Cardinal Warns Against "Da Vinci Code"

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Cardinal Warns Against 'Da Vinci Code'


VATICAN CITY (AP) - If you're not among the millions who have already read ``The Da Vinci Code,'' an Italian cardinal has a plea for you: Don't read it and don't buy it.

Genoa Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who previously was a high-ranking official of the Vatican's office on doctrinal orthodoxy, told Vatican Radio on Tuesday that the runaway success of the Dan Brown novel is proof of ``anti-Catholic'' prejudice.

Allegations in the novel that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and has descendants have outraged many Christians and have been dismissed by historians and theologians.

``The distribution strategy has been absolutely exceptional marketing, even at Catholic bookstores - and I've already complained about the Catholic bookshops which, for profit motives, have stacks of this book,'' said Bertone, who has been mentioned as a possible successor to Pope John Paul II.

``And then there's that strategy of persuasion - that one isn't an adult Christian if you don't read this book. Thus my appeal is: Don't read and don't buy'' the book.

Asked about commentary that the book's success is ``only further proof of the fact that anti-Catholicism is the last acceptable prejudice,'' the cardinal exclaimed. ``It's the truth.''

``There's a great anti-Catholic prejudice,'' Bertone said. ``I ask myself if a similar book was written, full of lies about Buddha, Mohammed, or, even, for example, if a novel came out which manipulated all the history of the Holocaust or of the Shoah, what would have happened?''

In response, book publisher Doubleday said: ``The ideas put forth in 'The Da Vinci Code' have been circulating for centuries; this novel explores them in an accessible work of fiction. Doubleday certainly respects Cardinal Bertone, the Vatican and their desire to clarify any factual errors they feel may have been made in 'The Da Vinci Code'.''

``The Da Vinci Code'' was published two years ago this month and is available in 44 languages. Booksellers expect the novel to remain a best seller well into this year.


03/16/05 08:45

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I read this book not too long ago and I must admit that I found the book utterly fascinating. I could not put down the book so finished it within a few hours. It was engrossing and well written.

It was hard to seperate fiction from non fiction there.

Do you think that this should be banned? Me being a Catholic, I have mixed feelings.
 
Meg said:
I read this book not too long ago and I must admit that I found the book utterly fascinating. I could not put down the book so finished it within a few hours. It was engrossing and well written.

It was hard to seperate fiction from non fiction there.

Do you think that this should be banned? Me being a Catholic, I have mixed feelings.
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Banned? Sorry, but that's just plainly censorship. It's a fictional novel, period. After all, it is in the fiction catergory. While the characters and their actions are entirely fictional, I believe it's the theories that the people seem to have a problem with. Dan Brown has stated that a lot of what you read are merely theories, not facts, but he does believe that some of them may have some merit to it. But he also want the readers to explore them too as well.

Directly from Dan Brown's site,
HOW MUCH OF THIS NOVEL IS TRUE?

The Da Vinci Code is a novel and therefore a work of fiction. While the book's characters and their actions are obviously not real, the artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals depicted in this novel all exist (for example, Leonardo Da Vinci's paintings, the Gnostic Gospels, Hieros Gamos, etc.). These real elements are interpretted and debated by fictional characters. While it is my belief that some of the theories discussed by these characters may have merit, each individual reader must explore these characters' viewpoints and come to his or her own interpretations. My hope in writing this novel was that the story would serve as a catalyst and a springboard for people to discuss the important topics of faith, religion, and history.
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Now, about the historical facts that you have read in the book, read this response from Dan Brown.

BUT DOESN'T THE NOVEL'S "FACT" PAGE CLAIM THAT EVERY SINGLE WORD IN THIS NOVEL IS HISTORICAL FACT?

If you read the "FACT" page, you will see it clearly states that the documents, rituals, organization, artwork, and architecture in the novel all exist. The "FACT" page makes no statement whatsoever about any of the ancient theories discussed by fictional characters. Interpreting those ideas is left to the reader.
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I recommend that you read the entire webpage, there's a lot more to read. Interestingly enough, Dan Brown is a Christian. :)

Dan Brown's Website
 
I also read the book, and I also found it facinating to read. As for the issue about whether it should be banned, I agree with Banjo. It's wrong to ban something just because you disagree with it's message. We've already banned classics from our schools because someone didn't like the things a paricular book was protraying. In my opinion, if you don't like a book, simply don't read it! As for banning books in schools, I am totally against that. If a parent disagrees with a certain book, then alternatives can be used. I really believe each person has the right to decide what they will or will not read.

Frankly, I'm sick of "Big Brother" telling me what to do.
 
The book is fiction. The story is not real. It is not even historically accurate. I don't believe it should be banned for sale or placement in public libraries. I don't think it is a good choice for school assignment. I wouldn't spend any of my money on the book. I believe it should be ignored.
 
Reba said:
The book is fiction. The story is not real. It is not even historically accurate. I don't believe it should be banned for sale or placement in public libraries. I don't think it is a good choice for school assignment. I wouldn't spend any of my money on the book. I believe it should be ignored.
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Did you even read the book?
 
Reba said:
The book is fiction. The story is not real. It is not even historically accurate. I don't believe it should be banned for sale or placement in public libraries. I don't think it is a good choice for school assignment. I wouldn't spend any of my money on the book. I believe it should be ignored.
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IS THIS BOOK ANTI-CHRISTIAN?

No. This book is not anti-anything. It's a novel. I wrote this story in an effort to explore certain aspects of Christian history that interest me. The vast majority of devout Christians understand this fact and consider The Da Vinci Code an entertaining story that promotes spiritual discussion and debate. Even so, a small but vocal group of individuals has proclaimed the story dangerous, heretical, and anti-Christian. While I regret having offended those individuals, I should mention that priests, nuns, and clergy contact me all the time to thank me for writing the novel. Many church officials are celebrating The Da Vinci Code because it has sparked renewed interest in important topics of faith and Christian history. It is important to remember that a reader does not have to agree with every word in the novel to use the book as a positive catalyst for introspection and exploration of our faith.
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Dan Brown's webpage
 
Beowulf said:
Of course not.
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I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't, because most people who are against something are often something they haven't even experienced, read nor tried.

Tell you a lot about what they know. Hearsay is a problem among the society, they'll believe any crap that they are told by their close friends, or people in high places.
 
If the cardinal was speaking out against the DaVinci Code, then he has to include "Angels and Demons" since it is also related to the Catholic Church in re: the succession of the Pope and the Illuminati.

It seems that Cardinal Bertone has his sights on the office of the Papacy. If Cardinal Bertone feels that he can improve his standing, by attacking Brown and his novels, as a potential successor to the Pope.....Good luck, It may either succeed or backfire on him.


I've read "Angels and Demons", "Digital Fortress", and "Deception Point". I have to say Brown's plotlines does make fiction look so factual. Dan Brown's research was really above par. The result, of Brown's success, was that I've seen books trying to debunk either "Angels and Demons" and "DaVinci Code". This has to be the first time in history that there were literature out there attacking a work of fiction selling alongside the actual novel.

I would love to read the DaVinci Code, but I perfer to wait until the paperback edition comes out. (2 years of waiting for it...hurry up Doubleday!)
 
sablescort said:
If the cardinal was speaking out against the DaVinci Code, then he has to include "Angels and Demons" since it is also related to the Catholic Church in re: the succession of the Pope and the Illuminati.

It seems that Cardinal Bertone has his sights on the office of the Papacy. If Cardinal Bertone feels that he can improve his standing, by attacking Brown and his novels, as a potential successor to the Pope.....Good luck, It may either succeed or backfire on him.


I've read "Angels and Demons", "Digital Fortress", and "Deception Point". I have to say Brown's plotlines does make fiction look so factual. Dan Brown's research was really above par. The result, of Brown's success, was that I've seen books trying to debunk either "Angels and Demons" and "DaVinci Code". This has to be the first time in history that there were literature out there attacking a work of fiction selling alongside the actual novel.

I would love to read the DaVinci Code, but I perfer to wait until the paperback edition comes out. (2 years of waiting for it...hurry up Doubleday!)
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Good points taken.

You can get it at local library :)
 
Dan Brown is a f**king genius! I highly recommend this book for anyone to read!

*drools over his researching skill*
 
Magatsu said:
Dan Brown is a f**king genius! I highly recommend this book for anyone to read!

*drools over his researching skill*
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A genius? I don't quite agree with that, but I admit that I found "The Di Vinci Code" facinating as hell. I also read "Demons and Angels", but I didn't care for that one as much as I did "Di Vinci".
 
Oceanbreeze said:
A genius? I don't quite agree with that, but I admit that I found "The Di Vinci Code" facinating as hell. I also read "Demons and Angels", but I didn't care for that one as much as I did "Di Vinci".
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You just answered your own question -- 'fascinating as hell' ;P
 
;) I cannot help it.. You said it and I couldn't resist it... Here's my hug :hug:
 
I think the Cardinal, like a lot of other christians around here, are only concerned that it will cause confusion in your beliefs in Christ. I know a few people who have read the book and now they are just so confused. They don't know what to believe anymore. The only book we should really depend on and believe that its true is God's Holy Word, the Bible.

Just because Dan Brown claims to be a christian doesnt mean he is one. I know that as a christian, I am not supposed to judge anybody. But if he really were a christian, he would not write a book about Jesus/God in any point of view except what comes from the Bible.
 
Veeeeeeeeeeeeery interesting!

I haven't read "DaVinci Code" either, but I have read Dan Brown's other novels. Any good writer of fiction includes enough fact and plausable theory to make the story believable to the reader. Dan is indeed a good fiction writer and he does dig up some interesting and obscure facts librerally laced with theories and fantasy to make a good read. This is the hallmark of a good fiction writer, as well as developing interesting charactors that the reader loves and hates. I see no danger in a person reading such a novel any more than I do them reading the "Left Behind" series, also going way beyond what is Biblical fact. "The Messiah Code" is another one along these lines. And Glenn Klier's "Last Day". I suppose a person not well founded in their beliefs might be swayed to take it as truth just as some do movies and tv shows, but that is not the fault of the authors.

Why have I not read it? I have a pretty extensive library of books. Hundreds. The oldest is James Fennimore Cooper's last author's annotated updated edition of "The Pioneers" dated 1851, the year he died. He was a master, and was attacked by Mark Twain without mercy. But most of my books other than original classics are paperbacks. I am a speed reader, though I sometimes force myself to read slowly for the pure immersion and enjoyment of it. I could not afford to own all of my books in hardback.

I do not believe in doing anything about books whose subject matter or premise I do not agree with but to ignore them and leave them on the shelf for someone who will appreciate them. The same as I do with Michael Moore propaganda films. Those that enjoy his films and choose to believe his version of reality are welcome to them. I certainly would not want to see them banned.
 
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