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A conservative religious group within the Roman Catholic Church. Opus Dei urges priests and laypeople to strenuously pursue sanctification through everyday discipline. The group has taken criticism for its conservative views, zeal, and secretive practices. There is no evidence that Opus Dei has resorted to murder; nor has the Vatican entrusted Opus Dei to violently guard the church's deepest secrets, as Dan Brown claims in The Da Vinci Code.

Yes, but not as described by Brown. Researchers suspect that members of the real-life Priory of Sion, founded in 1956, forged documents that placed major historical figures—such as Isaac Newton and Leonard da Vinci—in an ancient secret society. There is no evidence for this group beyond dubious documents. Any story relating this group to a dynasty begun by Jesus and Mary Magdalene is a fanciful work of fiction.

Collin Hansen is associate editor of Christianity Today (www.christianitytoday.com). For more Christianity Today coverage, visit www.ChristianityToday.com/go/DaVinci

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What's the Truth About The Da Vinci Code? Bible Study Course use this six-session course to look at the issues that Dan Brown raises, including the authenticity of Scripture, the divinity of Christ, and the truth about Mary Magdalene. Read more.	The Da Vinci Code Hot Topic Page Be prepared to share and defend the Gospel's truths in light of controversies raised by the popular book and upcoming movie. Find Bible studies, Courses, and other resources, including free downloads, to help you and your group engage in conversations about The Da Vinci Code. Read more.

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