With The DaVinci Code movie opening on Friday I think this is a great opportunity for Christians to share their faith and -- most importantly -- real life examples of what God has done in their lives. The time is right because unchurched people are going to see this movie. And they are going to come out of the theater scratching their heads trying to decide what was true and what was not. This movie, and the book it is based on by Dan Brown, throws out what they may have heard about Jesus Christ, His divinity, and His triumph over death.
Now I'll admit: I did not finish reading this book and I don't plan to see the movie. I started reading to see what the big deal and I had an emotional response that took away my desire to finish. I would compare it to maybe reading a story based in my hometown. A story referencing people or things I had heard of. A story with fictional characters who were badmouthing one of my parents or a best friend. In my mind it didn't matter that the story is made up -- it mattered that someone I cared about was getting bashed. And so I put the book down half-read. If you're looking for my review, there it is.
Anyway, I've since seen several books written in response to The Da Vinci Code and one of them was Cracking the Da Vinci Code by Dr. James Garlow. I haven't read it either, but I do know that it takes on the 'facts' of Dan Brown's book shows the fiction as fiction. But the point here is that you can hear a sermon given by Garlow at The City Church in the Seattle area online or as a part of the church's podcasts. It is under the Generational Church podcast.
Here's the teaser to the message:
"Best selling author Dr. James Garlow just spoke at The City Church and presented his shocking expose of the upcoming movie 'The Da Vinci Code'. Cracking the fictional portrayal of Jesus Christ as a fraud � Dr. Garlow instructed believers how to use this movie as a powerful opportunity for the Gospel." � Pastor Wendell
It is a powerful primer if you plan to see the movie or read the book. Right now I'm preparing myself for conversations with those who don't know Christ. Preparing myself to let the truth of God's message defend itself. Preparing myself to share the true impact Christ's relationship has made on my life. I think that the positive influence Christ's saving grace can have on a life is so much larger than conspiracy theories, paganism, or anything, that having some perspective on this movie will lead to opportunities to share your faith with others.
