da code

"A very wise British priest noted recently in the press, ‘Christian theology has survived the writings of Galileo and the writings of Darwin; surely, it will survive the writings of some novelist from New Hampshire.’"

Novelist Dan Brown author of The Da Vinci Code

I'm still trying to understand all the hoopla over the The Da Vinci Code.

Dan Brown's book is an international best seller, probably one of the only books in this fast paced era, where less and less reading is done (upcoming blog topic), to make a big profit, and it is about to make its debut in movie form any day now and its still as controversial now as it was when it was first released three plus years ago.

But why?

To be honest I hadnt intended to read it at first. From its debut, it just seemed like it was getting way too much hype and for me hype is usually equivalent to a disappointing output so I said naa I'll wait till the movie comes out.

But then I just couldnt escape the hype and the controversy. At work, at church, in social gatherings, on the subway, everywhere I went I was either privy to conversations on the book or saw somebody reading it. Bookstores had giant displays, Amazon.ca was selling it at discount prices, and folks were asking me left, right and centre whether I had read it.

And as much as I wanted to be in the know and wax poetically on its contents I resisted though. Yep just thought it was going to be watered down and I would be bored somewhat and figure it out in 20 minutes as I do most mysteries. Then I heard a comment that changed my perception.

Someone I knew said that the book had made them question their faith.

Whoa! Hold up son? What was that? I think I misheard you. Question your faith?

Ok now, my curiousity was piqued. Lead me to the nearest bookstore. I gots to read this ish.

And so I did.

I'll be honest in that it was better than I thought it would be. The storyline is fast paced and rather exciting even if the writing itself isnt the best prose. My thoughts on finishing it were 'That would make a great movie' just because of the pace with which it moves and the twists that are introduced throughout the book. Mind you the end seems somewhat like many of my blogs ie; the author ran out of steam.

But even though the book is based on a twisting of religious details to make them seem realistic never once did this book come close to making me question my faith.

Why? Because I recognized that the book is FICTION. Its a good yarn but still its fiction and if I dont believe that Star Trek is real or Ghost Busters is real why should I believe that the Da Vinci Code is?

Thats why when I go to church and hear the preacher in my small mission go on about the Da Vinci Code I wonder to myself, did these guys read the book and dont these guys realize that this is all fiction. I mean if someone comes out with a well written book twisting facts to say that Jesus was an alien will we suddenly believe he was an alien too?

Come on man. Fiction, fact its that simple. Dont get it twisted. Just like everything you see on tv isnt real, everything you read isnt. I mean I dont know where my personal faith stacks up to others but still I think the average Christian shouldnt be worried about this book's affect on their faith if they do hold some faith.

Is Dan Brown the first guy to write fiction based on the church? Probably not. So why all the hoopla with the Da Vinci Code. Doesnt the church know that their comments are just helping Dan Brown get more publicity and sell more books. Do they not understand how publicity goes? There is no bad publicity.

Do we believe everything in print now even if it clearly labelled fiction or are we saying that well there must be some truth because he cant possibly be that talented to make this book all up?

He's a writer, a fiction writer. Its his job to come up with stories and make them realistic people.

(And just like Dan Brown's Da Vinci code I ran out of steam and cant think of a good ending for my blog. Unlike Dan Brown though only 10 -20 people will read this post.)