The battle of 'The Da Vinci Code'

Puck · The Texan Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Posts: 5596

The battle of 'The Da Vinci Code' [ARTICLE]

This book is pure fiction, and seeing how it gravely distorts and ignores the truth, while creating new myths, I would definately like to see a disclaimer, because I realize while many people do realize this book is complete fiction, many people out of ignorance will use it as further ammuniniton against Christianity and Catholicism.

Republican_Man · **Mon May 01, 2006 11:47 pm**

It's fiction. I now realize this.
I see no problem with it because of this.

madlilnerd · **Tue May 02, 2006 10:12 am**

It should gently remind people that it's a story. Like some books start "This is a story about..."

Acoording to my mum, who is a devout christian, Jesus would have had brothers and sisters from Joseph and Mary, but there wouldn't have been anything holy about them because they were mortal children. It would have been pretty hard having Jesus as an older brother, he'd constantly outdo you!

Theresa · **Tue May 02, 2006 8:52 pm**

I bought the book because of all of the controversy. I like it so far.
And it does mention it's fiction, so the people getting all upset about it are drawing more attention to it than would have been.

Seven of Nine · **Thu May 04, 2006 4:10 am**

It's a great murder story. It also gets you thinking. I like that in a book

Theresa · **Sat May 13, 2006 6:57 pm**

Ziona · **Sat May 13, 2006 10:16 pm**

I don't see it as a threat to any religion and my church doesn't take offense to the book at all. On the contrary, my pastor recommends the book as a very good read for those who are interested in a good mystery. My church takes the stance that it is fiction based on a few simple "facts".

Founder · **Sat May 13, 2006 10:26 pm**

Most people realize it is fiction. The problem is, many don't realize it. That is where the problem comes from. Many will see this as truth. I don't think its the subject material that bothers MOST Catholics and Christians, but I'm sure it does for some. I think the REAL problem is that it will lead to much confusion. It could also lead towards hatred towards the Church.

IntrepidIsMe · **Sat May 13, 2006 11:11 pm**

People will always receive the implications they want. If the Church is going to lose parishioners because of this book and movie, then I don't see what the big deal is. Why would an institution want followers who are so ignorant in the first place as to not look into the facts themselves and instead take the word of a book that's listed in the Fiction section of every library and bookstore?

Founder · **Sat May 13, 2006 11:14 pm**

No, I didn't say the Church would lose members over this. I was talking more about Athiest and non-Christians in general. THEY would see this as truth. Not all of them of course, but some might. That is the fear. That this could lead to anti-Catholic behavior or at least stir it.

IntrepidIsMe · **Sat May 13, 2006 11:18 pm**

Oh, that was a general statement, it wasn't directed at you.

Founder · **Sat May 13, 2006 11:23 pm**

Oh ok, my mistake.

But what I said I think is the main fear of the Church, not so much losing it's followers. I think many Catholics don't believe what the movie said. We just fear an anti-Catholic backlash. HOPEFULLY, that shouldn't happen...

Puck · The Texan Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Posts: 5596

My only real worry or two really, is that they are portraying Christ Jesus and the word of God in such a blasphemous way and secondly, that Christians really just don't care. To portray Jesus as someone that was married, was in fact only a man (not God himself), Mary Magdalene was a goddess to be worshipped, and that the Bible is basically a propaganda tool is blatant blaspheme. Whether it is fiction or not, the portrayal of Christ Jesus and the word of God as being these things is disgusting. I guess I have never realized myself what a problem this has become in our society. However, realizing that so many people who are Christians are in fact ok with letting people portray Christ Jesus, who died for their sins on a cross, and who gives the world His infinite love is rather shameful. Furthermore, it is this example of lukewarmness, which permeates the Christian world today that furthers my worries that people are indeed so lukewarm, they will be weak, or not be able to keep in mind that this entire work is fiction-because of the way it is portrayed or that they believe their may be some truth in it because there has been �research� put into it-causing them to become even weaker in their faith.

Republican_Man · **Sun May 14, 2006 1:03 am**

I don't plan on seeing it basically because of the reasons Puck has already stated; however, I am not going to discourage people from seeing it because, though it may be taken out of context, it is ficiton and just showing some ideas about the past in an interesting context.
I won't be seeing it, but I'm not going to say that they shouldn't show it.

Founder · **Sun May 14, 2006 1:03 am**

I understand and completely respect your opinion Puck.

I love Jesus and believe in Him, but I won't ban anything that will show him in a less then perfect light. The only thing I know about this book that is "bad" is...

SPOILER!

Republican_Man · **Sun May 14, 2006 1:07 am**

I entirely agree with your last paragraph, Founder. My only fear is that people might take fiction to be truth, and it could bring an anti-Christian backlash. That's really what I don't want, but that's pretty much the main concern.
And this comes from a guy who originally agreed entirely with Puck but changed his opinion after hearing a bit more about it and discovering that it was meant to be fiction.

Ziona · **Sun May 14, 2006 1:14 am**

Unfortunately, RM, I think most anything could bring about an anti-Christian backlash. Religion just seems to be one of those touchy subjects that everyone jumps at. However, I do find it interesting and I'm appreciative that after further investigation, you have changed you opinions.

Republican_Man · **Sun May 14, 2006 1:23 am**

Well, I would argue that I haven't been a true ideologue in about two years. When there's something worth changing my opinion over, due to new evidence at hand and whatnot, I'll do it, and this is one of those cases.

Theresa · **Sun May 14, 2006 7:28 am**

If you aren't a Christian, than how can we consider anything you say blasphemous? It's only your opinion. And we can't stifle other people's ideas. What about those people who actually believe some of what this book says? About the goddess and stuff, where is our right to tell them they can't have this movie?

Besides,

Theresa · **Sun May 14, 2006 7:29 am**

Huh, I'm not sure why my size changed... there is no code for it to do so. Sorry about that.

Republican_Man · **Sun May 14, 2006 11:38 am**

Yeah, that is odd. I thought you did it for emphasis

Weird.
Anyways, I agree with Theresa. It may be all wrong and say blasphemous things and may express the ideas of a conspiracy theory, but that doesn't mean that it's a movie that should be banned or have such a backlash for. People should be able to see it if they want to, even if you or I won't be seeing it.
It's like my deal with V for Vendetta. I don't have any interest in seeing it, and I wouldn't have seen it by a long shot. I don't want to see such a movie that...Well, it doesn't matter. The point is, I don't want to see it, I find it wrong, but is that enough to warrant an assault on the movie? No, it's not.
Besides, it's not like it's a TV show. I think there's a difference between this and a TV show. For instance, the failed Book of Daniel. However, I don't want to get into that discussion, which is off topic.
Again, point is, Theresa's right. Don't see it if you don't want to, but don't actively work to prevent other people from seeing it if they want to, such as trying to get it banned and whatnot.

Lord Borg · **Sun May 14, 2006 12:44 pm**

I think the whole idea of leading some sort of Crusade againts a moviei you think is offending or what not is retarded, simple fact DONT go see it. Also, dont try and push your views to me on why tou think the movie is wrong, I'll decided for MY SELF

Republican_Man · **Sun May 14, 2006 1:06 pm**

Well, that I disagree with. I think that encouraging people not to see a movie is a good thing to do, at times. But going on a campaign against a movie like people are the Da Vinci Code? I don't think so.

Founder · **Sun May 14, 2006 6:20 pm**

Well...I don't blame my Catholic brothers and sisters for not wanting to see the movie and warning others of it. Again, I honestly don't think it's the subject material. They could have gone MUCH more offensive in the portrayal of Jesus. Like full blown more, but to me, its rather mild in the "offense".

Not to mention, I don't understand why we focus on Jesus' skin color, His marital status(if there was one), his religion, his etc. SO MUCH. I think He would be disgusted PERSONALLY(MY OPINION) with that. He tried to give us this beautiful message of peace and all we can do in discussion about Him is ask if He was white, black, or brown. Sad really.

Again, I understand both sides. I'm in agreement with my fellow Catholics that this could lead to a bad backlash.

Lord Borg · **Sun May 14, 2006 6:24 pm**