Area churches plan to use Easter to address 'Da Vinci Code' ideas

Some area churches are using the week of Easter to start sermons and study groups to address the ideas put forth in Dan Brown's book "The Da Vinci Code" ahead of the big-budget movie's May 19 release date.

Church leaders who are organizing the efforts say there's no better time than the Easter season to counter the novel's controversial story line. Among other things, the plot revolves around a conspiracy to hide Christ's marriage to Mary Magdalene and a bloodline that came from the marriage.

Starting Easter Sunday, Lynwood Baptist Church pastor Derek Staples will begin a four-week series of sermons addressing the popular book and upcoming movie starring Tom Hanks and directed by Ron Howard.

"Normally I would start with next Sunday's message, which is on the Bible, and will just ask the question of whether the Bible is true and reliable," Staples said. "Because of Easter we're focusing on the resurrection."

Staples and other church leaders said that instead of distracting people from the message of Easter, talking about "The Da Vinci Code" will actually help enforce that message.

Staples and other church leaders say they're not condemning the movie, just trying to make sure people know "The Da Vinci Code" is fiction and that its claims about Christ are not supported by the majority of historians and scholars.

Reinforcing faith

They look at the release of the movie as a chance to reinforce faith and take their message to nonbelievers.

"I enjoyed reading the book," Staples said. "I think the story line is interesting and holds your attention. For us this is an opportunity to proclaim the theological tenets of our Father."

Wednesday night La Croix United Methodist began its own study session to talk about the ideas in "The Da Vinci Code."

One of those who signed up for the session is the Rev. Denny Lumos, director of the Wesley House on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

Lumos said he hasn't read the book and wants to know what all the hype is about -- not only for himself, but for the students who will inevitably ask him questions about the conspiracy theories advanced in the fictional work.

Another "Da Vinci Code" event is planned for May 6, when theologian Alan Branch will speak at Academic Auditorium to discount the theories in the book and movie.

The Rev. Anne Mowery of Zion United Methodist Church in Gordonville said the subject won't be part of her sermons, though one of her Sunday school classes is about "The Da Vinci Code." However, she will encourage her congregation to see Branch talk if they're interested.

She said the book is a "fun read" and that the best time for pastors to talk about it would be Easter.

"The divinity of Christ is what is in question," Mowery said. "Talking about the movie won't overshadow Easter. The message of Easter is what needs to be superimposed on 'The Da Vinci Code.'"

Church leaders say the upcoming movie release and the hype generated means they need to be ready to talk to non-Christians about the "Code" theories, as well. But they're not concerned about their own faith.

"I'm not worried that will expose Christianity as some kind of fallacy," Lumos said. "It's just a movie."

msanders@semissourian.com

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