Insight - Da Vinci Code

“Fact verses Fiction”

I have had a number of parental queries about what age children should be exposed to the Da Vinci Code. As with all things at Sunrise, particularly any media issue, I would encourage you as parents to make the decision based on a Biblical World View. I have outlined a few of my thoughts on the matter.

Mark Twain, a prolific author and commentator of the state of the human condition wrote, “Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities. Truth isn’t.” Mark Twain was a man who understood truth in God’s perfect order. Another prolific writer, Vladimir Lenin was a Communist revolutionary of Russia, the leader of the Bolshevik party, the first Premier of the Soviet Union, and the main theorist of what has come to be called Leninism, said, “A lie told often enough becomes truth.” Both of these quotes seem to outline my thoughts on the latest Hollywood blockbuster and novel by Dan Brown, the Da Vinci Code. The novel and consequently the movie are filled with half truths and when perpetuated enough times can and in some people’s minds be perceived as truth. The historical basis to the novel and movie although wildly flawed is presented as fact.

There are many good web sites such as http://www.sunrise.sa.edu.au/fullarton/www.go.family.org/davinci that can guide you through a historical account of the events in the novel. As with all imperative issues we search for the truth in all matters and not allow a repeated message to become “popularist” truth. As I have said on many occasions, one of our most important tasks as parents is to ensure that our children do not become confused by the media hype and lack of understanding in the issue. I would encourage you to find time to read some good literature on the matter in order to respond in an informed manner. Some older high school students may have a strong enough grasp of their faith to read the book and watch the movie, but my general inclination would be if your child does not have a clear and strong faith, I would wait until their faith is grounded.

As it is an M rated movie, I would not recommend that children under 15 see the movie. For the older students, I would recommend that they read the information on the website I have suggested. I can summarise my thoughts with another prolific writer, noted evolutionist and the man who coined the term agnosticism for his religious beliefs. Thomas Huxley said, “The great tragedy of science is the slaying of a beautiful hypothesis by an ugly fact”. It seems the quote; “Don’t let the facts spoil a good story;” holds truth throughout the ages.