The Da Vinci Code Deception
By Rev Charles King, D.Min.
On April 21,2006, I published the first of my thoughts on the book and upcoming movie “ The Da Vinci Code". In that article (http://searchwarp.com/swa58187.htm) I focused on one of the half-truths told by the author of “The Da Vinci Code" both in his interviews and in his book. I first through of the book as a deception, now I am leaning toward the word conspiracy. Most of us may remember that our mothers told us that a half-truth was more damaging than a lie. Mr. Brown must have remembered this statement since his book is full of half-truths.
As I am write these articles, I am learning more about Mr. Brown and the FACTS that he quotes. The reason I am now starting to lean toward the word conspiracy is that I believe this book has a hidden purpose that is driven from his religious belief (Gnosticism). This hidden purpose is his underlying goal to spread the Gnostic belief system.
As I learn more about Mr. Brown and the book I see that many of the key elements of his plot are derived from the views of the Gnostics. One of the half-truths that the book referenced is the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. The main topic of this council was not to determine the books of the Bible as suggested by Mr. Brown, but deity of Christ. Gnosticism does not believe in Christ's deity. By the time of the Nicea Council the Gnostic books had already been rejected by the church. The purpose of the council was to resolve an issue raised because a man named Arius had preached that Christ was a creation of God. He said that Christ was the first of all his creatures, to be sure, but a creation nonetheless. This issue was settled with only three of the more than 300 Bishops present voting against the “Nicea Creed" that declared the truth of the doctrine of the Trinity (a triune God). The doctrine of the Trinity recognizes Christ as deity.
Through this half-truth about how the Bible was canonized and suggesting that the Gnostic material that was left out of the Bible to build a false gospel. Mr. Brown suggest that this material is as much God breathed as what is included is one of the more important legs of his conspiracy. My first article addressed this point.
Once doubt is cast on the accuracy of the Bible, then he can suggest a half-truth about Christ’s deity. He does this by suggesting that the early church did not recognize Christ as deity. The church had already done so, but it was this Nicea Council that formalized the "Nicea Creed". Brown's statements could not be further from the truth, since the book of Acts demonstrate that on the day of Pentecost Peter and those who believe in Christ demonstrate that the church recognized Christ as deity.
I would like to challenge anyone who might be persuaded by the ideas (false teachings) in the book or movie to read the Old Testament, which was canonized about 400 BC. The Old Testament paints a very clear picture of a deliver (Savior) coming who would be a descendant (seed) of Eve, Abraham, Judah, and David. The New Testament is very clear that Jesus was this descendant of all of them.
Also the sacrificial system initiated in the Old Testament to cover one’s sin by the shedding of blood is fulfilled with Christ being that perfect sacrifice (without spot). The Old Testament Passover with the blood on the door-post is another picture of Jesus’ crucifixion. 1 Corinthians 5:7 states “For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us".
The shed blood of Christ is a very critical element of the Christian faith. In fact an element of Mr. Brown’s conspiracy is to use the Da Vinci’s painting of the “Lord’s Last supper" to disprove Christ’s deity. By taking this painting Mr. Brown is attempting to shed doubt on one of the key events that Jesus used to show His deity.
The Lord's last supper is an event that shows the importance of Christ’s blood. At that meal, Jesus holds up a cup and says “for this is my blood, which seals the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out to forgive the sins of many." (nlt) My next article on this subject will address the issue of the Holy Grail and the claim by Mr. Brown of the blood-line of Mary Magdalene. Mr. Brown attempts to use this story to counter Jesus’ claim that His shed blood consummates a covenant between God and mankind.
In conclusion on the point of understanding Christ’s deity please read John 1:1-3 and 14. There it states that Christ is God and that He took on flesh and dwelt among men. Hebrews 1:1-3 gives us an additional look at this same subject.
Jesus Himself claimed to be God a number of times in Scripture. Each time He did so the Bible says the Jews wanted to kill Him. One of these times is discussed in John chapter 8. In John 8:56 Jesus tells the Jews that Abraham saw His day and rejoiced. In John 8:58 Jesus states that before Abraham was “I AM" speaking of the fact that He existed prior to Abraham and that He was God. If you will remember God refers to Himself as "I AM" in Exodus. In John 8:59 the Jews then took up stones to kill Him, but He is able to hide Himself.
Jesus asks the disciples in Matthew 16:13, who do people say that I am? Peter responded with the statement, some say John the Baptist, Elijah or another of the prophets (just a man). Then Jesus asks Peter, Who do you say I am? Peter’s response was, you are the Christ!
The Da Vinci Code is saying that Jesus is just a man. But Jesus’ question “Who do you say I am?" is still the most important question of all time.
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