THE DaVINCI CODEBREAKER The main purpose of this book is to respond to the blockbuster novel of all time, The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown, in terms of the basic allegations it makes as it describes the theological and historical nature of Jesus Christ and the Christian church. Why do theologians and historians feel compelled to challenge the assertions made in a novel? After all, everything you say in fiction is valid, no matter how outrageous the plot. Well, it turns out that its author Dan Brown has chosen to say that everything the novel is based upon is accurate, and as a result, many books on the subject have sprung all over either supporting or rejecting the theories submitted by Mr. Brown. For instance, some of the premises stated in the novel and film which The Codebreaker is determined to debunk, are as follows: Jesus was married and the father of a daughter.- Fact: There is no evidence in the historical record of Jesus ever being married to anyone. Even if he had married and/or had offspring, it would not have detracted from his merits and teachings. Mary Magdalene was chosen by Jesus to lead the Church.- Fact: Again, there is no evidence of this. Mary Magdelene was a very prominent figure in Jesus’ life, she witnessed the crucifixion and tended to his burial, but the historical record points to Peter as being selected to found his church Christianity borrowed everything from Paganism.- Fact: The Christian church has never denied using some pagan celebrations from the past such as the Easter celebration, it only reinforces the adaptability of the church as it reaches to its faithful.
Women are victims of the church.- Fact: Women have a prominent role in the Christian church since ancient times and there is no evidence of any abuse. The Old Testament proudly portrays the lives of several women that greatly influenced the faith: Esther, Ruth, Deborah. And in the New testament, Jesus had many female followers who were with him until the end. The Mona Lisa and the Last Supper have coded messages.- Fact: The notes left by Leonardo DaVinci about The Last Supper, make no mention of any female appearing in the scene and there is no practical professional evidence of any coding. The Mona Lisa was so named by DaVinci’s biographer and there are no notes from this portrait to sustain any allegations made by the novel. In sum, we have to have faith in Dan Brown’s assertions, just as we have faith in our beliefs and convictions. The book is presented as a glossary in a dictionary form, explaining each event, person and definition for the reader to be more informed and make an appropriate decision, but there are now just too many books pro and con jumping on the bandwagon of the success of this novel.