The Da Vinci Code’s Impact On Faith
Steve Sellers, Campus Crusade for Christ

The Da Vinci Code, as well as the film adaptation, is clearly a work of fiction. So why is there a high level of concern among the Christian community regarding the impact of Dan Brown’s story? One reason is found in the very beginning of the book: “All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate.”

Considering The Da Vinci Code alleges that the Bible is unreliable, Jesus was married, and He never resurrected from the dead, even the suggestion that these claims have any historical basis is reason for alarm. Driving much of the concern is the impact The Da Vinci Code and these claims are already having on the spiritual lives of many. Here’s just some of what people are saying:

“Two close friends of mine in the church lost their faith over The Da Vinci Code.” - A Pastor from Phoenix, Arizona

“I read The Da Vinci Code and I no longer know what I believe.” - Missionary in Eastern Europe

“I lost my son to The Da Vinci Code.” - Concerned Parent

Clearly, the Body of Christ needs to respond to refute the lies in Dan Brown’s story. But this is only part of the response. Even though the book and “The Da Vinci Code” movie present a distorted view, they also open up a tremendous opportunity to talk about Jesus while He is on the minds of millions.

This increased interest in matters of faith is evidenced in the large number of responses to Campus Crusade for Christ’s recently-launched website, www.JesusAndDaVinci.com. In about a two-month period, this site has had approximately 65,000 visitors with more than 6,000 making decisions for Christ. Emails continue to pour in from people who are asking crucial faith questions and want help:

• “When I read [The Da Vinci Code] I started to disbelieve Christ and it almost changed me. I want Christ back; will I be able to?”
• “Help me know about Christ because The Da Vinci Code book has got me confused.”
• “I am a [person from another religion]. I have lots of problems in my life . . . I always think I am lost in the world. My own religion could not answer my questions . . . Can you answer me?”

As the public discussion regarding “The Da Vinci Code” movie and its fictitious claims grows, the interest in spiritual issues will continue to increase. This is a critical time for the Church. Again, not only because it’s vital that distortions in Dan Brown’s story are shown for what they are, but also because an incredible window of opportunity is now open to reach people’s hearts with the Gospel.

If you would like to learn more about how you or your church can help reach seekers with the real Truth about the Jesus Christ of the Bible, please visit: www.davincitruth.org