“the da vinci code”– the real conspiracy revealed by jeff chacon san diego church of christ

““The Da Vinci The Da Vinci Code”–Code”–

The The RealReal Conspiracy Conspiracy RevealedRevealed

ByBy

Jeff ChaconJeff Chacon

San Diego Church of San Diego Church of ChristChrist

““The Da Vinci Code”The Da Vinci Code”

A fictional mystery A fictional mystery novel by Dan Brown novel by Dan Brown (2003)(2003)

Worldwide Worldwide bestsellerbestseller

Over 60 million Over 60 million copies in printcopies in print

Translated into 44 Translated into 44 languages languages

Barna Research Group…Barna Research Group…

The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code has has been read “cover to been read “cover to cover” by roughly cover” by roughly 45 45 millionmillion adults in the adults in the U.S. – that’s U.S. – that’s one out one out of every five adults of every five adults (20%).(20%).

That makes it That makes it the the most widely read most widely read book with a spiritual book with a spiritual theme in America theme in America other than the Bible.other than the Bible.

Barna Research Group…Barna Research Group… 24% (11 million) adults 24% (11 million) adults

consider consider The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code to have been a helpful to have been a helpful spiritual document.spiritual document.

2 million adults said 2 million adults said that they changed one that they changed one or more beliefs or or more beliefs or religious perspectives religious perspectives because of the book’s because of the book’s content.content.

The Washingon Post: The Washingon Post: “Read the book and be “Read the book and be enlightened.”enlightened.”

““The Da Vinci Code”The Da Vinci Code” Recently turned into a Recently turned into a

major motion picture major motion picture with Tom Hanks; with Tom Hanks; directed by Ron directed by Ron HowardHoward

Movie trailer:Movie trailer: “ “Seek the Truth”Seek the Truth”

We are led to believe We are led to believe that that The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code will reveal to us will reveal to us the the truth.truth.

Q: But what is Q: But what is the real the real truthtruth behind behind The Da The Da Vinci CodeVinci Code??

The The fictionalfictional conspiracy conspiracy of the bookof the book

o The premise of this book is that there is a The premise of this book is that there is a conspiracy by the Catholic Church to cover up conspiracy by the Catholic Church to cover up the true story of Jesus.the true story of Jesus.


o The title of the book comes from the claim that The title of the book comes from the claim that Leonardo Da Vinci was a member of a secret Leonardo Da Vinci was a member of a secret society (The Priory of Sion) entrusted with the society (The Priory of Sion) entrusted with the secret truth about Jesus.secret truth about Jesus.


o The secret of this group is that Jesus had a The secret of this group is that Jesus had a daughter by Mary Magdalene, named Sarah, daughter by Mary Magdalene, named Sarah, and that their family tree extends all the way and that their family tree extends all the way to the present day – a living royal bloodline.to the present day – a living royal bloodline.


o The sarcophagus containing the bones of Mary The sarcophagus containing the bones of Mary Magdalene and ancient documents that tell the Magdalene and ancient documents that tell the true story of her life, according to this secret true story of her life, according to this secret society, is the true Holy Grail, since Mary’s society, is the true Holy Grail, since Mary’s womb is the metaphorical chalice that bore the womb is the metaphorical chalice that bore the royal bloodline of Jesus on earth.royal bloodline of Jesus on earth.


o The church, not wanting the truth of Jesus’ The church, not wanting the truth of Jesus’ humanity to be known, has conducted a humanity to be known, has conducted a massive cover up for over 1700 years to massive cover up for over 1700 years to conceal this truth from the public.conceal this truth from the public.


o Quote from Quote from The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code

o “…“…almost everything our fathers taught us about almost everything our fathers taught us about Christ is Christ is falsefalse.” (page 255, DVC).” (page 255, DVC)

The The realreal conspiracy conspiracy of the bookof the book

But what is the But what is the realreal conspiracy conspiracy

of of The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code??

Where is author Dan Brown leading us?Where is author Dan Brown leading us?


IfIf Jesus and Jesus and MaryMary Magdalene were married and Magdalene were married and had a child…had a child…


And And ifif Jesus was not truly the Son of God, Jesus was not truly the Son of God, but merely another mortal man like the but merely another mortal man like the rest of us…rest of us…


AndAnd if if Jesus entrusted the future Jesus entrusted the future leadership of the church to Mary leadership of the church to Mary Magdalene instead of the Apostle Peter…Magdalene instead of the Apostle Peter…


And And ifif Jesus and the early church shared the pagan Jesus and the early church shared the pagan belief that the world is divided into two halves, belief that the world is divided into two halves, masculine and feminine, with the feminine half masculine and feminine, with the feminine half referred to as “the sacred feminine”, and the referred to as “the sacred feminine”, and the feminine counterpart to God referred to as “the feminine counterpart to God referred to as “the divine goddess”, who is equally worthy of worship…divine goddess”, who is equally worthy of worship…


And And ifif the Emperor Constantine led the early the Emperor Constantine led the early Church at the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. to Church at the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. to cover all this up by burning all the so-called cover all this up by burning all the so-called “alternative gospels” that supposedly exposed “alternative gospels” that supposedly exposed these truths so that the male-dominated clergy these truths so that the male-dominated clergy would wield more power…would wield more power…


And And ifif “enlightened” people throughout the centuries like “enlightened” people throughout the centuries like Leonardo DaVinci, Botticelli, Sir Isaac Newton and Victor Hugo Leonardo DaVinci, Botticelli, Sir Isaac Newton and Victor Hugo were a part of a secret society that devoted itself to were a part of a secret society that devoted itself to protecting these truths, giving hints of them in their art and protecting these truths, giving hints of them in their art and planning one day to make them public so that mankind could planning one day to make them public so that mankind could be liberated from the destructive effects of male chauvinism be liberated from the destructive effects of male chauvinism in the name of God and enter into a new era of in the name of God and enter into a new era of enlightenment where we worship many Gods and Goddesses, enlightenment where we worship many Gods and Goddesses, or better yet, where don’t need religion at all…or better yet, where don’t need religion at all…


ThenThen obviously we have all been the obviously we have all been the victims of a massive conspiracy, and it’s victims of a massive conspiracy, and it’s time to liberate ourselves from these lies!time to liberate ourselves from these lies!


We need to liberate ourselves from We need to liberate ourselves from monotheism and sexism - the worship of monotheism and sexism - the worship of only one God – and a male one at that – only one God – and a male one at that – the God of the Bible!the God of the Bible!


We need to liberate ourselves from the We need to liberate ourselves from the worship of Jesus as the God the Son!worship of Jesus as the God the Son!


We need to liberate ourselves from the We need to liberate ourselves from the ignorant belief that the Bible is inspired ignorant belief that the Bible is inspired and authoritative!and authoritative!


And ultimately, we need to liberate And ultimately, we need to liberate ourselves from the tyranny of religion ourselves from the tyranny of religion altogether!altogether!


ThenThen we can be free to worship we can be free to worship severalseveral Gods and Goddesses as the Israelites and Gods and Goddesses as the Israelites and the early Christian Church the early Christian Church supposedlysupposedly did did before this massive cover-up.before this massive cover-up.


We can be free to see Jesus as “just We can be free to see Jesus as “just another good teacher” as the early church another good teacher” as the early church supposedlysupposedly did – did – notnot as the Son of God. as the Son of God.


We can be free to see the Bible as simply We can be free to see the Bible as simply a good book, as the early church a good book, as the early church supposedlysupposedly did – not as the uniquely did – not as the uniquely inspired and authoritative Word of God.inspired and authoritative Word of God.


And ultimately we can be free from And ultimately we can be free from the tyranny the tyranny of religionof religion altogether so that we can altogether so that we can live live independently from God!independently from God!

This is This is the hidden agendathe hidden agenda in in The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code, , the real conspiracy…the real conspiracy…

o Let’s piece this hidden Let’s piece this hidden puzzle together as we puzzle together as we read excerpts from read excerpts from The The Da Vinci CodeDa Vinci Code (DVC) (DVC) and ask ourselves this and ask ourselves this question: question:

o Where is Dan Brown Where is Dan Brown really leading us?really leading us?

o (Note: some of this material (Note: some of this material appears in the book, but appears in the book, but not in the movie.)not in the movie.)

Excerpt from DVCExcerpt from DVC

““The point here,’ Langdon said, motioning The point here,’ Langdon said, motioning back to the bookshelf, ‘is that all of these back to the bookshelf, ‘is that all of these books substantiate the same historical books substantiate the same historical claim.’claim.’

‘‘That Jesus was a father.’ Sophie was still That Jesus was a father.’ Sophie was still uncertain.uncertain.

‘‘Yes,’ Teabing said, ‘And that Mary Yes,’ Teabing said, ‘And that Mary Magdalene was the womb that carried his Magdalene was the womb that carried his royal lineage. The Priory of Sion, to this day, royal lineage. The Priory of Sion, to this day, still worships Mary Magdelene as the still worships Mary Magdelene as the Goddess, the Holy Grail, the Rose, and the Goddess, the Holy Grail, the Rose, and the Divine Mother.” (page 275, DVC)Divine Mother.” (page 275, DVC)


“…“…At its heart, the quest for the Holy At its heart, the quest for the Holy Grail has always been a quest for Grail has always been a quest for Magdalene – the wronged Queen, Magdalene – the wronged Queen, entombed with proof of her family’s entombed with proof of her family’s rightful claim to power.” (page 278, rightful claim to power.” (page 278, DVC) DVC)


““Teabing spoke more quietly now. Teabing spoke more quietly now. ‘The quest for the Holy Grail is ‘The quest for the Holy Grail is literally the quest to kneel before the literally the quest to kneel before the bones of Mary Magdalene. A journey bones of Mary Magdalene. A journey to pray at the feet of the outcast one, to pray at the feet of the outcast one, the lost sacred feminine.” (page 277, the lost sacred feminine.” (page 277, DVC)DVC)

Excerpt from DVCExcerpt from DVC ““Sophie,’ Langdon said, ‘the Priory’s Sophie,’ Langdon said, ‘the Priory’s

tradition of perpetuating goddess worship is tradition of perpetuating goddess worship is based on a belief that powerful men in the based on a belief that powerful men in the early Christian church ‘conned’ the world by early Christian church ‘conned’ the world by propagating lies that devalued the female propagating lies that devalued the female and tipped the scales in favor of the and tipped the scales in favor of the masculine… Constantine and his male masculine… Constantine and his male successors successfully converted the world successors successfully converted the world from matriarchal paganism to patriarchal from matriarchal paganism to patriarchal Christianity by waging a campaign of Christianity by waging a campaign of propaganda that demonized the sacred propaganda that demonized the sacred feminine, obliterating the goddess from feminine, obliterating the goddess from modern religion forever (page 133, DVC)…”modern religion forever (page 133, DVC)…”


“…“…we are currently in an epoch of enormous we are currently in an epoch of enormous change. The millennium has recently passed, and change. The millennium has recently passed, and with it has ended the two-thousand-year-long with it has ended the two-thousand-year-long astrological Age of Pisces – the fish, which is also astrological Age of Pisces – the fish, which is also the sign of Jesus. As any astrological symbologist the sign of Jesus. As any astrological symbologist will tell you, the Piscean ideal believes that man will tell you, the Piscean ideal believes that man must be must be toldtold what to do by higher powers what to do by higher powers because man is incapable of thinking for himself. because man is incapable of thinking for himself. Hence it has been a time of fervent religion. Now, Hence it has been a time of fervent religion. Now, however, we are entering the age of Aquarius – however, we are entering the age of Aquarius – the water bearer – whose ideals claim that man the water bearer – whose ideals claim that man will learn the will learn the truth and be able to think for truth and be able to think for himself.himself. The ideological shift is enormous, and is The ideological shift is enormous, and is occurring right now.” (pages 289-290, DVC)occurring right now.” (pages 289-290, DVC)

The The real real conspiracyconspiracy

o The The realreal conspiracy conspiracy in in The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code is is where author Dan Brown is leading his where author Dan Brown is leading his readers. readers.

o But is this really where we want to go?But is this really where we want to go?


Replace Replace religionreligion with with humanismhumanism and and place our trust and confidence in place our trust and confidence in ourselvesourselves rather than in rather than in GodGod??


Extol the virtues of Extol the virtues of atheismatheism as the as the supreme enlightenment and laud supreme enlightenment and laud nature nature worshipworship and and polytheismpolytheism as a step in the as a step in the right direction?right direction?


Praise Praise pagan sexual fertilitypagan sexual fertility ritesrites as as appropriate worshipappropriate worship??


Here is the type of “worship” Here is the type of “worship”

that this book exalts that this book exalts

and commends to the reader…and commends to the reader…

Note: in the movie, it is a brief flashback Note: in the movie, it is a brief flashback that Sophie (the main female character) that Sophie (the main female character) has of seeing her grandfather engaged in has of seeing her grandfather engaged in a pagan sex ritual.a pagan sex ritual.


““He (Langdon) explained that although what she He (Langdon) explained that although what she saw probably saw probably lookedlooked like a sex ritual, Hieros like a sex ritual, Hieros Gamos had nothing to do with eroticism. It was Gamos had nothing to do with eroticism. It was a spiritual act. Historically, intercourse was the a spiritual act. Historically, intercourse was the act through which male and female experienced act through which male and female experienced God. The ancients believed that the male was God. The ancients believed that the male was spiritually incomplete until he had carnal spiritually incomplete until he had carnal knowledge of the sacred feminine. Physical knowledge of the sacred feminine. Physical union with the female remained the sole means union with the female remained the sole means through which man could become spiritually through which man could become spiritually complete and ultimately achieve complete and ultimately achieve gnosisgnosis – – knowledge of the divine. Since the days of Isis, knowledge of the divine. Since the days of Isis, sex rites had been considered man’s only bridge sex rites had been considered man’s only bridge from earth to heaven.” (page 335, DVC)from earth to heaven.” (page 335, DVC)


Group sex is a Group sex is a spiritual act?spiritual act?

Immorality is how Immorality is how we experience we experience God?God?


And this is the sole And this is the sole means to becoming means to becoming spiritually complete spiritually complete and ultimately achieve and ultimately achieve “gnosis”? (“Gnosis” is “gnosis”? (“Gnosis” is the Greek word for the Greek word for “knowledge” from “knowledge” from which “the Gnostic which “the Gnostic Gospels” get their Gospels” get their name.)name.)

Sex rites are man’s Sex rites are man’s only bridge from earth only bridge from earth to heaven?to heaven?

No wonder the No wonder the Apostles warned us Apostles warned us about the about the destructive destructive teachings of the teachings of the GnosticGnostic heretics! heretics!

1 Timothy 6:20-211 Timothy 6:20-21

““Timothy, guard what Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to has been entrusted to your care. Turn away your care. Turn away from godless chatter from godless chatter and the opposing and the opposing ideas of what is falsely ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, called knowledge, 21which some have 21which some have professed and in so professed and in so doing have wandered doing have wandered from the faith.”from the faith.”

2 Peter 2:1-32 Peter 2:1-3

““But there were also false prophets among the But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Many will swift destruction on themselves. 2Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.”has not been sleeping.”

Cont.Cont.

Even the vulgar way that the fictional male Even the vulgar way that the fictional male experts (Leigh Teabing and Robert experts (Leigh Teabing and Robert Langdon) tell the fictional female character Langdon) tell the fictional female character (Sophie Neveu) about the supposedly (Sophie Neveu) about the supposedly hidden secret of Jesus and Mary hidden secret of Jesus and Mary Magdalene’s relationship (the Holy Grail) Magdalene’s relationship (the Holy Grail) exposes the book’s ungodliness – hardly a exposes the book’s ungodliness – hardly a book to be followed in the moral and book to be followed in the moral and spiritual areas it claims expertise:spiritual areas it claims expertise:

Note: this dialogue is not in the movie script.Note: this dialogue is not in the movie script.

Excerpt from DVCExcerpt from DVC ““Langdon sighed. ‘I was hoping you would be kind enough to Langdon sighed. ‘I was hoping you would be kind enough to

explain to Ms. Neveu the true nature of the Holy Grail.’explain to Ms. Neveu the true nature of the Holy Grail.’ Teabing looked stunned. ‘She doesn’t know?’Teabing looked stunned. ‘She doesn’t know?’ Langdon shook his head.Langdon shook his head. The smile that grew on Teabing’s face was almost obscene. The smile that grew on Teabing’s face was almost obscene.

‘Robert, you’ve brought me a virgin?’‘Robert, you’ve brought me a virgin?’ Langdon winced, glancing at Sophie. ‘Virgin is the term Grail Langdon winced, glancing at Sophie. ‘Virgin is the term Grail

enthusiasts used to describe anyone who has never heard the enthusiasts used to describe anyone who has never heard the true Grail story.’true Grail story.’

Teabing turned eagerly to Sophie. ‘How much do you know my Teabing turned eagerly to Sophie. ‘How much do you know my dear?’dear?’

Sophie quickly outlined what Langdon had explained earlier…Sophie quickly outlined what Langdon had explained earlier… ‘‘That’s all?’ Teabing fired Langdon a scandalous look. ‘Robert, I That’s all?’ Teabing fired Langdon a scandalous look. ‘Robert, I

thought you were a gentleman. You’ve robbed her of the climax!’thought you were a gentleman. You’ve robbed her of the climax!’ ‘‘I know, I thought perhaps you and I could…’ Langdon apparently I know, I thought perhaps you and I could…’ Langdon apparently

decided the unseemly metaphor had gone far enough.decided the unseemly metaphor had gone far enough. Teabing already had Sophie locked in his twinkling gaze. ‘You are Teabing already had Sophie locked in his twinkling gaze. ‘You are

a Grail virgin, my dear. And trust me, you will never forget your a Grail virgin, my dear. And trust me, you will never forget your first time.” (page 248-249, DVC)first time.” (page 248-249, DVC)

This is a book of This is a book of spiritual spiritual enlightenment? enlightenment?

This is a book that This is a book that is more credible is more credible than the Bible?than the Bible?

Matthew 7:15-19,20Matthew 7:15-19,20

“ “Watch out for false Watch out for false prophets. They come to prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16By ferocious wolves. 16By their fruit you will their fruit you will recognize them. Do recognize them. Do people pick grapes from people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit… cannot bear good fruit… 20Thus, by their fruit you 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”will recognize them.”

o But this is not But this is not about author Dan about author Dan Brown…Brown…

o Satan is the real Satan is the real conspirator behind conspirator behind

The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code

2 Corinthians 2:112 Corinthians 2:11

o “…“…in order that in order that SatanSatan might not might not outwit us. For we outwit us. For we are not unaware are not unaware of his of his schemesschemes.”.”

Satan is a schemerSatan is a schemer

o ““schemescheme” = “a ” = “a secret plot; a secret secret plot; a secret and cunning plan, and cunning plan, especially one especially one designed to cause designed to cause damage or harm”. damage or harm”. (Encarta Dictionary)(Encarta Dictionary)

Revelation 12:9Revelation 12:9

““The great dragon The great dragon was hurled down—was hurled down—that ancient that ancient serpent called serpent called the the devildevil, or , or Satan,Satan, who leads the who leads the whole world whole world astrayastray.”.”

Satan is the real conspiratorSatan is the real conspirator

So, So, SatanSatan is is the real conspiratorthe real conspirator who is who is constantly devising clever schemes to lead constantly devising clever schemes to lead the world astray.the world astray.

Satan seduces us to sinSatan seduces us to sin

o (DVC) “Is it surprising we feel (DVC) “Is it surprising we feel conflicted about sex?’ he asked his conflicted about sex?’ he asked his students. ‘Our ancient heritage and students. ‘Our ancient heritage and our very physiologies tell us sex is our very physiologies tell us sex is natural – a cherished route to spiritual natural – a cherished route to spiritual fulfillment – and yet modern religion fulfillment – and yet modern religion decries it as shameful, teaching us to decries it as shameful, teaching us to fear our sexual desire as the hand of fear our sexual desire as the hand of the devil.” (page 336, DVC)the devil.” (page 336, DVC)

Satan’s scheme revealedSatan’s scheme revealed

According to According to The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code the the reason we feel conflicted about sex is reason we feel conflicted about sex is that modern religion has taught us to that modern religion has taught us to be ashamed of our sexuality and fear be ashamed of our sexuality and fear it as from the Devil. But our pagan it as from the Devil. But our pagan ancestry and the cravings of our ancestry and the cravings of our human physiology tell us that sex is human physiology tell us that sex is “a cherished route to spiritual “a cherished route to spiritual fulfillment”.fulfillment”.


Sex is “a cherished route to spiritual Sex is “a cherished route to spiritual fulfillment”?fulfillment”?

Proverbs 7:21-22 Proverbs 7:21-22

““With persuasive With persuasive words she led him words she led him astray; she seduced astray; she seduced him with her him with her smooth talk. 22 All smooth talk. 22 All at once he followed at once he followed her like an ox going her like an ox going to the slaughter, to the slaughter, like a deer stepping like a deer stepping into a noose.”into a noose.”


o 1 John 3:7-8 1 John 3:7-8

o ““Dear children, do not Dear children, do not let anyone lead you let anyone lead you astray. He who does astray. He who does what is right is what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8He who righteous. 8He who does what is sinful is of does what is sinful is of the devil, because the the devil, because the devil has been sinning devil has been sinning from the beginning.”from the beginning.”

Satan seduces us to doubtSatan seduces us to doubt

o 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 2 Corinthians 11:3-4

o ““But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4For if someone pure devotion to Christ. 4For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.”you put up with it easily enough.”


• (DVC) “Sophie looked skeptical. ‘My friends (DVC) “Sophie looked skeptical. ‘My friends who are devout Christians definitely believe who are devout Christians definitely believe that Christ that Christ literallyliterally walked on water, walked on water, literallyliterally turned water into wine, and was born of a turned water into wine, and was born of a literalliteral virgin birth.’ virgin birth.’

• ‘‘My point exactly,’ Langdon said. ‘Religious My point exactly,’ Langdon said. ‘Religious allegory has become a part of the fabric of allegory has become a part of the fabric of reality. And living in that reality helps reality. And living in that reality helps millions of people cope and be better millions of people cope and be better people.’people.’

• ‘‘But it appears their reality is false.”But it appears their reality is false.”

Are the accounts of Jesus’ miracles Are the accounts of Jesus’ miracles merely merely allegoricalallegorical and not and not literallyliterally

true?true?

Dr. John OakesDr. John Oakeso College professor College professor

o Dual Phd. in chemistry and Dual Phd. in chemistry and physicsphysics

o Written four books, including:Written four books, including:o ““Is There a God? Questions of Is There a God? Questions of

Science and the Bible” Science and the Bible” o ““Reasons for Belief: A Reasons for Belief: A

Handbook of Christian Handbook of Christian Evidences.”Evidences.”

o (from article on “Evidence For (from article on “Evidence For Christianity” website) Christianity” website) “Everyone knew that Jesus “Everyone knew that Jesus was a worker of miracles. He was a worker of miracles. He healed thousands of people. healed thousands of people. Even his enemies indirectly Even his enemies indirectly confirm this.”confirm this.”

o The BibleThe Bible is is historically accuratehistorically accurate – – attested to by attested to by eyewitness accountseyewitness accounts and and written down for us by written down for us by inspiration of the inspiration of the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit……

2 Peter 1:16-21 2 Peter 1:16-21 o ““We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we

told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received honor and glory from God the Father when he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." 18We ourselves heard this voice that came pleased." 18We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 19And we have the word of the prophets mountain. 19And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20Above all, you must understand that no hearts. 20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21For prophecy never had its origin own interpretation. 21For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”


o Do not let Satan Do not let Satan seduce you seduce you

to doubt the Bible. to doubt the Bible.

o It is the It is the literalliteral, , inspiredinspired Word of Word of God. (More on this God. (More on this later.)later.)

Decoding Decoding The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code

o We need to separate We need to separate fact fact from from fictionfiction..

o 1 John 4:1 1 John 4:1 o ““Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test

the spirits to see whether they are from God, the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”the world.”

The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code is a work of is a work of fictionfiction.. It It does not stand the test of does not stand the test of historical truthhistorical truth..

Decoding Decoding The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code

Let’s explore Let’s explore

10 false claims 10 false claims

in in The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code……

FALSE CLAIM #1 FALSE CLAIM #1

Christianity is Christianity is simply a simply a compilation of compilation of pagan religionspagan religions


““Nothing in Christianity is original. The pre-Christian Nothing in Christianity is original. The pre-Christian God Mithras – called God Mithras – called the Son of Godthe Son of God and and the Light of the Light of the Worldthe World – was born on December 25, died, was – was born on December 25, died, was buried in a rock tomb, and then resurrected in three buried in a rock tomb, and then resurrected in three days. …The newborn Krishna was presented with days. …The newborn Krishna was presented with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Even Christianity’s gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Even Christianity’s weekly holy day was stolen from the pagans. …weekly holy day was stolen from the pagans. …Originally, Christianity honored the Jewish Sabbath Originally, Christianity honored the Jewish Sabbath of Saturday, but Constantine shifted it to coincide of Saturday, but Constantine shifted it to coincide with the pagan’s veneration day of the sun.’ He with the pagan’s veneration day of the sun.’ He paused, grinning. ‘To this day, most churchgoers paused, grinning. ‘To this day, most churchgoers attend services on Sunday morning with no idea attend services on Sunday morning with no idea that they are there on account of the pagan sun that they are there on account of the pagan sun god’s weekly tribute – god’s weekly tribute – SunSunday.” (page 252, DVC) day.” (page 252, DVC)

QuestionQuestion

Was the idea of Was the idea of Jesus Christ being Jesus Christ being the Son of God and the Son of God and the Light of the the Light of the World actually World actually borrowed from a borrowed from a pagan god named pagan god named Mithras? Mithras?

Josh McDowellJosh McDowell World-renowned expert in World-renowned expert in

Christian apologeticsChristian apologetics (proving the truth of (proving the truth of Christianity)Christianity)

Was once an “agnostic” who Was once an “agnostic” who tried to disprove tried to disprove Christianity, but through his Christianity, but through his research discovered research discovered compelling historical compelling historical evidence that caused him to evidence that caused him to convert to it instead.convert to it instead.

Since then, he’s authored Since then, he’s authored over 77 books, including:over 77 books, including:

““Evidence That Demands a Evidence That Demands a Verdict” Verdict”

And “More Than a And “More Than a Carpenter”Carpenter”

Josh McDowell quoteJosh McDowell quote

““Specific myths Specific myths about Mithras’ about Mithras’ miraculous birth miraculous birth and becoming a and becoming a ‘savior god’ ‘savior god’ were were modeled after the modeled after the stories of Jesusstories of Jesus and and developed developed afterafter Christianity came Christianity came to Rome.” to Rome.”

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

o No wonder the early Church apologist, No wonder the early Church apologist, Justin Martyr (160 A.D.) “referred to the Justin Martyr (160 A.D.) “referred to the Mithraic meal as a Satanic imitation of the Mithraic meal as a Satanic imitation of the Lord’s supper.” (First Apology, 66)Lord’s supper.” (First Apology, 66)


““With Christianity With Christianity exploding onto the exploding onto the scene of the Roman scene of the Roman Empire, it is evident Empire, it is evident that other religions that other religions adopted certain adopted certain teachings or practices teachings or practices from Christianity in from Christianity in order to stem the tide order to stem the tide of departing adherents of departing adherents and/or to attract and/or to attract Christians to their Christians to their side.” side.”

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

And the claim that “Originally, And the claim that “Originally, Christianity honored the Jewish Christianity honored the Jewish Sabbath of Saturday, but Constantine Sabbath of Saturday, but Constantine shifted it to coincide with the pagan’s shifted it to coincide with the pagan’s veneration day of the sun (DVC)” is veneration day of the sun (DVC)” is equally absurd. equally absurd.


“…“…the Christians the Christians have been have been celebrating their celebrating their weekly liturgy on weekly liturgy on Sunday, the first day Sunday, the first day of the week, since of the week, since the time of Paul and the time of Paul and the other apostles the other apostles (long before (long before Constantine almost Constantine almost 300 years later).” 300 years later).”

Acts 20:7Acts 20:7

““On the first day On the first day of the weekof the week we we came together to came together to break bread.”break bread.”

Justin Martyr quoteJustin Martyr quote

The early church father, Justin Martyr The early church father, Justin Martyr (100-165 A.D.), confirms that the 2nd (100-165 A.D.), confirms that the 2nd Century church continued to meet on Century church continued to meet on Sunday well before the time of Sunday well before the time of Constantine:Constantine:““And on the day called And on the day called SundaySunday there is a there is a

gathering together in one place of all those gathering together in one place of all those who live in cities or in the country, and the who live in cities or in the country, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read…”the prophets are read…”

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

o In summary, it is In summary, it is a false claima false claim to say that to say that Christianity is a compilation of pagan Christianity is a compilation of pagan religions. religions. The truthThe truth is that many pagan is that many pagan religions imitated Christianity.religions imitated Christianity.


Nobody Nobody worshipped Jesus worshipped Jesus as God before the as God before the Roman Emperor, Roman Emperor, Constantine, made Constantine, made it mandatory. it mandatory. Jesus is simply a Jesus is simply a mortal man, not mortal man, not the Son of God.the Son of God.


““Constantine turned Jesus into a deity Constantine turned Jesus into a deity who existed beyond the scope of the who existed beyond the scope of the human world, an entity whose power human world, an entity whose power was unchallengeable. …It was all about was unchallengeable. …It was all about power… the early Church literally stole power… the early Church literally stole Jesus from his original followers, Jesus from his original followers, hijacking His human message, hijacking His human message, shrouding it in an impenetrable cloak of shrouding it in an impenetrable cloak of divinity, and using it to expand their divinity, and using it to expand their own power.” (page 253, DVC) own power.” (page 253, DVC)


(speaking of the Council of Nicaea, in 325 (speaking of the Council of Nicaea, in 325 A.D.) “My dear,’ Teabing declared, ‘until that A.D.) “My dear,’ Teabing declared, ‘until that moment in history, Jesus was viewed by His moment in history, Jesus was viewed by His followers as a mortal prophet… a great and followers as a mortal prophet… a great and powerful man, but a powerful man, but a manman nonetheless. A nonetheless. A mortal.” mortal.”

““Not the Son of God?” Not the Son of God?” ““Right,’ Teabing said, ‘Jesus’ establishment Right,’ Teabing said, ‘Jesus’ establishment

as ‘the Son of God’ was officially proposed as ‘the Son of God’ was officially proposed and voted on by the Council of Nicaea. ‘…A and voted on by the Council of Nicaea. ‘…A relatively close vote at that.’ (page 253, relatively close vote at that.’ (page 253, DVC) DVC)

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

From the very From the very beginning of beginning of ChristianityChristianity, , Jesus Jesus was worshipped was worshipped as the Son of as the Son of GodGod, , some 300 some 300 years beforeyears before Constantine and Constantine and the Council of the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.Nicaea in 325 A.D.

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

o Jesus is referred to Jesus is referred to as “God” at least as “God” at least seven times in the seven times in the New Testament, New Testament, and “Lord” as a and “Lord” as a divine title many divine title many other times.other times.

John 1:1, 14, 17-18 John 1:1, 14, 17-18

o ““In the beginning was the Word, and the In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was Word was with God, and the Word was God… 14The Word became flesh and made God… 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and came from the Father, full of grace and truth… 17For the law was given through truth… 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God, but Christ. 18No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.”side, has made him known.”

Reliability of textReliability of text This segment of the This segment of the

gospel of John has gospel of John has been discovered and been discovered and carbon-datedcarbon-dated at 175- at 175-225 A.D.225 A.D.

This is “This is “forensic forensic evidenceevidence”, ”, scientific scientific proofproof if you will, that if you will, that Jesus was clearly Jesus was clearly believed to be God believed to be God at least 100 years at least 100 years before Constantine before Constantine and the Council of and the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.Nicaea in 325 A.D.

John 20:27-28 John 20:27-28

““Then he said to Thomas, "Put your Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28Thomas said doubting and believe." 28Thomas said to him, "to him, "My Lord and my God!”My Lord and my God!”

The Apostle Thomas clearly The Apostle Thomas clearly worshipped Jesus as worshipped Jesus as “God”.“God”.

Early Church FathersEarly Church Fathers

o Not only the Apostles, but also many of Not only the Apostles, but also many of the most famous 1st and 2nd century the most famous 1st and 2nd century church fathers recorded the same belief – church fathers recorded the same belief – long beforelong before Constantine and the Council of Constantine and the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.Nicaea in 325 A.D.

Justin Martyr Justin Martyr

o Justin Martyr wrote Justin Martyr wrote of Christ, “being of Christ, “being the first-begotten the first-begotten Word of God, is Word of God, is even even GodGod.” (First .” (First Apology, Ch. 63)Apology, Ch. 63)

Irenaeus Irenaeus

o Irenaeus (A.D. 130-Irenaeus (A.D. 130-200) wrote about 200) wrote about Christ, “our Christ, “our LordLord, , and and GodGod, and , and Saviour, and King.” Saviour, and King.” (Irenaeus, “Against (Irenaeus, “Against Heresies”, bk. 1, Heresies”, bk. 1, ch. 10)ch. 10)

Clement of Alexandria Clement of Alexandria

o Clement of Clement of Alexandria wrote, Alexandria wrote, “truly most “truly most manifest manifest DeityDeity, He , He that is made that is made equal equal to the Lord of to the Lord of the universethe universe; ; because he was his because he was his SonSon.” (Clement of .” (Clement of Alexandria, Alexandria, “Exhortation to the “Exhortation to the Heathen”, ch. 10)Heathen”, ch. 10)

Ignatius of Antioch Ignatius of Antioch

o Ignatius of Antioch Ignatius of Antioch wrote, “For wrote, “For our God, our God, Jesus ChristJesus Christ, was, , was, according to the according to the appointment of God, appointment of God, conceived in the conceived in the womb by Mary, of the womb by Mary, of the seed of David, but by seed of David, but by the Holy Ghost.” the Holy Ghost.” (Ignatius of Antioch, (Ignatius of Antioch, “Letter to the “Letter to the Smyrneans”, 10)Smyrneans”, 10)

The early Christians The early Christians worshipped Jesus as Godworshipped Jesus as God

o Even non-Christian writings from Romans Even non-Christian writings from Romans such as Celsus, Pliny and Lucian state that such as Celsus, Pliny and Lucian state that the Christians worshipped Jesus as the Christians worshipped Jesus as God.God.

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

o Constantine did Constantine did notnot “turn Jesus into a deity” in “turn Jesus into a deity” in order to give the church more power. That is a order to give the church more power. That is a false claimfalse claim. The . The truthtruth is that Jesus was worshipped is that Jesus was worshipped as God by as God by the Apostlesthe Apostles and the early Christianand the early Christian church since the very beginning of church since the very beginning of Christianity,Christianity, and that worship has continued to and that worship has continued to this day.this day.

1 John 2:22 1 John 2:22

““Who is the liar? It Who is the liar? It is the man who is the man who denies that Jesus is denies that Jesus is the Christ…”the Christ…”


The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) were personally selected by Constantine in 325 were personally selected by Constantine in 325 A.D. at the Council of Nicaea, to be included in the A.D. at the Council of Nicaea, to be included in the Bible because they were the only gospels that Bible because they were the only gospels that emphasized Jesus’ divinity and downplayed his emphasized Jesus’ divinity and downplayed his humanity.humanity.


““Aha!’ Teabing burst in with Aha!’ Teabing burst in with enthusiasm. ‘The fundamental irony enthusiasm. ‘The fundamental irony of Christianity! The Bible, as we of Christianity! The Bible, as we know it today, was collated by the know it today, was collated by the pagan Roman emperor Constantine pagan Roman emperor Constantine the Great.” (page 251, DVC) the Great.” (page 251, DVC)


““More than eighty gospels were More than eighty gospels were considered for the New Testament, considered for the New Testament, and yet only a relative few were and yet only a relative few were chosen for inclusion – Matthew, Mark, chosen for inclusion – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John among them.” (page Luke and John among them.” (page 251, DVC) 251, DVC)


““Constantine commissioned and Constantine commissioned and financed a new Bible, which omitted financed a new Bible, which omitted those gospels that spoke of Christ’s those gospels that spoke of Christ’s humanhuman traits and embellished those traits and embellished those gospels that made Him godlike. The gospels that made Him godlike. The earlier gospels were outlawed, earlier gospels were outlawed, gathered up, and burned.” (page gathered up, and burned.” (page 254, DVC) 254, DVC)

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

Dr. Erwin Lutzer, author of “The Da Vinci Dr. Erwin Lutzer, author of “The Da Vinci Deception” says: “Constantine did not Deception” says: “Constantine did not decide which books would be in the decide which books would be in the canon; indeed, the topic of the canon canon; indeed, the topic of the canon did not even come up at the Council of did not even come up at the Council of Nicaea. By that time the early church Nicaea. By that time the early church was reading a canon of books it had was reading a canon of books it had determined was the Word of God determined was the Word of God two two hundred years earlierhundred years earlier.”.”

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

o The early church father, The early church father, OriginOrigin, , writing 75-100 writing 75-100 years before the time of years before the time of Constantine and the Constantine and the Council of Nicaea,Council of Nicaea, writes, “Nevertheless, writes, “Nevertheless, among all these we among all these we have approved solely have approved solely what the church has what the church has recognized, which is recognized, which is that that only the four only the four gospels should be gospels should be acceptedaccepted.”.”

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

o The early church father, The early church father, IrenaeusIrenaeus, , only about only about 100 years after the four 100 years after the four orthodox gospels were orthodox gospels were writtenwritten, referred to , referred to them in his book, them in his book, “Against Heresies”, “Against Heresies”, saying that it was fitting saying that it was fitting that she (the church) that she (the church) should have should have four four pillarspillars. Later on he . Later on he speaks of them as “speaks of them as “the the Gospels in Gospels in quadriformquadriform.” (Ch. .” (Ch. 3.11.8)3.11.8)

Josh McDowellJosh McDowell

o ““The four New The four New Testament Gospels Testament Gospels were written within 10 were written within 10 to 40 years after Jesus’ to 40 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection death and resurrection by those who were by those who were either eyewitnesses or either eyewitnesses or gathered the records of gathered the records of eyewitnesses. The eyewitnesses. The historical record makes historical record makes clear that the early clear that the early Gospel accounts were Gospel accounts were accepted very early on accepted very early on in the canon of in the canon of Scripture.”Scripture.”

Seen Elvis lately?Seen Elvis lately?

o Dr. Erwin Lutzer writes Dr. Erwin Lutzer writes in “The Da Vinci in “The Da Vinci Deception”: “The ‘Da Deception”: “The ‘Da Vinci Code’s assertion Vinci Code’s assertion that Constantine that Constantine tampered with the tampered with the Scriptures or excluded Scriptures or excluded certain books is certain books is bogus… bogus… As As fabrications go, ‘The fabrications go, ‘The Da Vinci Code’ is Da Vinci Code’ is right up there with right up there with Elvis sightings.”Elvis sightings.”


The Gnostic gospels (referred to as “the Sangreal The Gnostic gospels (referred to as “the Sangreal documents” in the DVC) are written by the early documents” in the DVC) are written by the early followers of Jesus, and implied to have been followers of Jesus, and implied to have been written in a similar time frame to the orthodox written in a similar time frame to the orthodox gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John).gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John).


““The Sangreal documents simply tell The Sangreal documents simply tell the the otherother side of Christ’s story. … side of Christ’s story. …(they are) the (they are) the Purist DocumentsPurist Documents – – thousands of pages of unaltered, pre-thousands of pages of unaltered, pre-Constantine documents, written by Constantine documents, written by the early followers of Jesus, revering the early followers of Jesus, revering Him as a wholly human teacher and Him as a wholly human teacher and prophet.” (page 277, DVC) prophet.” (page 277, DVC)

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

The Gnostic The Gnostic gospelsgospels were were forgeriesforgeries – – claimingclaiming to be to be written by the written by the apostles, but apostles, but actually written by actually written by impostersimposters over over 100 years later100 years later. .

New Testament scholarNew Testament scholarNorman GeislerNorman Geisler

o New Testament scholar New Testament scholar Norman Geisler writes, Norman Geisler writes, ““The Gnostic writings The Gnostic writings were were notnot written by written by the apostlesthe apostles, but by , but by men in the second men in the second century (and later) century (and later) pretendingpretending to use to use apostolic authority to apostolic authority to advance their own advance their own teachings. Today we teachings. Today we call this call this fraud and fraud and forgery.” forgery.”

John McMannersJohn McManners“The Oxford History of Christianity”“The Oxford History of Christianity”

o John McManners writes in “The Oxford John McManners writes in “The Oxford History of Christianity” about History of Christianity” about Gnosticism: “Gnosticism was (and still Gnosticism: “Gnosticism was (and still is) a theosophy (a philosophy based on is) a theosophy (a philosophy based on intuition) with many ingredients. intuition) with many ingredients. Occultism and oriental mysticism Occultism and oriental mysticism became fused with astrology, magic… became fused with astrology, magic… They collected sayings of Jesus shaped They collected sayings of Jesus shaped to fit their own interpretation (as in the to fit their own interpretation (as in the Gospel of Thomas)...”Gospel of Thomas)...”

Irenaeus Irenaeus

IrenaeusIrenaeus, (AD 130-, (AD 130-200), commenting 200), commenting about how the about how the Gnostics used the Gnostics used the Bible in his day, said Bible in his day, said that it is like taking a that it is like taking a beautiful picture of a beautiful picture of a king and reassembling king and reassembling it to become a picture it to become a picture of a fox. (Dr. Erwin of a fox. (Dr. Erwin Lutzer, “Jesus, Lover Lutzer, “Jesus, Lover of a Woman’s Soul”)of a Woman’s Soul”)

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

o No wonder No wonder the Apostlesthe Apostles, , the early church the early church fathersfathers, and , and every serious Bible scholar sinceevery serious Bible scholar since, , has recognized has recognized thethe GnosticGnostic writingswritings as as counterfeit Christianitycounterfeit Christianity. And yet, they are . And yet, they are the the primary sourcesprimary sources for Dan Brown’s conspiracy for Dan Brown’s conspiracy theory.theory.

The Gnostic Gospels?The Gnostic Gospels?Let’s be careful where we get our Let’s be careful where we get our

information…information…


Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married.Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married.


““As I said earlier, the marriage of As I said earlier, the marriage of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is part of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is part of the historical record.” (page 265, the historical record.” (page 265, DVC) DVC)

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

The speculation The speculation that Jesus and that Jesus and Mary Magdalene Mary Magdalene were married or were married or romantically romantically involved at all is a involved at all is a complete complete fabrication, and fabrication, and certainly certainly notnot “part “part of the historical of the historical record” as author record” as author Dan Brown asserts. Dan Brown asserts.

Josh MCDowellJosh MCDowell

o ““First and First and foremost, there is foremost, there is no historical no historical evidenceevidence supporting the supporting the marriage of Christ marriage of Christ and Mary and Mary Magdalene, or that Magdalene, or that they had a child.”they had a child.”

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

o There is There is a single verse in a Gnostic writinga single verse in a Gnostic writing (“The Gospel (“The Gospel of Philip” – of Philip” – notnot written by Philip) that says written by Philip) that says Jesus kissed Jesus kissed MaryMary. But greeting friends with . But greeting friends with a holy kissa holy kiss was common was common in the Bible (1 Corinthians 16:20 = in the Bible (1 Corinthians 16:20 = “Greet one another “Greet one another with a holy kiss”),with a holy kiss”), and had no sexual connotation. But and had no sexual connotation. But even if that is what this Gnostic gospel writer had in even if that is what this Gnostic gospel writer had in mind, mind, the “Gospel of Philip”the “Gospel of Philip” is a forged document, is a forged document, written 150-220 years after Christ by an unknown written 150-220 years after Christ by an unknown author.author. So, it’s statement about Jesus So, it’s statement about Jesus isn’t isn’t historically accurate,historically accurate, and and there is no other there is no other historical document to confirm this theory.historical document to confirm this theory.

Newsweek MagazineNewsweek Magazine A “Newsweek A “Newsweek

magazine” article that magazine” article that summarized leading summarized leading scholars’ opinions scholars’ opinions concluded that the concluded that the theory that Jesus and theory that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were Mary Magdalene were secretly married secretly married has has no historical basis.no historical basis. (Barbara Kantrowitz (Barbara Kantrowitz and Anne Underwood, and Anne Underwood, “Decoding the Da “Decoding the Da Vinci Code”, Vinci Code”, Newsweek, December Newsweek, December 8, 2003, pg. 54)8, 2003, pg. 54)


God has a “powerful female equal” named God has a “powerful female equal” named “Shekinah”, and to experience wholeness “Shekinah”, and to experience wholeness with this deity, men must have sex with with this deity, men must have sex with temple prostitutes as a pathway to union temple prostitutes as a pathway to union with God. with God.


““Early Jews believed that the Holy of Holies in Early Jews believed that the Holy of Holies in Solomon’s Temple housed not only God but Solomon’s Temple housed not only God but also His powerful female equal, Shekinah. Men also His powerful female equal, Shekinah. Men seeking spiritual wholeness came to the seeking spiritual wholeness came to the Temple to visit priestesses – or hierodules – Temple to visit priestesses – or hierodules – with whom they made love and experienced with whom they made love and experienced the divine through physical union. The Jewish the divine through physical union. The Jewish tetragrammaton YHWH – the sacred name of tetragrammaton YHWH – the sacred name of God – in fact derived from Jehovah, an God – in fact derived from Jehovah, an androgynous physical union between the androgynous physical union between the masculine masculine JahJah and the pre-Hebraic name for and the pre-Hebraic name for Eve, Eve, HavahHavah.” (page 336, DVC) .” (page 336, DVC)

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

Shekinah? Advocating sex with temple Shekinah? Advocating sex with temple prostitutes? Are you kidding? (No, Dan prostitutes? Are you kidding? (No, Dan Brown is not kidding.) Brown is not kidding.)

Josh McDowellJosh McDowello “’“’Shekinah’ is ‘A term Shekinah’ is ‘A term

referring to the ‘glory referring to the ‘glory of God’. The idea that of God’. The idea that this term is paired this term is paired with the name of God, with the name of God, Yahweh, so that a Yahweh, so that a male (Yahweh) and male (Yahweh) and female (Shekinah) female (Shekinah) counterpart exists counterpart exists with Godwith God, is simple , is simple fabrication.fabrication.” ”


o ““Again, it is apparent Again, it is apparent that Dan Brown’s that Dan Brown’s facts behind his facts behind his fiction are in many fiction are in many cases cases exactly exactly opposite of the truthopposite of the truth.” .”


• ““Yes, there was a problem in Yes, there was a problem in Jewish history with temple Jewish history with temple prostitution, but this was prostitution, but this was clearly clearly against against the Law of the Law of Moses, the prophets, and Moses, the prophets, and Jewish traditionJewish tradition. It was . It was actually the adoption of actually the adoption of Canaanite ritualsCanaanite rituals, which , which Moses sternly warned Moses sternly warned them againstthem against (Deuteronomy 23:17-(Deuteronomy 23:17-18).”18).”

What would What would MosesMoses say about say about polytheismpolytheism and and temple temple prostitutionprostitution today?!today?!


The Bible is not inspired by God, and the The Bible is not inspired by God, and the New Testament is historically inaccurate New Testament is historically inaccurate and therefore unreliable.and therefore unreliable.


““The Bible is a product of man, my dear. The Bible is a product of man, my dear. Not of God.” (page 250, DVC) Not of God.” (page 250, DVC)

“…“…presenting to the world thousands of presenting to the world thousands of ancient documents as scientific evidence ancient documents as scientific evidence that the New Testament in false testimony… that the New Testament in false testimony… the New Testament is based on the New Testament is based on fabrications.” (page 369, DVC)fabrications.” (page 369, DVC)

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

The Bible is The Bible is definitely inspired definitely inspired by God, and the by God, and the New Testament New Testament has been proven to has been proven to be historically be historically accurate and accurate and therefore therefore completely completely reliable. reliable.

Dr. John OakesDr. John Oakes ““On the inspiration of the Bible, a lot more can be On the inspiration of the Bible, a lot more can be

said. The historical accuracy of the Bible is only a said. The historical accuracy of the Bible is only a tiny fraction of the evidence for biblical inspiration. tiny fraction of the evidence for biblical inspiration. I will again refer you to my book, and also three I will again refer you to my book, and also three others I have written, all available at others I have written, all available at www.ipibooks.com. My book ‘From Shadow to www.ipibooks.com. My book ‘From Shadow to Reality” is jam packed with prophetical information Reality” is jam packed with prophetical information which proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the which proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the Bible is inspired by God. ‘Is There a God’ is on the Bible is inspired by God. ‘Is There a God’ is on the evidence from science for inspiration of the Bible. evidence from science for inspiration of the Bible. The prophecies of the Messiah in the Old The prophecies of the Messiah in the Old Testament provide wonderful proof of the Testament provide wonderful proof of the inspiration of the Bible. I suggest the article at my inspiration of the Bible. I suggest the article at my web site titled ‘Prophecies in the Old Testament web site titled ‘Prophecies in the Old Testament Predict Events in the Life of Jesus of Nazareth’ for Predict Events in the Life of Jesus of Nazareth’ for details on this topic…details on this topic…

Dr. John Oakes, continuedDr. John Oakes, continued

……In addition, there is the overwhelming evidence In addition, there is the overwhelming evidence supporting the actual, historical resurrection of supporting the actual, historical resurrection of Jesus. If Jesus was resurrected from the dead, Jesus. If Jesus was resurrected from the dead, then the entire gospel message is confirmed, and then the entire gospel message is confirmed, and the inspiration of the Bible is strongly supported. I the inspiration of the Bible is strongly supported. I suggest an article at my web site titled ‘The suggest an article at my web site titled ‘The Resurrection of Jesus’ for more information on Resurrection of Jesus’ for more information on that. I could go on almost indefinitely. The that. I could go on almost indefinitely. The internal consistency of the Bible, the lack of internal consistency of the Bible, the lack of contradiction, the evidence for the miracles of contradiction, the evidence for the miracles of Jesus, the non-messianic prophecies and so Jesus, the non-messianic prophecies and so forth…forth…

Dr. John Oakes, continuedDr. John Oakes, continued

……The evidence for the inspiration of the The evidence for the inspiration of the Bible is simply overwhelming--so much so Bible is simply overwhelming--so much so that there is no excuse for not accepting that there is no excuse for not accepting that the Bible is indeed the Word of God.”that the Bible is indeed the Word of God.”


““Using the accepted Using the accepted standard for evaluating standard for evaluating the textual reliability of the textual reliability of ancient texts, the New ancient texts, the New Testament stands Testament stands alone. It has no equal. alone. It has no equal. No other book of the No other book of the ancient world can even ancient world can even approach the reliability approach the reliability of the New Testament.” of the New Testament.”

For further study: see For further study: see handoutshandouts


That the term “That the term “hereticheretic” was born at the ” was born at the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. and referred Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. and referred to those who “chose the forbidden gospels to those who “chose the forbidden gospels over Constantine’s version (DVC)”. over Constantine’s version (DVC)”.


““An interesting note,’ Langdon An interesting note,’ Langdon added. ‘Anyone who chose the added. ‘Anyone who chose the forbidden gospels over Constantine’s forbidden gospels over Constantine’s version was deemed a heretic. The version was deemed a heretic. The word word heretic heretic derives from that derives from that moment in history.” (page 254, DVC)moment in history.” (page 254, DVC)


““The term, ‘The term, ‘heresyheresy’ ’ actually dates back actually dates back several centuriesseveral centuries priorprior to to ConstantineConstantine… It … It was was notnot Constantine who Constantine who branded the Gnostic branded the Gnostic beliefs as heretical; beliefs as heretical; it was the it was the apostles apostles themselves.”themselves.”

2 Peter 2:1 2 Peter 2:1

““But there were also But there were also false prophets among false prophets among the people, just as the people, just as there will be false there will be false teachers among you. teachers among you. They will secretly They will secretly introduce destructive introduce destructive heresiesheresies, even , even denying the sovereign denying the sovereign Lord who bought themLord who bought them—bringing swift —bringing swift destruction on destruction on themselves.”themselves.”


Author Dan Brown asserts that Christianity Author Dan Brown asserts that Christianity demonized Mary Magdalene in order to demonized Mary Magdalene in order to suppress her influence.suppress her influence.

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

Amy Welborn, in her USA Today Amy Welborn, in her USA Today article, “5 Biggest Flaws in Da article, “5 Biggest Flaws in Da Vinci”, points out that “Mary Vinci”, points out that “Mary Magdalene is a saint. In every Magdalene is a saint. In every Gospel, she (Mary Magdelene) is Gospel, she (Mary Magdelene) is cited as the first person to find the cited as the first person to find the empty tomb. She was the second-empty tomb. She was the second-most revered saint of the Middle most revered saint of the Middle Ages, after Mary, Jesus’ mother. Ages, after Mary, Jesus’ mother. That’s an odd way to demonize.”That’s an odd way to demonize.”

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

Ironically, the Ironically, the GnosticGnostic “Gospel “Gospel of Thomas”,of Thomas”, one one of Dan Brown’s of Dan Brown’s primary sourcesprimary sources for for his allegation of his allegation of sexism in the sexism in the orthodox gospels, orthodox gospels, has passages in it has passages in it that thoroughly that thoroughly demean women.demean women.

From “The Gospel of Thomas”From “The Gospel of Thomas”

(supposedly quoting Peter) (supposedly quoting Peter) “Let Mary go “Let Mary go away from us, because women are not away from us, because women are not worthy of life.”worthy of life.”

Then Jesus allegedly tells Peter that Then Jesus allegedly tells Peter that he will he will make Mary male so that she may enter make Mary male so that she may enter the kingdom of heaven.the kingdom of heaven.

Not much of a battle cry for women’s rights, Not much of a battle cry for women’s rights, and yet the “Gospel of Thomas” and yet the “Gospel of Thomas” is one of the is one of the primary sourcesprimary sources for Dan Brown’s feminist for Dan Brown’s feminist agenda.agenda.


That the secret society known as the That the secret society known as the “Priory of Sion” actually existed in “Priory of Sion” actually existed in medieval times and had the noble task of medieval times and had the noble task of protecting the bloodline of Christ.protecting the bloodline of Christ.

Excerpts from DVCExcerpts from DVC

““The Priory of Sion – a European The Priory of Sion – a European secret society founded in 1099 – is a secret society founded in 1099 – is a real organization… The modern real organization… The modern Priory of Sion has a momentous Priory of Sion has a momentous duty… they must nurture and protect duty… they must nurture and protect the bloodline of Christ (page 279).” the bloodline of Christ (page 279).”

The TRUTHThe TRUTH

The modern “Priory The modern “Priory of Sion” was created of Sion” was created in 1956 by Pierre in 1956 by Pierre Plantard. All Plantard. All documents “proving documents “proving a bloodline” and a a bloodline” and a list of historical list of historical Priory members Priory members (such as Leonardo (such as Leonardo Da Vinci) Da Vinci) were were proven to be proven to be forged by a French forged by a French court of law.court of law.

Excerpt from the Wikipedia Excerpt from the Wikipedia Encyclopedia on Encyclopedia on The Da Vinci The Da Vinci

CodeCode “…“…In 2005, UK TV In 2005, UK TV

personality Tony personality Tony Robinson edited and Robinson edited and narrated a detailed narrated a detailed rebuttal of the main rebuttal of the main arguments of Dan arguments of Dan Brown… “The Real Da Brown… “The Real Da Vinci Code”, shown on Vinci Code”, shown on British TV Channel 4. British TV Channel 4. The programme featured The programme featured lengthy interviews with lengthy interviews with many of the main many of the main protagonists cited by protagonists cited by Brown as ‘absolute fact’ Brown as ‘absolute fact’ in the Da Vinci Code…in the Da Vinci Code…

Excerpt from the Wikipedia Excerpt from the Wikipedia Encyclopedia on Encyclopedia on The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code, ,

continuedcontinued ““Arnaud de Sede, son of Gerrard Arnaud de Sede, son of Gerrard

de Sede, stated categorically that de Sede, stated categorically that his father and Plantard had his father and Plantard had made up the existence of the made up the existence of the Priory de Sion, the Priory de Sion, the cornerstone of the Jesus cornerstone of the Jesus bloodline theorybloodline theory – to quote – to quote Arnaud de Sede in the Arnaud de Sede in the programme, programme, ‘frankly it was ‘frankly it was piffle’…piffle’… Detailed analysis of Detailed analysis of many other claims in the Da Vinci many other claims in the Da Vinci Code in the programme showed Code in the programme showed them to be them to be unverifiable or unverifiable or unhistorical.”unhistorical.”


““Brown’s ‘Priory of Brown’s ‘Priory of Sion’ was really Sion’ was really a a creation of forged creation of forged documentsdocuments… … The The most important most important strand in the strand in the central plot of central plot of ‘The Da Vinci ‘The Da Vinci Code’, then, Code’, then, is a is a total hoaxtotal hoax.”.”

Seek the Seek the realreal TRUTH TRUTH

1 John 5:19-21 1 John 5:19-21 ““We know that we are We know that we are

children of God, and children of God, and that the whole world is that the whole world is under the control of under the control of the evil one. 20We the evil one. 20We know also that the Son know also that the Son of God has come and of God has come and has given us has given us understanding, so that understanding, so that we may know him who we may know him who is true. And we are in is true. And we are in him who is true—even him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and He is the true God and eternal life. 21Dear eternal life. 21Dear children, keep children, keep yourselves from idols.”yourselves from idols.”


Verse 19 Verse 19 = “…the = “…the whole world is whole world is under the control of under the control of the evil one.”the evil one.”

Satan is Satan is the real the real conspirator…conspirator…


Verse 20 = “…Verse 20 = “…Jesus Christ. He is Jesus Christ. He is the true God…”the true God…”

Jesus is Jesus is the true the true God…God…


Verse 21 = “Verse 21 = “Dear Dear children, keep children, keep yourselves from yourselves from idols.”idols.”

An “idol” is anything An “idol” is anything worshipped that is worshipped that is not the one, true not the one, true God.God.

Worship the one, Worship the one, true God of the true God of the Bible…Bible…

““The Da Vinci The Da Vinci Code”–Code”–

The The RealReal Conspiracy Conspiracy RevealedRevealed