dream the journey: impact of the divinci code

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

impact of the divinci code

this article was taken from www.ag.org.
"da vinci code" survey reveals some surprises may 19, 2006

in recent months, dan brown's novel, "the da vinci code," has received worldwide media attention, ranging from a very public lawsuit to a multitude of press releases by some outraged religious organizations - along with the normal hollywood hype.

according to a survey conducted by the barna group, a well-known research organization, among the adults who have read the entire book, one out of every four (24 percent) said the book was either "extremely," "very," or "somewhat" helpful in relation to their "personal spiritual growth or understanding." also, only five percent of those who read the book said they changed any of their beliefs or religious perspectives because of the book's content.

"few people changed their pre-existing beliefs because of what they read in the novel," explained researcher george barna, the author of numerous books about faith and culture. "the book generates controversy and discussions, but it has not revolutionized the way that americans think about jesus, the church or the bible."

however, barna is quick to note that although the percentages aren't overwhelming, the book has sold more copies than any other fictional work in u.s. history and has been read "cover to cover" by about 45 million u.s. adults. those numbers translate into about 11 million people who have been "helped" and about two million who have changed beliefs or religious perspectives.

"any book that alters one or more theological views among two million people is not to be dismissed lightly," barna adds.

"while 'the da vinci code' is admittedly fiction, it exalts the humanity of jesus at the expense of his deity," says gary allen, director of ag ministerial enrichment. "it will certainly raise doubts about christ and the validity of the church in the minds of those who have little or no personal relationship with jesus."

on the contrary, allen continues, "mel gibson's 'the passion' provided great insight into the biblical view of jesus and his atoning death, causing many to accept him as savior, 'the da vinci code' will do nothing to advance the kingdom."

barna warns that although the book didn't significantly impact adults' belief systems, youth who go to the movie (as well as view it later on dvd), could be at more risk to be impacted. the report states that since young people's belief systems are still in the process of development, they are more susceptible to new teachings.

"second timothy 3:16 declares a truth every generation needs to recognize, understand and grasp with conviction...'all scripture is god-breathed,'" states jay mooney, national ag youth ministries director. "the subject can be difficult to broach among the cultural whirlwinds of interests. yet, the 'da vinci code' book and movie make the subject 'current' fodder for a generation thirsty for doctrine, even though they may not know to call it that.

"ironically, it's like a second century battle for the beliefs of a third millennium generation - it's a battle that can be won," mooney adds. "it is important that youth engage the truth of scripture and not just 'the da vinci code' itself. josh mcdowell's new paperback book, 'a quest for answers: the da vinci code,' is an excellent narrative resource for engaging youth in a grasp for truth."

Labels: christianity