Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Decoded
I just finished reading Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" and I'm obligated to say my piece.
First of all, would I recommend it?
Probably not. Although geeks like me who like puzzles and stories about treasure hunts would appreciate the pace and adventure of the story, the religious iconography and blasphemy muddle the narrative.
Did it cause me to question my faith?
Absolutely. But in a good way. But here are a few thoughts on that.
1) This notion that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalane is not original.
2) Even if He was married to her, it wouldn't have made Him any less Divine.
3) Jesus did refer to himself as the son of God. Here are a few references from the Gospel according to John:
John 2:16 ..."Get out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market"
John 5:17 ..."My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."
John 5:43 ..."I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me..."
John 6:42 ..."No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day."
John 8:58 ..."I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am."
In reading this book, there is no question that the author hates Christianity and Christians. The only goal of this book, except to earn money for the author, is to encourage Christians to abandon thier faith. But I'm reminded of the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Read it. You'll be edified by the transformation of King Nebuchadnezzar through the simple faith of three Godly men.
Finally, if you read "The Da Vinci Code" and are still struggling in your faith, go check out Mark Roberts' weblog Da Vinci Opportunity.
First of all, would I recommend it?
Probably not. Although geeks like me who like puzzles and stories about treasure hunts would appreciate the pace and adventure of the story, the religious iconography and blasphemy muddle the narrative.
Did it cause me to question my faith?
Absolutely. But in a good way. But here are a few thoughts on that.
1) This notion that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalane is not original.
2) Even if He was married to her, it wouldn't have made Him any less Divine.
3) Jesus did refer to himself as the son of God. Here are a few references from the Gospel according to John:
John 2:16 ..."Get out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market"
John 5:17 ..."My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."
John 5:43 ..."I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me..."
John 6:42 ..."No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day."
John 8:58 ..."I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am."
In reading this book, there is no question that the author hates Christianity and Christians. The only goal of this book, except to earn money for the author, is to encourage Christians to abandon thier faith. But I'm reminded of the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Read it. You'll be edified by the transformation of King Nebuchadnezzar through the simple faith of three Godly men.
Finally, if you read "The Da Vinci Code" and are still struggling in your faith, go check out Mark Roberts' weblog Da Vinci Opportunity.
