DaVinci Code Debacle
Friday, May 19th, 2006“The DaVinci Code” movie opens this weekend and I thought I’d throw in my two cents. I should preface by saying I have not read the book yet and do not intend to see the movie. Mainly because I’d rather not give the author my money. However, I am going to read the book, but I will be checking it out from the library or borrowing it from a friend. I feel that to effectively engage in conversations with people about it, I should read the book. This fictional novel will not change my views as a Christian, nor create doubts in my mind about my faith. I have heard about the content of the book from others and could probably discuss it without ever reading it. However I think it would be disengenuous on my part to not read it and yet discuss its falsehoods.
The ongoing boycotts of the movie are understandable and for the most part I agree with them. In essence, I am doing the same thing. With that in mind, I don’t necessarily have a problem if a Christian decides to go see it. I think Christians that decide go see the movie may have legitimate reasons for doing so and that should be respected.
Director Ron Howard contention that its a harmless, fictional movie is quite short sighted in my opinion. They do say that it makes people discuss religion which is true to an extent. However one of the actors, Ian McKellen [Gandalf of "Lord of the Rings"] made a very foolish, uninformed statement in response to a question by Matt Lauer on the “Today” show about some calling for a disclaimer in the movie that it is fiction.
He stated “Well, I’ve often thought the Bible should have a disclaimer at the front saying ‘this is fiction.’ “
The problem with that is the Bible is not fiction at all. For McKellen to make such a statement about the Bible while defending a clear fictional work that makes a shameful mockery of the Bible is both ironic and sad.
Mr. McKellen, In fact there is overwhelming archeological, internal and external evidence that the Bible is indeed true. My hope is one day you will come to that understanding.
