The only difference between DVC and christianity is that DVC was written in 21st century and the N.T. has been made up over the past 2000 years.

Religion causes division between people rather than unification of humanity.

See: http://www.alternet.org/story/36195/

"Laura Sheahen: You've said that nonbelievers must try to convince religious people "of the illegitimacy of their core beliefs." Why are these beliefs dangerous?

Sam Harris: On the subject of religious belief, we relax standards of reasonableness and evidence that we rely on in every other area of our lives. We relax so totally that people believe the most ludicrous propositions, and are willing to organize their lives around them. Propositions like "Jesus is going to come back in the next fifty years and rectify every problem that human beings create"--or, in the Muslim world, "death in the right circumstances leads directly to Paradise." These beliefs are not very contaminated with good evidence.

LS: There are beliefs--like kids believing in the tooth fairy--that I wouldn't say are dangerous.

SH: Right. Those are not as consequential. But this whole style of believing and talking about beliefs leaves us powerless to overcome our differences from one another. We have Christians against Muslims against Jews, and no matter how liberal your theology, merely identifying yourself as a Christian or a Jew lends tacit validity to this status quo. People have morally identified with a subset of humanity rather than with humanity as a whole."

We must move from a position of religous beliefs to a position
of relationship if there will be peace. Religous beliefs will divide for
what one believes is the truth will divide others. Relationship with the real Jesus is the only way out of the mess we find ourselves in. This is a supernatural work. Now we find christians, muslims and jews and others who have this relationship have a communion that is so amazing. This is happening all over the world and this is our only hope of a future in Christ. Let the real Jesus in and all the false gods will vanish.

BOAZ_David,
Sorry, but I don’t see what the unique significance of parables is.

There are various forms of allegorical stories. Under the general banner of myths, there are folktales, fairytales, fables, sagas, epics, legends and also – parables.

Parables are also used in other religions, such as Hasidism, Sufism and even Zen Buddhism.

They are all intended to instruct, explain or entertain - depending on the audience and the message to be conveyed. Whether the Good Samaritan historically existed or not is of far less significance than the message conveyed.

Likewise, the movie Star Wars and the legend of King Arthur are perfect examples of the classic hero myth. We are witnessing the creation of a modern hero mythology surrounding events at Beaconsfield, although it will only be short-term and is media driven. Nonetheless it is an uplifting experience for many onlookers who feel that it represents an ideal that is seldom witnessed.

Meanwhile back on-topic, whether the Da Vinci Code is a modern fairytale or not, depends on the individual.

If a Christian feels threatened, has doubts or has a loss of faith on the basis of this book alone, then I think they are looking for an excuse not to believe.

Likewise, personal investigation of the matters covered in this book may even lead somebody toward belief.

To me, the REAL item of interest in this whole affair are the shadowy dealings of Opus Dei and how the group has finally been dragged out into the open.
I’ve been watching them since I heard of their their direct involvement in the initial election of George W Bush and the FBI Russian spy scandal many years ago and there is definitely more to them than meets the eye.

Suggestion: to those who have read/watched the DVC but not sure whether it is fiction or not, perhaps you can get a copy of the bible, read the New Testament as thoroughly as you have read the DVC, see what you can get out of it, and then decide whether it is the DVC or the bible which is fiction. It is wiser to make informed decisions than to jump to conclusion.

Bill,

--Part One--

1. The Da Vinci Code is fiction. It author agrees it is an adventure
story, set against quasi-history. Some places and names a correct.

2. The Bible is also a fiction. It is a heroic story, set against quasi-history. Some places and names are correct.

3. The Da Vinci Code and the Bible have much in common. One difference is, the former is in a position to admit to the fiction.

How can the Church(es) do the same?

4. As a theologian, you must know, that the Bible "is" a selected works, as is the Complete Works of Shakespeare. (There were originally several Hamlets) Jesus sects wrote many gospels in the names of the disciples. There were various conflicting accounts. Nicea (and some smaller earlier councils)tried to sort this out.

5. Once the churches have tried to suggest the gnostic gospels were of an occult nature, presumably, so, ordinary folks would not read them. In fact, these books are just alternative interpretations of the life of Jesus.

6. There were other competing holymen to Jesus.

7. The Merovingians are a genuine royal bloodline, starting in the early fifth century. Brown has probably realised this history, but its legend is different to Christian legend. At the beginning of the Merovingian dynasty, the founding mother is said to have been impregnated by a beastial Neptune. Brown has merged the two legends

Bill,

--Part Two--

8. Jesus legends and the Roman mysteries were also merged: e.g., Christmas Day. Mary Mother of God probably "is" linked to Orisis. Perhaps, saints are a compromise to god pantheons. Even some Christians aren't keen on intercession.

9. I am Rosslyn Sinclair. My family built Rosslyn (Roslin) Chapel. Our main historical links are Viking and Templar, not strongly Merovingian. (I have to pay for my wine.) ... Cromwell would not allow General Monk destoy Rosslyn Chapel owing to its Templar/Masonic connections.

10. The Nautonier or Prieure de Sion "might" exist (since the twelfth century). There are historial references to it (e.g., The Dossier Secrets). For me, the published grand masters list is "too" impressive.

11. I would not have a clue whether Mary and Jesus were in a relationship. Just the same, the Dead Sea Scrolls (I think)or a similar document, does mention, a certain caste of high prostitute whom entertain priests circa Jesus' time. The priests did not marry, but were at times allowed comfort... Lent in reverse.

Lastly, I think the Churches really don't want the reading first to fourth histories to be popularised. Ordinary folks might learn too much.

The Da Vinci Code is feared, as it could be the thin end of the wedge, not because of its fiction, but, because further readings expose Christian fiction.