The Da Vinci Code Movie
Cracking the Code
Movies are important part of our culture. The tell stories, carrying myths from one generation to the next. Many Christian leaders have shown us how movies carry basic truths that touch us at the heart level and carry the story of the Redemption in interesting ways.
Saying that, the Da Vinci movie is an example of people caught up in making big money from a bad story. As a researcher, I’ve been taught to may sure that EVERY detail in my story is correct. In researching cities and documenting what I’ve found, one little fact that is not correct can destroy the entire thesis. If one fact is wrong, there is no longer any credibility on any other fact. The thesis is destroyed.
The problem with Brown’s book - and the movie (which I understands follows the book exactly) - is that there are major and multiple errors in the story. The opening location in the museum does not exist in reality, the layout of the Westminster Abby is wrong, the historical facts are wrong, and even his opening facts are wrong. Read our paper if you wish more on this. Brown shoots himself in the foot not once, but over and over again. He destroys his own thesis.
What should the Christian do? First, if you must see the movie don’t go on this opening week. That’s the week Hollywood gets all its statistics on the movie, makes a judgment on its success or not, and makes decisions from that. Wait.
Second, protests don’t help much but give the movie more and free publicity. Pastors and their churches should take the lead here. The story can be used in a sermon (or sermons) to draw apathetic people to church with a little creative advertising. Why is Brown’s story wrong? What is the true story? Why is it true?
What is Brown’s real message and purpose? What is God’s purpose? Which are you going to believe? What does that mean to you?
For more info, scan our blog on Da Vinci.
Also see the Christianaity Today review at: http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/2006/davinci.html