The Da Vinci Challenge

Sony isn't stupid.  As the worldwide bestseller and much discussed, debated and disliked (among Christians especially) The Da Vinci Code heads to theaters on May 19th, Sony has put together a truly brilliant marketing scheme.  They have started a website called The Da Vinci Challenge for Christians.  On the site Christian experts will deal with issues raised by The Da Vinci Code between now and the release date.  Currently there are articles by Darrell Bock, George Barna and Richard Mouw, and links for discussion take you to the Hollywood Jesus website.

From The Da Vinci Challenge...

The primary focus of The Da Vinci Challenge is to help Christians prepare for the inevitable question that will arise with the release of the film, “What do you think of The Da Vinci Code?”

These are the facts - currently, there over 40 million hardback copies of The Da Vinci Code in print. There have been thousands of column inches already written about The Da Vinci Code, and there will surely be more. It is now possible to take tours across Europe to visit historic sites referenced in the novel. On May 19, 2006, the highly-anticipated film version of the book, starring Academy Award-winner Tom Hanks, will open in theaters. There are literally millions and millions of devoted fans of The Da Vinci Code spanning the globe.

But there are also numerous people worldwide who question the theories espoused in The Da Vinci Code. Books refuting the claims of the best-selling novel have collectively sold millions of copies. Churches have held sermons and seminars to address the controversy and dispute assertions that many believe run counter to the foundations of their faith. These, too, are the facts.

The Da Vinci Challenge offers a thoughtful and faithful response to the questions raised by The Da Vinci Code. In the weeks leading up to the release of the film, prominent scholars and experts from across the spectrum of Christianity have volunteered to tackle specific issues raised by The Da Vinci Code – cultural, historical, theological and practical. By tapping into the collective wisdom of these respected Christian men and women, The Da Vinci Challenge hopes to present a forum where people can wrestle with the complex topics raised by the book and the film.

While Sony Pictures Entertainment has provided the means for this discussion to take place, neither the studio, the filmmakers nor Dan Brown have any editorial control over the content of this site. None of the Christian experts have been paid for their commentary or insights. This is an open forum where discussion, debate and disagreement are welcome. The Da Vinci Challenge wholeheartedly invites you to join the conversation.

Comments

[Ted Gossard]

Thanks Steve for pointing this out to us.

The book is riveting from what i hear. It is hard for me to get through a novel and I still haven't gotten through that one- I must confess. I think I will see the movie.

Good to hear that the discussion is open on the blog. Good point, megabucks to be sure.

[Scott Lyons]

Though I understand the need to engage our culture (and what our culture accepts as true), sometimes I wonder if all the fuss and the corresponding Christian conversation only helps to validate the silliness espoused by Dan Brown.

[billmelone]

I thought all the fuss was stupid till I read the book. I'm an art history major, and I've been to a bunch of the places in the novel--its a great story but Brown made some real art historical no nos in it and I can see why people got worked up and wanted to do something about it. All my profs (nonchristians) that said anything about it basically said it was a real cute novel but pretty dumb in the art historical sense. The issue for christians is that the book just serves to make the general public comfortable in thinking that there is evidence out there that christians are being coy and trying to cover things up. And there are so many historical screw ups that build that 'evidence' its enough to get you real pissed off. But Scott is probably still right to point out christian overreaction--people will see that as evidence that our faith really is weak and we are desperate to cover our tracks. It will take a few articulate people that don't freak out to do the Challenge effectively.

[Joel Maners]

Hugh Hefner played this same strategy brilliantly. You ask some academic questions to create a "debate." As soon as the other side starts to engage, the general public sees this as a validation of the question and the debate takes on significance. These guys know that controversy sells tickets.

I am torn at this point. If you decide to let this stuff pass, some people will think you are intimidated. If you engage in thoughtful debate, you validate the substance of the controversy in some people's eyes. To take a Postmodern spin on this, the fact that you're having the debate is validation enough. I know it sounds strange but it's true.

Sometimes it's better to just laugh at people like this. Their arguments are so stupid you can't engage them without looking ridiculous yourself.

[JACK]

Hasn't there been a ton of debate, already? I mean, I can think of at least two "response" books written by people I know alone, and I know there have been tons of others. I understood the need to respond to the novel, but I really question the value of participating in this Sony website. I agree with the instinct that this will only serve to promote the film and legitimize it. Personally, I think the MST3K-style response that was floating around the blogosophere seemed far more appropriate.

[Mike Noakes]

You've been tagged.

[Tim Etherington]

Nothing sells like controversy.

Oh, Jack, I love your idea. After the film comes out on DVD, someone should MST3K-ize it!!

Let's see, we could have Joel (Beeke) and the 'Bots, uh, David Wells as Crow and Gene Veith as Tom Servo. They could quip the movie to death!

[CJD]

Incidentally, R.C. Sproul's magazine, Tabletalk, will be coming out with an issue devoted to this theme in May 2006. Perfect timing, I'd say.