Quasimodo & the Temple of Doom

exactly! ring the bells - wake them up! that is an amazing quote and the image is breath-taking!

Spectacular shot Susan...awe inspiring in fact.

I loved the DaVinci Code. (It was the very first full book my husband has read in years!) I also love "what ifs?" So what if Jesus was married? So what if he and Mary had a child? So what if he was REALLY, really human? Does it change a darn thing? Not in my mind, but sadly, the church will always find a way to keep the masses subjugated and afraid of eternal damnation. Afterall, it's how they keep building million dollar "praise centers" of gilded gold while the poor starve and lack medical care. Unknowing is ungrowing in faith.

This is a Great post, Susan. You were able to put into words all those things I was thinking (and much more)about this book/movie.

Thanks.

I am NOT one of those who are running screaming into the night warning people of the blasphemous nature of the film/book. The Gospel has withstood much greater attacks than this in its 2000+ years of history. I do, however, understand a little why the powers that be are so concerned about the message the book claims to portray.

Whether you believe it or not, the Bible claims that Jesus is the ONLY way back to the Father. The Bible claims to hold the Truth. Questioning that Truth is not the problem, even the most devout of the Patriarchs sometimes questioned their Faith. Faith isn't, or shouldn't be, based on unquestioning, blind trust in a doctrine or dogma. Faith is, or should be, based on the fact that once having found the Truth, (as you understand it,) even seemingly contrary "evidence" will not sway you from believing what that Truth says.

The problem with "The Da Vinci Code" as the Church sees it, is that the book questions some of the basic tenets of the Gospel and portrays them as false. If, for example, Christ was NOT born of a Virgin, then the rest of the Gospel comes under suspicion. If He was married to Mary of Magdalene, it shouldn't matter, because the Bible does not even address this issue. So, the problem lies in the portrayal of certain fantacies as Truth.

I liken it to a treasure map; a very accurate, well drawn map to the greatest Treaure ever known. Along the route to the treasure are detailed some very nasty pitfalls. Many people are in various stages of seeking that treasure, and along comes some counterfeit map claiming to have found an alternate route.

As Keeper of the Map, should I warn people of the dangers of wandering in the alligator-infested swamps to the South, or the waterless wilderness in the North? If I don't, and they come to harm, will the people I am entrusted to lead to the Treasure not be able to point at me at the end of the day and blame me for their injuries?

See, the Bible DOES address that issue, and says that the people responsible for leading others astray and/or those who did not warn them of the dangers of going astray will be held to account.

One other comment: People ARE that stupid, in general. Most people are lazy and DON'T take the time to think for themselves. They unquestioningly take what they are told and run with it, without researching it, without trying to find out for themselves if it is the Truth or not. The Bible portrays us as sheep for good reason.

History abounds with fanatics on BOTH sides of the fence, who have done amazing harm to civilization and mankind because of their unthinking, unquestioning allegiance to a blatant lie. People will follow a Hitler, or a Bin Laden, or a Stalin, or a Jones to the death without questioning what they have been told and without holding it up to the candle of Truth. Witness if you will the myriad cults and murderous dictators. Witness also the "mob mentality" of a riotous crowd.

It isn't the established people of Faith that are in danger from Brown's book, it is those who will automatically accept what the book says and take it as gospel, and thus be led down the road to what the Church believes to be a fate worse than death.

Now, having said all that, and I apologise for such a long comment, I will be the first to admit that the Church itself has done some very serious damage to the very people it claims to be leading. Susan mentions the use of condoms in an age of AIDS. How about the patriarchal holding in perpetual servanthood of over one-half of its members, the Crusades, the witchhunts, the ex-communication and torture and murder of "heretics" such as Joan of Arc and Galileo?

But those just go to prove my point: People will believe a falsehood and fanatically take it to the extreme without question.

PLEASE question. Question everything. Use the brain and common sense God gave you to question everything from what your Government tells you, to what the Bible says, to what the church says, to what Brown says, to what Bhudda says.

Absolutely Brilliant!!

Thank God for Arthur. I was left feeling very agitated after reading your post. I refrained from commenting at first, because I was afraid of getting angry and inavertently losing my cool over some of the things that you wrote. So I've waited, and I think that I really agree with Arthur's comment: "People ARE that stupid, in general. Most people are lazy and DON'T take the time to think for themselves. They unquestioningly take what they are told and run with it, without researching it, without trying to find out for themselves if it is the Truth or not. The Bible portrays us as sheep for good reason."

It is not that people shouldn't question. We should. What is really at stake is not about having "strong enough" to withstand reading the book. I borrowed the book from someone and read it. It angered that DB would present his ignorant fiction as the truth; knowing that the masses have little ability to think for themselves beyond what is dictated to them, this book is a threat if it leads the faithful to abandon their relationship with God and push his presense out of their hearts because of a work of fiction. It's not about whether or not your faith was strong to begin with. Like the phases of the moon, our relationships with him are constantly changing; but to put God to the test after He has already given so many blessings to us is to try to force Him to prove his faithfulness to us all over again-- we are who should be showing our faithfulness...

I will not be seeing the movie. And I can't tell you how elated I am to hear that it is getting such horrible reviews...

And Tom Hanks looks like a wierdo with that hair. ;p

It seems to me that "christians" are eternally in search of something to get their panties in a wad about. When I was a kid, it was the evils of the Smurfs.
I agree with your post completely. What people are forgeting is that the book is fiction. The author never claims otherwise. I think most logical people understand this. You will always have those conspiracy theorist who will go out on a limb and make more out of this than they should. Those people would have done so with or without this book. In fact, the conspiracy this book brings up has been brought up by several other authors. Dan Brown is just the first one to have a #1 selling book on the subject.
Dan Brown has answers to common questions about his book on his faq page. These stood out to me.
HOW MUCH OF THIS NOVEL IS TRUE?
"The Da Vinci Code is a novel and therefore a work of fiction. While the book's characters and their actions are obviously not real, the artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals depicted in this novel all exist (for example, Leonardo Da Vinci's paintings, the Gnostic Gospels, Hieros Gamos, etc.). These real elements are interpreted and debated by fictional characters. While it is my belief that some of the theories discussed by these characters may have merit, each individual reader must explore these characters' viewpoints and come to his or her own interpretations. My hope in writing this novel was that the story would serve as a catalyst and a springboard for people to discuss the important topics of faith, religion, and history."
IS THIS BOOK ANTI-CHRISTIAN?
"No. This book is not anti-anything. It's a novel. I wrote this story in an effort to explore certain aspects of Christian history that interest me. The vast majority of devout Christians understand this fact and consider The Da Vinci Code an entertaining story that promotes spiritual discussion and debate. Even so, a small but vocal group of individuals has proclaimed the story dangerous, heretical, and anti-Christian. While I regret having offended those individuals, I should mention that priests, nuns, and clergy contact me all the time to thank me for writing the novel. Many church officials are celebrating The Da Vinci Code because it has sparked renewed interest in important topics of faith and Christian history. It is important to remember that a reader does not have to agree with every word in the novel to use the book as a positive catalyst for introspection and exploration of our faith."
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF CLERICAL SCHOLARS ATTEMPTING TO "DISPROVE" THE DA VINCI CODE?
"The dialogue is wonderful. These authors and I obviously disagree, but the debate that is being generated is a positive powerful force. The more vigorously we debate these topics, the better our understanding of our own spirituality. Controversy and dialogue are healthy for religion as a whole. Religion has only one true enemy--apathy--and passionate debate is a superb antidote."

Boycotting this film only makes those who chose to do so look silly. Is their faith so small that they are threatened by a fictional book?

Thank you Susan for bringing this subject to your blog. Also thank the many of you who left and will leave comments, opening the door to discussion.
I am a child of God, in God's image and of God's spirit. Imperfect and holy. The message I follow is simply put and hard to follow: love one another as I have loved you...

ps

Stunning photo!! It reaches to the heavens!

I believe that the harm the DVC does is not in saying that Jesus was married or even had a child. (Tradition of course says he did not.) No, the real harm is in calling this so-called bloodline from Jesus's child "royal." This implies that only his descendents have the "royal" blood of God, that only his descendents are "special". I have even seen on rare occasion someone say that only those with this "royal" blood will be saved.

The Good News of the Gospel is that we *all* are indeed sons and daughters of God the Father. We *all* have royal blood flowing in our veins. We have forgotten this. We think and act like peasants when in fact we are royality. Jesus came to remind us that he is our brother, our blood brother, and to turn us back toward heaven. To say otherwise is counter to his message, and that is what the DVC does!

The book is FICTION. Somehow I believe that most of Americans, or for that matter citizens of the World, are smart enough to understand that fact. Churches around here have banners flapping in the breeze anouncing seminars onces again to disclaim the fiction of the DVC. Our minister has not bothered to mention it because he knows his congregation is smart. On the other hand he has mentioned The Passion of Christ many times usually to disagree with that story line.

The reason the book and movie are a threat to some churches is they lack immagination, creativity, and a sense of humor. Denouncing something makes it all the more tempting.

The review of the movie in our paper gave it two stars. The NY Times stated much of the script was rewritten so as not to step on anyone's toes. I wish Ron Howard had just gone for it, but he played it safe. That is his decision.

What has Tom Hanks' hair got to do with anything???

I loved the book and will see the movie as soon as I can. It is fiction. It is creative. It is thought provoking. It is the #1 selling book in the WORLD. The book has struck a chord with the people because it has dared to write about what if???? More people understand the premise than the clergy who are fearful. Perhaps the people are enjoying the clergy having a fit.

"It seems to me that "christians" are eternally in search of something to get their panties in a wad about. When I was a kid, it was the evils of the Smurfs." The same could be said of some fundamentalist Muslims I have heard about in the news. And I am not intending to be disparaging of Muslims when I say that. Some people are only happy when their panties are in a knot over something or other.

"As for the common people out there being unbelievably stupid, well, God obviously CREATED THEM THAT WAY." I disagree. God created all things and declared them GOOD. God did not create sickness, or disease. Those came about because of the Fall from Grace of Adam and Eve. While it doesn't say explicitly that all men and women were equally intelligent, I believe the Bible does make a point of declaring that the decline of mankind into chaos is a result of that Fall and the sinful nature of mankind.

"With or without a resurrection, with or without being celibate, Jesus' sermon on the mount is a profound teaching that in and of itself would turn the world around... if only we would live it!" True, but without Jesus death and resurrection, there would be no Gospel of Redemption.

"God's love for us is unfathomable and unending. God's love allows for all of us to question in this way." Absolutely!!

"What people are forgeting is that the book is fiction. The author never claims otherwise. I think most logical people understand this. You will always have those conspiracy theorist who will go out on a limb and make more out of this than they should." Again, I agree that you will always have radical people getting their knickers in a knot. Problem is, I have heard interviews where people HAVE accepted this book/movie as a statement of fact, not fiction.

Not all people are logical; not all people read the dust-cover; and even if they did, some would choose to ignore what they read and proclaim the book to be be factual and not fiction.

And before you think I am getting MY knickers in a knot: I couldn't care less about this book or any other questioning the "what if's." Dialogue and questioning is good. Rational, logical thought is essential to finding out what Truth is. Blind acceptance of ANY doctrine or dogma is dangerous.

Just got the latest newsletter from Speaking of Faith, and upcoming programs sound very timely for this discussion. This coming Sunday, "On the Role of Creed in Modern Society." On June 1st, she'll do a show on, guess what? The Da Vinci Code, and on June 8th, a program entitled, "On Doubt." For more info go to neswletter@speakingoffaith.org. This is terrific programing and extremely helpful in keeping an open mind.

I got that newsletter too, and am really looking forward to hearing the Da Vinci Code podcast. Christa Tippet is a gem.

Mark,

Thanks for your post above. Indeed, we are all daughters and sons of god, each and every one of us. Catholics, protestants, Muslims, Agnostics, Aetheists, Jews.. the list goes on and on.

Judy,

please know I've corresponded with Arthur off-line and have thanked him for sharing his thoughts. Dialog is good. If I have offended anyone here, I apologize. I must say again that the da vinci code is what is in the news right now, and this is what I was reflecting on. Unfortunately, one cannot discuss these things without offending someone. I think we're so afraid of raising eyebrows that what needs to be said is shoved under the carpet. Religion is a hot topic, but it is also at the core of much of the distress in the world. Jesus didn't play it safe with his reactions to the pharisees. I'm wondering, should we? I guess we better be sure who the pharisees are before getting too opinionated... think, meditate, and then speak.

Before anyone reads my post, make sure you're reading it with the understanding that I don't mean to attack anyone or judge anyone- I just mean to offer information. I agree with some of the comments made, and I disagree with some of the comments made... and while I happen to have a strong faith in what I believe in, I'm fully aware that I do not understand absolutely everything that comes with that faith and therefore I don't have all the answers. I study as much as I can so that I can love Jesus as much with my mind as I do with my heart and soul. However, I do understand that I can tell you what I believe, but I can't expect you to accept it just because I said so. And if you don't accept or believe the same things that I believe in, it is not my place to judge you and I won't. With that said, I do have one comment... About this time last year, I was talking to a friend about the DVC. He was adamantly against it, and I was defending it with the "It's FICTION!" argument. (Both of us happen to be Christians, by the way). The very next day, my sister who grew up in a church hearing about the bible just as I did, who also went to DUKE for undergraduate made a comment about the book that blew me away. She said, "Oh Windy! I see what you mean! I just love this book! I totally didn't even know that all that stuff happened!!! I can't believe all this has been hidden for so long!" I couldn't believe that my sister, a student of Duke University, was completely oblivious to the fact that she bought the book in the fiction section of the store and was just soaking in everything as fact without a question. So I do have a lot of concerns with the book, however I do completely agree that this boycotting stuff is completely ridiculous. First of all, if anything, the only people boycotting will be people that wouldn't have accepted the movie, anyway. The people they're worried about will still be attending. Secondly, this should give the church an opportunity to talk about how to handle questioning things- which I think should be done. In Genesis 18:22-33, Abraham pleads with God for Sodom. He asks him if he will still destroy the city if there are fifty righteous people... he continues on asking, what about 40? what about 20?... all the way down to ten. And God says, "for the sake of ten, I will not destroy it." The first few times I read this, I couldn't understand how Abraham could have picked up on something God had missed. Why didn't God realize that this city might be worth saving for a few righteous people. Why did Abraham have to haggle God for righteous people's lives? Shouldn't God have been aware of this, himself? As I got older, I realized that of course God knew this; he just wants a relationship with us. Abraham's questioning helped to build his relationship with God. Our questions also help us to know and understand God better. The church could talk about these questions and address the fact and fiction. Boycotting the movie does not make the questions go away, and if I avoid the movie or the book altogether then I have no right to tell other people that I disagree with their opinions when I don't have enough information on the subject to form my own opinion. As I pointed out with my sister, many people will take this movie as fact without question, and if you feel strongly about those people, then get out there and educate yourself. Know about the movie, what's fact, what's fiction and how to talk about it and places you can direct people to for the factual information. Anyway, that's just my opinion. :)

I think people are exasperated on both sides. I know I feel exasperated when the news only covers the extremist religious viewpoints for the most part. Windy, your opinion is valued here. I can't expect to express what I think without being willing to hear opposing views. Funny, a little while ago, I was wondering why people didn't comment more often here. I guess I know how to start a dialog now.

;)

Good Grief! That's the first time anyone has accused ME of being enlightened!!!

Thanks, Susan. I'm glad that you wrote this post. I think that sometimes when there is a debate going on, everyone only sees two sides. There are definitely stereotypes floating around about the type of people that make up each argument and I really just wanted to show that it isn't that simple. As a Christian, I don't want to be seen as someone who is irrational and unwilling to listen to other people's opinions because I am self-righteous. And I'm sure that the people that think the Church is being ridiculous right now don't want to be lumped into some sort of anti-Chrsitian stereotype, either. There are many varying degrees of this argument and I'm glad you provided an opportunity for your readers/viewers to express that here.

If you want more check out this article at Sojourners: Is The Da Vinci Code Dangerous? by Ryan McCarl. Go to sojoMail@sojo.net. It's in the newsletter put oout today.

Great post Susan! Good dialogue too. ;)

Susan:

Why are you so personally angry with the church?
I find it ironic that you photograph the N.C. cathedral (One great sign and symbol of the church) again and again, but yet are so angry with the church. Why bother with this wonderful sign and symbol of the church, if the church bothers you that much? Like any great cathedral building (N.C. included), it is not perfect - has mitakes and errors. So it is with dogmas, creeds, and interpretations of the faith. But the cathedral still stands, solid as the stone with which it is built, and so does the "church" - for the truth and love and beauty of God and his acceptance of all of us. Your photo shows the cathedral in, as you say, a "deliciously moody" way. Well done with the photo. Thank you. Thank you.
Your comments display an agner and a hurt - please talk to someone you trust and vent.

Take a look at this review of da-vinci-code
http://www.americanheritage.com/entertainment/article
s/web/20060519-movies-da-vinci-code-catholic-dan-brown-religion-tom-hanks.shtml

Wil,

Thanks for the comment. I think the post explained my annoyance rather well. The advice to find counsel is a bit condescending, though. It's a blog... this topic makes no sense to me, and I think many agree with me.

Just because the church does many things right doesn't mean it shouldn't be criticized.

Yes, I love the national cathedral, and am an admirer of their commitment to their mission statement: "A house of prayer for all people." This includes muslims, jews, catholics, protestants, conservatives and liberals. I will also add that they do not shy away from opening the door to criticism of themselves. Just last year, they invited a Jungian psychologist to speak about the shadow side of Christianity ~ it's weakness and pitfalls.

:)

Oh what fools we mortals be...Fools to bathe in self-righteousness, fools to think a single one of us has uncovered the ultimate "truth", fools to waste precious time in idle debate over the will of God. Christians, Muslums, Jews, druids, witches, devil worshipers, mormons...all equal fools in my eyes. For all of humanity faiths have come and faiths have gone, all knew the "truth" all are no more. Modern day zelots be they christian fundamentalists or Islamic insurgents are as ferverent as cave men worshiping the earth mother or greeks worshiping Zeus or Vikings waiting for valhala or Pat Robertson waiting for the second coming. All equal childlike fools clinging to fantasy, fear, myth, and ignorant perception. If there is a god, no mortal fool just evolved from the primordial soup is capable of knowing his will. cling to whatever myth you choose, kill in the name of your god, convert the unholy, remain in the dark a prisoner of your childlike ignorant bliss and fears, debate till the cows come home but still you will know no better truth than the first man that came down from the trees and walked upright. Oh what fools you mortals be. Live your lives, accept that there are more things under heaven that you will ever know, be comfortable with your ignorance and not presuppose to know the unknowable. There is no boogey man, there is no santa claus, there is no easter bunny. We once believed there was but knowlege and maturity changed our perceptions. Perceptions always change, don't stand still and wistle in the dark, embrace the fact that we can't know, relinquish your fear. know that it is your place to not know, hand in your membership card for the untold number of mortal fools that walked and worshiped before you. Just be.

Dear Anonymous,

Seeing my ancestors were vikings, I have to take issue with that particular comment. :)
Although I feel my experience with faith has been different than yours, I wholly agree with your advise to "just be". There is much wisdom in this. I recently learned that in some African country, the parents say a blessing over their newborns, and it goes someting like this ~ "May you grow up to become who you are."

It's a profound accomplishment... to be just who you are.

**** Fluffy Devoured this comment *****

wow, it amazes me how much can be written about all this. I agree with a lot of what is said, what Susan and Windy say makes much sense. What surprises me is, there is so much concern about reading this particular fictional book- how about all the others that are out there- do we boycott all the books and movies that we are afraid people will misunderstand? I am concerned that people will automatically believe points in the book without researching it, but there are many many books out there that do the same thing. The only thing we can do, as Christians, is use the books or movies as a springboard for education, as Windy put it. It is a perfect opportunity! Another thing that really bothers me is when I hear people parrotting others who talk about the book saying there was no resurrection (I have read this book 3 times, that was not in there!!) and other "facts" about the book. I think usually the people who protest the most are the ones who have not read the book. I agree with Windy, don't make a comment if you haven't read the book or seen the movie or done the research. As for the movie, well, we were both a little disappointed- too much dialogue to fit into the movie comfortably- if anyone sees the movie without reading the book, I think they will be lost- there was too much dashing from place to place, suddenly, without benefit of background. Windy suggested to me that Angels and Demons would make a good movie, and the more I think about it, the more I agree- it lends itself more to a movie, particularly with dramatic endings!