Spanky's Place :: Protesting the Da Vinci Code

Category Personal

So The Da Vinci Code opened last weekend. I've been hearing about some Christian (Catholics in particular) groups protesting the film, and I'm scratching my head trying to figure out why. Quite a few critics have panned the film as well. However, I don't think the protesters are protesting because the film isn't any good (which is what I've heard), but because of the film's content. My pastor went to see this movie, and didn't like it. I haven't seen it yet (but I plan to), please keep that in mind while I protest the protesters.

Regarding my pastor, He read the book and enjoyed it very much. While I can't speak for him here, I think his criticisms of the film are primarily that the film sucks; not because of the theological fallacies presented.

While I (as stated) haven't seen the movie, I did read the book quite some time ago. I loved the book (which is why, regardless of what the critics say, I'm going to see the movie); it is one of the best suspense-thrillers I have read in a long time. Dan Brown did a great job, and the book, even though filled with historical inaccuracies, is a great read. I highly recommend it.

SPOILER ALERT What I'm going to say next might spoil the movie/book for you if you haven't seen/read it yet. Consider this fair warning. Also, I'm going to be doing a bit of preaching. If that bothers you; then stop reading now.

Getting back to the protesters; I think they are way off base. If they are protesting the film because it portrays the early Christian church poorly, they need to relax a bit. The facts about Constantine's role in consolidating the Bible, and the vote that "determined" Christ's divinity are quite simply wrong. This film is a work of fiction, and I think that people are smart enough to figure out the truth -if they care to look for it. If they (the protesters) are protesting the film because it makes the early and mid Catholic church appear misguided, judgmental, and intolerant; they need to shut the hell up and read a history book or two (or three, or four). The early and mid Catholic church did do some terribly misguided, judgmental, intolerant, and (let's face it) sinful things in their attempts to spread the Good News. However, that doesn't make the Good News itself any less true or wonderful.

The fact is, Jesus Christ came to earth, lived as a man, faced temptation, taught the truth, healed the sick, raised the dead, forgave sinners, and died for all of our sins. He rose from the dead on the third day and later ascended into heaven. He is the light, the truth, and the way to heaven. Period.

"But wait", some of you say, "the protesters are protesting because the film says that Jesus married Mary, and she bore his child!" While I don't personally believe this to be true, my answer is "so what?"

Supposing that Dan Brown, in this work of fiction, managed to get this right? Suppose, just for a moment, that Jesus really did marry Mary, and that she really did become pregnant by Him, and that she really did travel to Europe and bear his child? Suppose that this Jesus' blood line was preserved and protected down through the ages, and that his descendants live even today? Again, my answer is: "so what?"

Does the idea of Jesus marrying offend you? If so, why? Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman -blessed by God. If Jesus married Mary, does that make him any less divine? I say not. If she bore his child, does that make the child divine? I say not.

IF there were a child, it would be no more or no less divine than you or me. Such a child would grow to adulthood, and would have to make the same choice as you or I whether to believe the Good News and follow Christ. Such a concept is NOT heretical. Such a concept does not weaken or taint the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ in any way.

So, to all the protesters, please, unless you are protesting because this is just a crappy movie; please, please, please SHUT THE HELL UP!

Incidentally, if you are in the Phoenix area, my church is currently doing a sermon series called Da Vinci Code: Faith, Fact, Or Fiction! If you're interested, stop on by next Sunday. Services are at 9:30 and 11:00 am.

-Devin

Comments

1 - Excellent post, Spanky! As you know, I do not profess to be a follower of any theologic organization, but I do agree with your assessment. I could not have made that point any better than you.

Discovery Channel has a great program on the the myths of the Da Vinci Code. Always remember... IT'S A STORY!!!!

Also, LOVED the "Spoiler Alert".