The Da Vinci Code

Ok, so the new Da Vinci Code movie is coming out. Apparently Tom Hanks is Dr. Langdon (sp?), which I never really pictured, but at least he's a super good actor. I think it's a great thing that this book came out and created so much controversy and discussion.

I believe (and I may be totally wrong) that in the past, Christians have taken the bible at face value a bit too easily. I think it is important that people realize that Jesus was a historical figure and that what we know about him has been filtered down through many source, and as well, the church has controlled his image to a certain extent. Now, obviously, his death managed to stir up a lot of emotions in Judaea at a time in which many Messiah's were dying exactly like Jesus.

This book/movie has successfully intrigued the Christian world (or at least the Western/European Christian world) enough to allow people to have an intelligent dialogue about it. Today at noon on the news I saw a paster from one of the huge anglican churches here talking about the Da Vinci Code during his sermon. He also thought it was a good thing that the book/movie has challenged people's faith and how they digest the information.

So despite how nauseating this whole phenomonon/trend is, at least it created a stir, and challenged how people, including Christians look at the Bible, Jesus and the Church institution. I don't think anything in recent memory has done this for the church and it's good if it, specifically the Catholic church, wants to adapt and change for the modern world.