I was interviewed last Thursday by the Religious editor of the Battle Creek Enquirer concerning the sermon series I am doing on the Da Vinci Code here at First Assembly.
She asked me my motivation for doing so, and I explained to her that I speak concerning the book and film so that we as Christians will know what we believe if challenged, and also be ready to use the Da Vinci code as a springboard to sharing our faith.
The Da Vinci Code movie opens this Friday, May 19. Certainly you already knew that, if you've seen a TV or a newspaper recently. It's making quite a buzz.
The film presumably makes the same claims about Jesus that the book did, which is why it's sure to raise more controversy. As with most people who read the book, most who see the movie will probably not give a great deal of serious thought to the spiritual/religious/historical claims; they'll just enjoy the story.
A few, however, will be troubled by what Dan Brown says about Christ. Some might even become convinced he's right, even though his work is a work of fiction.
Actor Tom Hanks, who stars in the leading role, has made some interesting comments about it. One, he said that The Da Vinci Code movie could "help the church do their job." He said, "If they put up a sign saying, 'This Wednesday we are discussing the gospel,' 12 people show up. But if a sign says, 'This Wednesday we are discussing The Da Vinci Code, 800 people show up.'"
Though I'm not sure he's right about the numbers, he does have a bit of a point.
People are interested in hearing more about the film and how it compares to historical Christianity.
Hanks made another good point about the movie. He said the film was loaded with "hoeey" and "nonsense." He said, "If you are going to take any sort of movie at face value, particularly a huge-budget motion picture like this, you'd be making a very big mistake."
Amen, Tom. There are better, more reliable sources on which to base our faith than best-selling novels and blockbuster movies.
Let me repeat what I said above:
Many people have questions about the claims of this film, and we have a unique opportunity to talk about subjects that some in the pew might not always be eager to hear: apologetics.
I believe now is a good time to address the issues of where we got the Bible, why we believe it is reliable (and inspired); why we believe Jesus is who he said he is; and how we respond reasonably to doubts and questions about our faith.
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3 comments:
I agree. I'm glad that someone, other than Dan Brown, involved with the movie decided to step forward and speak out concerning the issues. I know some Christians have considered "boycotting" more than just the film, they have also considered not ever seeing another Hanks or Howard film. I think that all of that is extreme in that Tom Hanks is right...this movie (and book, for that matter) allow us to discuss the truth with others who might not ask otherwise. It seems that the Christian community got almost totally behind Mel Gibson's "The Passion" because it was a more accurate reflection of what Jesus suffered for us. But Mel put some stuff in there that could not be found in Scripture...he "enhanced" the story of the crucifiction. Yet, it was embraced because it opened a door for conversation about Jesus Christ. Now, I'm not putting the Da Vinci Code on the same level as The Passion but it does provide the same opportunity. It allows us to speak about Jesus Christ and His life...His documented life, both in the Bible and in historical documents. But we have to know the facts before we can speak to others convincingly...we could always fall back on our faith but that is the area that these folks have trouble with in their lives. Some people come to God through miraculous works, some through trial and tribulation, some through study and reflection, some come through friendships and conversation.
That's what this movie provides us...an opening to have a conversation about God! Take the opportunity today and in the days to come. If you don't want to read the book or see the movie, there are a vast number of web sites that will lay out all of the problems, both historical and Biblical, with Brown's fiction. But, I would say that to argue about the facts loses the battle before it is begun...dialogue about the facts that Brown cites, show people the truth in the Bible and in history with love and compassion, and you will win more people toward the truth. Once they get started that way, encourage them and pray that the Holy Spirit never lets them go.
It is through loving others that we show our love for Christ and our dedication as disciples for Him. Love people. Love God more!
May God bless your mind and words as you discuss this movie with those around you. May He open their minds to His Word and His Way. The peace of God be upon you!
Jon
The whole demon thing was added and the tossing him over the wall (hanging him by the chains) in front of his disciples. There are more things but the whole point was that Mel "dramatized" the story...truly in the opposite way to others before him who made the whole beating thing seem tame...in order to show the historical aspects of what had happened. As I said, it gave us a wonderful point to have conversations but if you were not up to speed about the torture methods of the Romans, you really could not speak to the historical accuracy of what Mel portrayed. That's the whole point with DVC, it gives us a wonderful tool to have conversations with/about but we need to be informed on both the theological and historical facts before we enter the discussion. According to Dan Brown, all of the facts in his book are true yet, just spending minimal web-surfing time, many of them are not true. The mirrored panels of the pyramid near the Louvre is just one example: DB says there are 666 (not symbolic or nothing, huh) but actually, there are 683 according to the Louvre website and the architect. Who's right? Good question but my leaning, after looking at all the other inaccuracies in DVC, are not with Mr. Brown.
So we take the opening that Brown has unwittingly given us. His intention was to embarass Christianity...well, God takes bad intentions and turns them into good results! So, let's go harvest what DB has unwittingly (and unwillingly, probably) planted for us!
Love God, love people. Take the opportunities to witness that God places before you! Praise God!
Jon
Yet, people will go see it and some will hide within its obvious falsehoods so that they can continue to live their lives as they see fit, and not worry about an eternal judgment. That's the sad commentary on books and movies such as this, or any promotion of New Age thought or principle. That people will grasp it to avoid having to look at, or change, their behavior. We have to reach them somehow and discussing the huge and glaring mistakes in this movie/book might be the starting point to their salvation. If only one is saved by thousands of hours of conversation, it is worth the effort! If angels dance and celebrate each time a single soul accepts salvation, can we be unsatisfied with less? Celebrate the small victories and continue to rest in the knowledge that, when all is said and done, Jesus wins! Praise God!
Jon
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