Thoughts on the Da Vinci Code Training
This entry was posted on 3/31/2006 10:44 AM and is filed under Pastor's Thoughts.
On Tuesday evening, Mike, Patty, Denise and I were able to attend the CCN Telecast of the "Da Vinci Code Training". Although it may have seemed a little short on the meat of apologetics it was helpful in raising the opportunities and urgency of the issues that will be raised when the movie opens on May 19th.
Lee Strobel likened the opening of the film to what he believes will be a "cultural tsunami." That may seem like hyperbole since many of us haven't even had a conversation with anyone who has read the book. But there are some alarming things that should help us take this opportunity more seriously.
A poll that was taken in Canada revealed that one in three people surveyed now believe that Jesus has physical descendants that are alive today. Now I can tell you that there has not been a long history of that particular belief being circulated for the past two thousand years. That is a recent phenomenon. As a matter of fact, some of the early heresies against Christ sought to undermine his humanity and his claim to being the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
George Barna conducted a poll particularly about the book itself. Fifty-three percent of those surveyed agreed that "the book has been helpful to their spiritual life and understanding." That's almost scary.
One the other hand, the issues raised by the story provide some of the most ready occasions to speak about spiritual things and one's relationship with Christ. But as the panelists stated, we will probably not speak unless we are prepared with informed answers. In my opinion, it will be our responsibility to get our noses in the books over the next month. I plan on doing my best to equip from the pulpit on the doctrinal and church history issues. And the elders have already discussed other forums, like our small groups, to help each one be ready to give an answer.
As to getting into the books: It was encouraged that we be able to speak intelligently to what is contained in the book. I know many of you don't want to put any more money into Dan Brown's pocket and it should help that paperbacks have just come out for about $5 each. I have read the book and worked through all the emotions. I think that is necessary so that we are received as credible and so that we can calm down and be ready to gently and reasonably work through these issues with some of our sure to be confused friends and associates.
