell  book as the subtitle suggests,  is a quest for answers, a further exploration of themes the novel introduced. And, like the novel, this book is itself a mere beginning, for the topics  discussed throughout the book  launches a lifelong journey of discovery. The chapters are structured as a series of conversations. Like the Da Vinci Code the characters are fictional, but their discussions are based on real conversations, and the information they exchange is as real as the computer you are reading this information from.

Unlike Dan Brown, McDowell  as much as possible, has carefully  supplied footnotes for  every claim that is made and every reference that is cited. McDowell’s  book is designed primarily for those who have read The Da Vinci Code or seen the movie, but  a familiarity with the novel is not necessary to enjoy and profit from this small volume. I bring these to books to the attention of the members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church because the Church is facing the challenge brought about by Dan Brown’s book which in my opinion is an attack against the foundation of Christian Belief, “The authenticity of Jesus the Christ”.

The Da Vinci Code, though it is a dynamic best seller mystery novel, is having an influence on  many who are searching for answers about Christianity. The Da Vinci Code is having a very negative impact on people who want to know if  the story of Jesus is true. You only have to read the book to see that there are pages with many untruths as it relates to the life of Jesus and the Church.  The Church must be prepared to answer the questions people will be asking as a result of their reading The Da Vinci Code or seeing the movie. This is why I am encouraging members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and especially the clergy to read both  Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” and Josh McDowell’s “A Quest For Answers: The Da Vinci Code”. 

The following message is from Dr. Willie C. Champion, the General Secretary, Department of Evangelism and Missions, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

The Chronicles of Namia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe Not Just Another Movie - The Greatest Story Ever Told.

We have an opportunity to help young people – and  the young at heart of all ages – experience  the Lion of Narnia and then learn about Him as He really exists in our world. Narnia has the potential of  reaching deep into our culture as an amazing cinematic production and we believe that millions of hearts will be captured by the compelling story of Aslan – and  perhaps wonder about the "story within the story." We have the opportunity to capture this moment in time, using a magnificently crafted visual experience as an occasion for Christians to share their own personal discovery of the Lion of Narnia in the person of Jesus Christ.

A little less than a month before he died, C. S. Lewis wrote to a girl named Ruth what might well serve as a fitting farewell – and challenge - to us today. He said in part,

'If you continue to love Jesus, nothing much can go wrong with you, and I hope that you may always do so. I'm so thankful that you realized the 'hidden story 'in the Narnia books. It is odd, children nearly always do, grownups hardly ever.'

As Christians of all ages grasp the truths presented in the Chronicles of Namia, we have the opportunity as leaders to place in their hands tools and resources that will help them share their faith with those who are just beginning to explore the "hidden story" as a result of seeing this movie. We believe the release of this film – at  this time – is  providential, and encourage churches and other ministry organizations to take full advantage of the teaching opportunity in our pulpits and classrooms, and the outreach opportunity in our communities.

What better time - than the season celebrating the birth of our Lord?

What better opportunity - than the nationwide release of a major film that offers amazing visual effects while retaining the true story of Asian and Namia?

What an enormous need - for our nation to hear a message of faith, hope, and love during this time of turmoil and challenge.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

A captivating story…….

Crafted by a masterful theologian and storyteller.

An opportunity for the Church to engage the culture

With the hope of Jesus Christ.