Christian Author Sees Confusion of Da Vinci Code as Useful
by Allie Martin
May 8, 2006
(AgapePress) - - A Christian apologist is trying to help believers respond to claims made in the upcoming movie based on Dan Brown's best-selling book The Da Vinci Code. Lee Strobel is co-author of a DVD-driven discussion curriculum kit called "Discussing the Da Vinci Code." The four-session study includes interviews with authors and experts who look at topics such as the reliability of the gospels, the deity of Christ, and the role of women in Christianity. Strobel says Brown's novel has caused confusion among Christians because it weaves together fact and fiction in its storyline. Still, he encourages Christians to see the movie -- but only as a method of outreach to unsaved friends or family members.
"I would really pray about it, and consider going to the movie so that you can engage with them in a dialog," the author says. He offers some suggestions for doing that. "Give them a resource like our book, Exploring the Da Vinci Code, invite them into a little discussion experience like our 'Discussing the Da Vinci Code' resource, and help them to come to an understanding about the real Jesus."
Strobel -- a former atheist who came to know Jesus as his personal Savior after a two-year investigation of the evidence of Jesus -- and curriculum co-author Garry Poole traveled to Europe and visited sites that will be featured in the upcoming movie, which stars Tom Hanks. Like the book, Strobel expects the Ron Howard-directed movie to also cause confusion.
"Dan Brown so cleverly mixes fact and fiction, people are getting spiritually confused," he says. "One out of every three Canadians who have read the book now believes that there are descendants of Jesus walking among us today."
In addition, says Strobel, 53 percent of Americans who have read the book say it has been "helpful in their personal spiritual growth and understanding."
On May 21 -- two days after Da Vinci Code hits U.S. theaters -- Strobel co-hosts a national satellite telecast on the Church Communication Network about the Da Vinci debate. The outreach event is available to churches for evangelism training, and features co-hosts Dr. Erwin Lutzer (pastor of Moody Church in Chicago and author of The Da Vinci Deception) and Mark Mittleberg, co-author of Becoming a Contagious Christian.
Strobel's award-winning books include The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, The Case for a Creator, and Inside the Mind of Unchurched Harry and Mary.
Allie Martin, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
