Update:
I have read over 3/4 of The Da Vinci Code. The story is still compelling and easy to read. However, once I got to chapter 55 (roughly half way through) I started having to stomach a whole bunch of garbage. Dan Brown’s suggestions move far beyond the simple ideas that I had before I began to read the book. He makes some pretty bold statements on a much wider range of issues than I had originally suspected. When I finish the book (probably within another day or so) I plan on going back to the sections I marked and doing some research and further readings. I’ll do my best to post as much as I can, but I’m also going to try to wait on Steve and Jason (see below) to finish it themselves.
Once again. Stay tuned. -SS
I started reading The Da Vinci Code two nights ago. I’ve read the first 17 chapters already and I must say that I can definitely see why it’s a bestseller. The story is quite riveting, and I’ve actually found myself looking forward to picking it back up each day. Apart from the occasional use of mild swearing (and the obvious erroneous premises) the book is quite good. However, I have not yet ventured into the heart of the book. In fact, I’m not even a quarter of the way in, so as I go along my assessment will probably change dramatically.
On another note, Dr. Steve McGuire is currently working through the book himself, along with Jason Beavers. I’m sure that since so many people are reading at the same time there should be some really good comments in the near future regarding the book.
I’ll keep you posted as I go.
Has anyone read, “Cracking Di Vinci’s Code?” By: James Garlow, and Peter Jones. The cover says, “You’ve read the fiction, now read the facts.”
I picked this book up a few months ago at a Christian bookstore. It is very interesting, even though I have not read the “Di Vinci Code.” (I just can’t bring myself to buy it and support it’s sales. Maybe I will find a free copy somewhere.”
Anyways, I was just curious if anyone in here has read it, and if it really touches on the main anti-Christian topics in the “Di Vinci Code.”
James Garlow has a M.Div from Ashbury Theological Seminary, Th.M. from Princeton Teological Seminary, and a Ph.D in Historical Theology from Drew University.
Peter Jones has a M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, a Th.M from Harvard Divinity School, and a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary.
So between the two authors there sure are enough degrees, and letters before and after their neames to make me think that they might actually have some good intellectual insight into what they are talking about.
The main point of the book it to, “Present compelling evidence that Brown’s assertations are not only historically inaccurate, but may also contain a hidden agenda.”
God is good all the time!
-Matt Gaiser
Matt,
There is a plethora of quality books and resources out there that expose Brown’s work for what it truly is. I know of several that I will probably reference. One source in particular is Dr. Ben Witherington III. He is Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He’s done some excellent work in response to The Da Vinci Code.
I was fortunate enough to get a “free” copy of the novel from my sister-in-law who has yet to read it. To get it from a public library is nearly impossible (unless you want to wait 6 weeks), and since it is still on the best-seller list you can’t expect a paperback edition for at least 6 months to a year after it comes off that list (which means that in the meantime you would have to fork out $20-30 ). I understand that you wouldn’t buy it based on principle. However, your message will go unheard due to its global popularity. But we hear you on this site at least … for whatever that is worth