Késsinnimek - Roots - Racines

What's all the fuss about the Da Vinci Code?

by Norm Léveillée

Last year, when Dan Brown published his Da Vinci Code, I read a few articles by Christians on how upset they were with the data found in his book. Someone wrote to me and asked my opinion. I told that person at that time that I wasn't interested in that type of fiction.

However, since that time, there has been so much fuss written about that book that I decided to read it myself. And incidently that fuss has created a huge marketing scheme for the sale of Dan's book. Thanks to all these people reacting in the way that each has done, Dan is soon going to reap huge profits from his book, and now from a movie.

I read the book with an open mind. I must tell you from the start that I am a Catholic Christian. I've studied philosophy and theology at a catholic university in Europe. I have studied the Bible and other historical works of the era. I spent several years studying for the Catholic priesthood. My article in May indicated that I support women in the Catholic hierarchy. I've held that belief since my early days. I believed this, way back during my studies. I am not surely influenced by the Da Vinci Code, by any means.

I was thrilled when Pope John XIII in 1962 opened the Second Vatican Council dedicated to the "Immaculate". He stated, not in these words exactly, that he wanted to "open the window" and let some fresh air permeate the stuffiness of the Catholic Church. I wonder if he really meant the male hierarchy? I was saddened with his death since I figured that those who would follow him would slowly close that window. Now, I feel that I had figured rightly about this. The above statements will give you an idea of where I stand religion-wise.

Dan Brown's book is exceptionally well-written, but it is pure fiction. Most of his sources are either based on myths or are fictional as well. However, he does weave a very believable story, so much so that many Christians, many Catholics saw fit to write rebuttals of his fictional theory. And you know what, Dan Brown is getting richer by the day with all this "hoopla" as Juliana L'Heureux wrote in this issue.

Aong the same lines, Steve Berry has written three fictional novels based upon what could have happened, in the same weave of Dan Brown. I've read all three of Steve Berry's works: The Third Secret (about Fatima), the Romanov Prophecy (about Anastasia and her brother), and the Amber Room (during the World War II). I enjoyed all three fictions, as I did Dan Brown's fiction. I am sure that The Last Testament by Dan Brown will be exceptionally written but it will be again a pure work of fiction.

What is my point in this article? Simply, I agree with Juliana L'Heureux's statements in her article about what is all "Da Hoopla Over Da Vinci Code".

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Created 1 Feb 2003