The Da Vinci Da Ception!
Unless you’ve been living under a rock or in a third world country lately, I’m sure you’ve at least heard about a movie coming out called the Da Vinci Code. With uber-producer Ron Howard and mega star Tom Hanks at the helm, this flick has the potential to skyrocket its way to the top of the box office and perhaps even start a socio-religious upheaval of gigantic proportions.
The box office thing is OK … the socio-religious upheaval is not. Millions have already been deceived by Dan Brown’s uncanny ability to weave truths, half-truths, and bald-faced lies into a seamless tapestry that shrouds people from the truth of the gospel, so I’m worried that the movie will lead millions more down a path of deadly deception.
Are you worried as well? If not, you should be. The success of this book and the release of the movie is one of those “hey church, this is a watershed moment … we either use it or lose it.” So let’s look at ways to use it, so we don’t lose it!
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Step one – Do your homework
The tagline for this movie is “seek the truth”…Dan Brown, are you kidding me? This book is full of more tears in its truth fabric than the hull of the Titanic, and the good news is that even a little research will get you to the point where you can sink this shipload of lies. Take some time this week and check out this fact sheet: www.tektonics.org/davflyer.doc
Step two – Be like Christ
If The Da Vinci Code were released in Jesus’ day, I don’t think we’d find Him picketing the movie theaters or sitting on His hands waiting for this to blow over. I’d like to think that He’d invite a few ‘pro-Da Vinci’ friends to see the movie, then hang out after words at a the local 1st century Starbucks and have a friendly discussion.
Step three – Know the truth
Knowing the arguments against the Da Vinci Code is only half the battle, because it then leaves people back at Pilate central asking “what is truth?” Shazam! You have the answers! This is grand opportunity number one to share the gospel with your words and show the gospel with your life. It also wouldn’t hurt to know how to articulate why you believe the Bible to be God’s word and the arguments behind the resurrection of Christ.
Step four – Pray for change
Dan Brown’s agenda behind this work is clearer than the smile on the Mona Lisa’s face. He has admitted believing his own theories (which I find hard to believe), and he would love for millions of others to follow suit and reject Biblical Christianity. The good news is that God has an agenda as well:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
In a word, we need to pray for a little thing called ‘backfire’. What people intend for evil, God can turn for good … and I guarantee there is no deception in that!
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Lane Palmer is the Youth Ministries Specialist for Dare 2 Share Ministries in Arvada, Colo., where he works with youth leaders and students, equipping them to be effective in sharing the gospel. For more information on Dare 2 Share Ministries, please visit www.dare2share.org. Find out how Dare 2 Share Ministries and Focus on the Family® are working together to capture the hearts of this generation of teenagers, visit www.capturetheirhearts.com. Send feedback to lane@dare2share.org.
