Dan Brown and the New Testament
On May 19, Dan Brown’s novel The DaVinci Code will be released as a full length motion picture by Sony Pictures. With Ron Howard as the producer and Tom Hanks as the starring actor, some predict the movie will be one of the top revenue producing movies of all time.
Of the many false claims in Dan Brown’s book, one bogus assertion is that “more than eighty gospels were considered for the New Testament, and yet only a relative few were chosen for inclusion—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John” (page 231). Many of the eighty gospels were the Gnostic gospels that came much later than Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The problem with the using the Gnostic Gospels as a credible source is that they were proven unreliable by the early church because they were written much later than the earlier accounts of Jesus’ life. Additionally, these gospel accounts were considered heretical because the writings contained a dangerous mixture of Christianity and paganism.
It is at this juncture I am compelled to make a strong preaching point: if the Gnostic Gospels were considered unreliable and heretical 2000 years ago, then they are still unreliable and heretical today.
While considering Brown’s claim, one would naturally ask how the New Testament come into existence. Now for a remedial course in the canonization of the New Testament: (By the way, canonization means to be selected as authoritative).
The books of the New Testament were chosen for good reason. As God preserved the word which He breathed out, the early churches began to acknowledge the authority and reliability of the books based upon certain criteria.
These tests were usually asked in the form of a question. A few of the questions included:
1. Is this book written or backed by a prophet or an apostle of God?
For inclusion in the New Testament the books were either written by or associated strongly with one of the apostles.
2. Is it internally coherent?
The writing must fit together with the rest of the writings that were included. The books could reflect unique perspectives of the gospel, but must also have a message consistent with the whole of Scripture. In other words, the books of the New Testament depict the same Jesus, consistently.
3. Did the gospels, books and letters enjoy universal acceptance?
As recent discoveries reveal, there were other gospels. But the ones accepted were the ones which presented the historical, Jesus, whom you and I have trusted for our eternal security and salvation.
4. Were these materials already read, sung and studied in worship?
Paul urged the churches in Colossians 4:16 and 1 Thessalonians 5:27 to read his letters in their worship services.
Of the many false claims in Dan Brown’s book, one bogus assertion is that “more than eighty gospels were considered for the New Testament, and yet only a relative few were chosen for inclusion—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John” (page 231). Many of the eighty gospels were the Gnostic gospels that came much later than Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The problem with the using the Gnostic Gospels as a credible source is that they were proven unreliable by the early church because they were written much later than the earlier accounts of Jesus’ life. Additionally, these gospel accounts were considered heretical because the writings contained a dangerous mixture of Christianity and paganism.
It is at this juncture I am compelled to make a strong preaching point: if the Gnostic Gospels were considered unreliable and heretical 2000 years ago, then they are still unreliable and heretical today.
While considering Brown’s claim, one would naturally ask how the New Testament come into existence. Now for a remedial course in the canonization of the New Testament: (By the way, canonization means to be selected as authoritative).
The books of the New Testament were chosen for good reason. As God preserved the word which He breathed out, the early churches began to acknowledge the authority and reliability of the books based upon certain criteria.
These tests were usually asked in the form of a question. A few of the questions included:
1. Is this book written or backed by a prophet or an apostle of God?
For inclusion in the New Testament the books were either written by or associated strongly with one of the apostles.
2. Is it internally coherent?
The writing must fit together with the rest of the writings that were included. The books could reflect unique perspectives of the gospel, but must also have a message consistent with the whole of Scripture. In other words, the books of the New Testament depict the same Jesus, consistently.
3. Did the gospels, books and letters enjoy universal acceptance?
As recent discoveries reveal, there were other gospels. But the ones accepted were the ones which presented the historical, Jesus, whom you and I have trusted for our eternal security and salvation.
4. Were these materials already read, sung and studied in worship?
Paul urged the churches in Colossians 4:16 and 1 Thessalonians 5:27 to read his letters in their worship services.
The New Testament is a mighty work of God guided by His Holy Spirit. When books like The DaVinci Code are released, the Christian community should respond swiftly and cogently. And, as Peter said, “we should always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks…” (2 Peter 3:15). I pray each CrossPointer uses the hype of The DaVinci Code to take a stand on the word of God and to witness for the love of God.
3 comments:
AMEN!!! Just read a article stating how many people believe Jesus and Mary Magdalene had children. (see section below)
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ORB interviewed more than 1,000 adults last weekend, finding that 60 percent believed Jesus had children by Mary Magdalene — a possibility raised by the book — compared with just 30 percent of those who had not read the book.
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We believers know better, but it's those who are in the dark that are at risk. Spread the WORD
every chance you get!!!!!
Ryan, I don't know if you listen to the radio much but I heard an interview with Josh McDowell a few weeks back on the Rick and Bubba show. He was on their show to talk about his new book specifically addressing The DaVinci Code and the ideas found within Brown's book.
I found the interview to be most interesting as McDowell was stating that many people, non-believers AND believers were taking the writings of Brown as being more historical fact than fiction. McDowell was telling stories of people, many of whom had been raised in the church turning their back on their own beliefs in response to what they read in Brown's book.
I'm not really sure what to make of this fact. But it is definately some food for thought.
Just a note of interest on the work of Mr. Brown. Nothing ever written, found, published, etc. will change any of my beliefs, but my daughter pointed out that I should look into what is being said and published. Afterall, she reasoned, how would I be able to argue against a theory, work, etc., if I did not have at least a working knowledge of what was being expressed.
Following along MYoung's posted comment, I found this helpful: Josh McDowell has written a booklet (can't really call it a book) called: The DaVinci Code: A Quest For Answers. I'm reading my daughter's copy, which I found to be useful. Another source, if you are searching, is McDowell's website: josh.davinciquest.org
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