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February 13, 2012

Home > Movies > Commentaries > 2006
Da Vinci Dialogue Heats Up
A commentary last week suggested that Christians "othercott" The Da Vinci Code, arguing that engaging the film is akin to debating with the Devil. Then wham!, the e-mails came rushing in.




Apparently we've touched a nerve.

We've posted a few commentaries about The Da Vinci Code, which hits theaters on May 19. The first two articles generated some reader feedback, but nothing like this one from Barbara Nicolosi.

Nicolosi not only proposed an "othercott" of Da Vinci—by buying tickets to another movie instead—but also argued that joining the "cultural dialogue" about the book and film is akin to debating with the Devil himself. She also fears that DVC might lead some Christians astray, that "some of the sheep would be scandalized away from Jesus by this idiotic story."

Her remarks lit a fire under many readers. Many applauded her strong words, and many thought she came on too strong. Here's a sampling of responses.

Lisa Rutherford: Bravo!!!! This article was so on target, I practically want to frame it. I just hope the word gets out and enough people do it.

Annie Fitzsimmons:The Da Vinci Code is a FICTIONAL NOVEL. It is pure entertainment, and that's it! Why are Christians flipping out and figuring out how to "othercott" it or "evangelize" through it? Let's talk about the gospel in our churches and go see whatever movies we'd like to see.

David Christy: What an excellent commentary. Thank you so much for a clear voice with specific content, rather than the unending "Dialogue for Consensus" that is literally killing us all.

Dennis Payne: I believe Nicolosi is missing the point for many in the Christian community. We should prepare ourselves and learn our church history that "the church" has neglected to teach. I know our Scriptures very well, but I have been caught off guard with church history. Until now, it hasn't mattered, but to prepare for the movie, I'm reading the book, because we have zero credibility to talk about DVC unless we have read it. I challenge every Christian who wants to make a difference with the outcome of DVC to dive into our church history, read the books and don't be afraid to share with anyone who would ask.

Dan Portnoy: Getting bent out of shape isn't helping anybody. I think this movie is a great way to bring conversations about coworkers' spiritual thoughts out around the water cooler. What an opportunity.

Steve Dratz: Any opportunity that any contemporary topic provides me to share about my relationship with Jesus is one that I relish. I need to go to the movie to offer reasoned comments. Ancient facts about history cannot compare to my changed life in Jesus.

Jan Christian: Well said, Barbara. We do not need to defend our God.We know him from personal experience. It is about box office—going to another movie yes, ha, and even buying popcorn will get my vote.

Jim Price: What would Christ do? I think he would engage the culture, not run away from it.

John Connor: Nicolosi is right in that you don't argue with the Devil, but neither do you walk away. Jesus didn't walk away from those that were filled with evil spirits, nor did he refuse to answer their questions. I think you will find that in every case where the Devil or one of his minions asked Jesus a question, he answered them in truth and in love. That is the opportunity that Christians have with the release of this movie.

Rev. Fr. Gary DeSha: Barbara Nicolosi's article is the best one I have read about the movie, and I agree wholeheartedly!

Robert Ritchie: What a ridiculous article. To encourage people to go see another movie in the next room to where Jesus is being blasphemed, the room full of devils and sin, is wrong and completely ineffective, and the money goes back to Hollywood where all these anti-Jesus attacks come from.

Mike Fabian: If this is how Nicolosi conducts discussions on DVC, no wonder her audiences are belligerent. Maybe she's missing a chance to evangelize because people don't respond well to being described as "narcissistic sheep" of "mediocre understanding" who "bleat defiance and pride of their filth." Jesus never used such language to speak of those confused about matters of faith. He called them "lost sheep" who needed to be found. He reserved such condemnatory words for smug religious leaders who belittled anyone who questioned the sanctity of their doctrines. Hmm, sounds like Nicolosi might qualify.

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