The Da Vinci Code

Reflection
Resources
Links

Reflection on the Da Vinci Code as an opportunity for Evangelization - Dave Nodar, ChristLife

An opportunity for conversation about Jesus and personal relationship with him

		One thing is clear about a good number of people who are reading the DaVinci Code – they are interested in the person of Jesus but frequently not sure who Christ really is. Christians and non-Christians alike haven't necessarily heard much teaching about Jesus Christ, the early church, how the canon of Scripture came into existence, and what the Gospels actually tells us about the Lord Jesus. In fact, if you think about it, the good news about the person of Christ and the invitation to have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus and the Father through the Holy Spirit is often missing in many of the homilies and faith formation opportunities. There is often a presumption that parishioners have a living experiential knowledge about essential elements of the Christian faith, when in fact this is not always the case.

The need for proclamation of the basic Gospel

What can we learn from the overwhelming response to this book as regards our parishes and small groups?

One pastoral observation that is illustrated by the acceptance of many of the false claims in the book as truth, is the tremendous need for people to hear the proclamation of the basic Gospel, encounter Christ personally, and receive basic formation for living as a Christian disciple as a member of the community of believers.

Shoot first and ask questions second!

On the other hand, some Christians who are equipped with answers to the false claims of the DaVinci Code may be prone to an attitude that will probably lead to an argument. Shoot first and ask questions second! Guns blazing, we begin, "This book sucks, it is riddled with historical inaccuracies and blasphemy!" While this may be the case, as far as I know few if any people have accepted Christ as Lord by being argued into the kingdom!

It would be better to look for opportunities for conversations that engage people rather than having a monologue in which we tell them what we think and why they are stupid if they don't think the same (not necessarily saying that but communicating it in our attitude). 

Suggestions for conversations

Here are some suggestions for approaching conversations about the book in order to talk about our relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit wants this person to know the love of God!

Simply accepting the truth and having a mindset, that the Lord loves this person and wants them to know him, more than I do, is very helpful. The situation you find yourself in may be a grace-filled opportunity and depends first of all on the Holy Spirit and second on my willingness to cooperate with the Lord! Trust the Lord and be open in love!

The Gospel is the power of God for salvation! Romans 1:16

There is transforming, life giving power in the Good news about Jesus of Nazareth, crucified and raised from the dead. False Gospels do not have the power of God in them. When we strike up a conversation on the book at the supermarket check out counter or in the fitness club that moves in the direction of an opportunity to share about Jesus with someone, we are serving as ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor. 5:20).  If the conversation opens up and we are given the opportunity to witness to our experience of God's love in Christ, go for it! Jesus changes lives!

Have a conversation not a monologue!

Don't talk at the person, don't teach or preach. Generally speaking, the situations we have to talk about the book are not the type for formal teaching or preaching.  Jesus was excellent at engaging people in conversations in which he communicated the truth in a way that was never condescending (and he is the One Person who has the right to speak down to us and he doesn't!). They could accept or reject the truth but he did it in a manner that was relational.

Ask questions!

If you see someone reading the book or you know someone who's gone to the movie, ask, "What do you think about Jesus?" "What do you think about the way he is portrayed in the book?" "What do you think" and "how do you feel" about this or that, are helpful questions to ask folks.

The more we can develop open conversations, the more opportunities we give the Holy Spirit to work. Too often we can get into an argument quickly - as if the Lord needs someone to defend him.

Learn some of the basic facts AND remember, there is nothing more compelling than your personal witness!

We have included a number of links that will help you to understand some facts about the book. It is useful to be prepared by reading the book, and learning some basic facts from the Internet links. Most importantly, look for the opportunity to hold up the beauty and wonder of the person of Jesus Christ our Lord, and the good news of relationship with him!

Resources The Da Vinci Code: A Response The biggest selling hardback fiction book of all time is the Da Vinci Code and the movie is in theatres worldwide. How do we as Christians intelligently answer the damaging assertions about our faith that The Da Vinci code makes? Nicky Gumbel, pioneer of the Alpha course, has written a short response to the Da Vinci Code that can help. These $0.99 booklets are useful to have available for guests or leaders during small groups, bible studies, Alpha courses, and more. Sharing Christ Respond to the Da Vinci Code as a lay apostle. Learn how, as a Catholic, to speak to your children, family, friends, and co-workers about your faith. Learn what evangelization is and most importantly how to be a witness to the Gospel in word and deed.

Links

Fiction Intrigues... Truth Can Transform
Excellent online video on being a Christian evangelist in response to the Da Vinci Code. Teaching given at Willow Creek Church by noted Christian apologist, Lee Strobel.

Speaking in Code
A short article which provides useful, short overviews of nine different books which "de-bunk" the Da Vinci code. The article also gives links to the Christian publishers who publish the different books.

Da Vinci Podcasts
Download online talks on the Da Vinci Code on your computer or Ipod. The talks are given by expert, Carl Olson.

Dismantling the Da Vinci Code
A great comprehensive article on the faults of the Da Vinci Code. Written by Sandra Miesel, a veteran Catholic journalist.

Jesus Decoded
A comprehensive site developed by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Da Vinci Code. Includes information about the documentary "Jesus Decoded," as well as air times for its TV showing.

The Da Vinci Code: A Response
This booklet by Rev. Nicky Gumbel can be downloaded for free for your Palm OS, Pocket PC, or Symbian UIQ. The website also includes the option of downloading it to a Blackberry device or in the Spanish language.

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