What’s Wrong with The Da Vinci Code?

Introduction

Millions of people, including Christians, have read The Da Vinci Code, or they have seen the movie.

The author, Dan Brown, says that although the book is a work of fiction, all the historical events he describes are accurate. However, many of the key “facts” he presents are wrong. Some are hoaxes. In spite of this, many people accept what he says as true, perhaps because he writes in such an authoritative style.

This book is a frontal attack on Christianity and the divinity of Jesus. Many people’s ideas about the authority of the Bible and who Jesus is have been badly distorted because of it.

Related: Be prepared for some teachers to attack your faith

The Da Vinci Code is historically inaccurate

Numerous sources have documented the historical inaccuracies in The Da Vinci Code. But, you might say, “I don’t believe these sources … at least the ones written by Christians.”

If that describes you, let me invite you to check out the research done by “60 Minutes,” a major American TV news program. “60 Minutes” is hardly a Christian news organization. In fact, many people would agree that it is quite liberal.

Yet in their April 30, 2006 show they presented evidence and interviews that proved major elements of the book were based upon a hoax. (Other secular news sources have likewise documented the hoax and many other inaccuracies.) When a major liberal show like “60 Minutes” disproves The Da Vinci Code, you can be sure their evidence is strong.

If you want to research the many inaccuracies of The Da Vinci Code, I suggest that you buy a copy of “The DaVinci Code: A Quest for Answers” by Josh McDowell.

“What’s the problem? It’s just a good story.”

Those who accept the “facts” claimed in The Da Vinci Code are left with a tragically inaccurate understanding of the Bible, history, and who Jesus is. Unbelievers may turn away from the salvation that Jesus offers. Believers may be confused and start to question basic elements of their faith.

Let’s look at two key truths that are perverted by the book: “What is the Bible?” and “Who is Jesus?”

1. What is the Bible?

When Dan Brown or anyone else tries to convince you the Bible is anything other than the inspired word of God, he or she—tragically—is trying to rob you of one of God’s greatest gifts.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. (Joshua 1:8)

The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. (Psalm 12:6)

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” (Matthew 4:4)

The Bible is God’s word. Reading it gives us information we need and changes us supernaturally. Some benefits of reading the Bible are:

The Bible renews your mind.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

The Bible gives practical advice for daily living.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. (Psalm 119:105-6)

The Bible identifies sin.

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:9-11)

The Bible convicts of sin.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

The Bible tells us about the true Jesus.

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

If you want to learn more about the real history of the Bible, and not Dan Brown’s dramatically inaccurate “history,” I suggest that you read the book by Josh McDowell I mentioned earlier.

Related: Why should I read the Bible?

2. Who is Jesus?

Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead to reconcile us to God and give eternal life to those who accept his free gift.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:15-20)

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)

If you would like to learn about God’s gift to you, please click on this link that will tell you more about Jesus.

Conclusion

The Da Vinci Code is both (1) inaccurate historically and (2) a frontal attack on Christianity.

We need to be wise about not allowing The Da Vinci Code or other anti-Christian sources to affect us. Click here for guidelines about watching or reading secular entertainment.

There is a positive side to The Da Vinci Code. When people talk about it, this gives us an opportunity to share what Jesus has done in our lives and desires to do in everyone’s lives. It gives us the chance to share the life-giving message of the true gospel. And it gives us the chance to share the life-giving gift we have in the Bible.