Will Dilbeck
03/30/03
Was Jesus married to Mary Magdalene and did they have children? That’s what a popular book states. The Da Vinci Code is a book written by Dan Brown in 2003 which has sold over forty million copies. It is a fictional book depicting a cover-up by the Catholic Church about the true story of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. The reason for Da Vinci’s namesake is because the author claims some of Da Vinci’s paintings have "codes" which reveal a deeper meaning than originally thought. The story will also appear in movie theatres in May of this year. It has sparked other books of the same nature. One book to be released soon states that Jesus survived the crucifixion. These fictional stories are without merit but not without influence. They spark people’s curiosity because of the controversial nature of the stories, but they are something more than simply controversial.
Brown’s book is an attack on the truth of the Gospels. The writers of the New Testament claimed to have received their message from God. If God revealed their message, it must be true. If Brown’s book is correct, the gospels are a lie. Why would God allow such books about Jesus to circulate and become canonized for countless generations? However, the apostle Peter claimed that he and the other apostles were eyewitnesses of the life of Jesus. He wrote, "For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16). These eyewitnesses give us first hand knowledge of events in Jesus’ life. Peter, James and John were with Jesus often. Dan Brown was not.
What should the Christian’s attitude be towards this? It should not be one of indifference. The Christian must realize the impact of The Da Vinci Code. It will undoubtedly raise questions form some. These people may even ask us our opinion on the subject. We must always be ready to give a ready defense for our belief (1 Peter 3:15). Indifference could be perceived as approval. Lest we forget, Mr. Brown is attacking the mediator between us and God (1Timothy 2:5).
Since this is an attack on the faith, we must fight the good fight (1 Timothy 1:18). Jude says, "I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints" (Jude 1:3b). He is stating that we must not back down from the truth when it is questioned. Dan Brown is questioning the truth. Jude also describe such people as "ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ" (Jude 1:4). He continues, "But these men revile the things which they do not understand; and the things which they know by instinct, like unreasoning animals, by these things they are destroyed" (Jude 1:10). Jude is not being overly critical. His conviction demands such a rebuke and denial.
Does our conviction demand the same? It absolutely does. This is an instance in which we must put on the armor of God. Paul states, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). It is easy to think that a fictional novel written by a man could have little effect. Attacks like this can seem harmless, but they are indeed a work of Satan. He continues to roam around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Let us not be ignorant of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11).