The Da Vinci Code: truth or fiction?
From Wikadelphia
Contents |
Why is it important?
The Da Vinci Code has been published in 40 languages and sold 36 million copies worldwide. It is probably more widely read in the UK than the Bible; a film is forthcoming. Does it present a credible threat to Christianity?
How can we tell whether it’s true?
- 1. Distinguish between facts and interpretations
- 2. Test theories and interpretations objectively against evidence
Dan Brown in his own words (from www.danbrown.com): How much of this novel is true? The Da Vinci Code is a novel and therefore a work of fiction. While the book's characters and their actions are obviously not real, the artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals depicted in this novel all exist (for example, Leonardo Da Vinci's paintings, the Gnostic Gospels, Hieros Gamos, etc.). These real elements are interpreted and debated by fictional characters. While it is my belief that some of the theories discussed by these characters may have merit, each individual reader must explore these characters' viewpoints and come to his or her own interpretations. My hope in writing this novel was that the story would serve as a catalyst and a springboard for people to discuss the important topics of faith, religion, and history.
Three major claims
- 1. Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and he intended her to be leader of the Christian Church
- 2. The New Testament was commissioned by the Roman Emperor Constantine several centuries after Jesus. The true story of Jesus is found in other gospels
- 3. The Church corrupted original Christianity.
Claim 1: Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and intended her to be leader of the Christian Church (The Da Vinci Code, p. 331)
Table 1: Comparison between translations of the Gospel of Philip (Square brackets indicate gaps in the text or words not in the original supplied by the translators)
| Dan Brown | Isenberg | Paterson Brown |
|---|---|---|
| And the companion of the Saviour is Mary Magdalene.
Christ loved her more than all the disciples and used to kiss her often on the mouth. The rest of the disciples were offended by it and expressed disapproval. They said to him, ‘Why do you love her more than all of us?’ | And the companion of the [...] Mary Magdalene.
[...] loved her more than all the disciples, and used to kiss her often on her mouth. The rest of the disciples [...]. They said to him "Why do you love her more than all of us?" | And the Consort of the [Christ] is Mariam the Magdalene.
The [Lord loved] Mariam more than [all the (other)] Disciples, [and he] kissed her often on her [mouth]. The other [women] saw his love for Mariam, (and) they say to him: ‘Why do thou love [her] more than all of us?’ |
Source: www.earlychristianwritings.com
Table 2: Comparison between the Gospel of Philip and the New Testament Gospels
| The Gospel of Philip | The New Testament Gospels | |
|---|---|---|
| Date of writing | 180-350 CE | 65-120 CE |
| Date of earliest manuscripts | 180-350 CE | 120-150 CE |
