Ask the Pastor
By Pastor Scott Denham of Harvest Fellowship, Shambaugh, IA
Clarinda Herald Journal Publication Date : 07/05/2006The Da Vinci Code Delusion
Pastor Scott,
“What do you think about The Da Vinci Code?”
The Da Vinci Code is just what author Dan Brown said it was--a work of fiction. While quoting some historical documents, Brown’s reliance on questionable Gnostic texts will forever mire his premise in ambiguity. However, that has not stopped “inquiring minds” from hoping to find plausibility in its claims.
Some believe The Da Vinci Code to be true because they want it to be true. For many, if the claims of orthodox Christianity can be brought into question, then they feel justified in avoiding “the Jesus issue.”
If the gospel proclaimed by the Christians be true, then faith and obedience must necessarily follow, and we must change the way we live. That’s precisely what so many refuse to do. Rather than come to a firm conclusion on the biblical portrayal of Jesus, many put off making a decision and ease their consciences by assuring themselves that they are open seekers who just need more information. However, there is great danger for those who are "always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7).
At one time I studied Apologetics, the discipline of explaining and defending the truth of Scripture. I assumed that if I could just present the facts in a reasonable and logical manner, then people would believe in Christ--man, was I wrong!
Jesus said, people refuse to believe, not because they lack information, but because they “love darkness” (John 3:19). Said another way: People want to do what they want, and they don’t want some intrusive deity breathing down their neck, making them feel guilty for their actions.
Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code is nothing more than a rehashing of the old Gnostic heresies from the 2nd and 3rd centuries that sought to undermine true faith. This cult of its day wrote their own books, and published them as the works of Judas, Mary, Barnabas, Thomas, or some other historical figure from the time of Christ.
No one outside of Gnostic circles accepted these works as genuine, and they were understood by contemporaries as fraudulent. Of course, that didn’t stop some from believing what they wanted to believe. Whereas, the New Testament, was written by the eyewitnesses to the resurrected Christ, and authenticated by all believers--as well as secular historians.
Enough of this, “I have an intellectual problem with Christianity” nonsense. Beware the subtle self-deceptions of the heart. We may think ourselves “open-minded,” when we’re actually self-deceived.
If you’re really open, I’d like to challenge you to read the New Testament, praying, “God, if you’re real, reveal Yourself to me.” God promises: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).
What is more reasonable, to trust your eternal destiny to a speculative book written by Dan Brown or one written by Dan Brown’s Maker (2 Timothy 3:16)? You decide.
--Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com)