June Coffee Night - Da Vinci Code

• Question I

•Some readers argue that The Da Vinci Code goes beyond the traditional definition of historical fiction and that the author has fused fact and fiction in a way that may mislead some readers. Some claim that it is un-ethical to blur the line between fact and fiction, while others point out that it is fiction and it's up to the readers to believe what they want. Do you think there is anything unethical in either Dan Brown's methods or his book? Or do you agree that if it's fiction, anything goes?

• Question II

•The phenomenal success of The Da Vinci Code, along with the rising popularity of the "Gospel of Judas" and the "Jesus Papers", suggests a need in our society for an alternative to the standard teachings of the church. What are possible reasons for this need for a different version of Christianity? How do we, as Christians, deal with those who choose to support or advocate these alternative theories?

• Question III

•The claim that Jesus was married to Mary wasn’t proven, nor, has been proven otherwise. The DaVinci code sites the gospel of Phillip, where it claims Jesus kissed Mary Magdalene often on the _____ [lips?]. Also the existing Jewish culture during the time of Jesus, expected a young man to be married before a certain age. This fact along with the claims made in the gospel of Phillip, is used by Dan Brown to state his theory is plausible.

Why do you think it’s important for us Christians to have an unmarried Jesus?

• Question IV

•Professor Teabing, one of the characters of The Da Vinci Code, argues that Jesus was not a divine being and claims that Jesus' divinity was an invention of the church. In essence, a distinction is made separating the Historical Jesus, the man who died on the cross, from the Theological Jesus, the God Jesus invented by the church. This dual Jesus is the primary undertone of the Jesus Papers as well. Do you think it is possible that the Theological Jesus is an invention of the church? Why do you think the church is so adamant that its version of Christianity is the right one and that any new findings contradicting the traditional story are regarded as heresy? (Gnostic gospels, Jesus Papers,etc.)

• Question V

•In light of the Da Vinci Code movie that was recently released, how do you think the church and individual believers should engage this story? E.g.

–Should they see the movie?

–Should they buy the book?

–Should we encourage/discourage others from reading the book and/or watching the movie?

–Different Cardinals at the Vatican have differing opinions on how to engage this story, one calls for a boycott, another says, see it if you want as long as you know it’s fiction, and Pope appointed another to rebut the false claims of the book? Which do you agree with and why?

–Local dioceses are sponsoring seminars, lectures, handing out booklets, the US Bishops set up www.jesusdecoded.com, is this going overboard or is it a necessary action which they need to take in order to defend the church and our faith?

• Question VI

•The gospel of Judas claims Jesus wasn't betrayed, but rather Judas was asked to show the soldiers the way to where Jesus was. There are various bible passages to support the claim that Judas wasn't the bad guy the Gospels made him out to be. If Jesus orchestrated his own death, do you think that he could be viewed as a fraud that wasn't sent by God to die for our sins?