The Real Da Vinci Code

1. The Real Da Vinci Code 6-21-06

2. Quotes from Da Vinci Code • "almost everything our fathers taught us about Christ is false." (page. 235). • The existence of "a divine Christ was unknown in the church" • “The Bible is a product of man, my dear. Not of God.” Page (231) • The opening page titled "FACT”, Brown states, "All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate."

3. People are taking fiction as fact. • In May 2006 the British pollster Opinion Research Business conducted a similar survey, finding that out of 1000 people surveyed, 60% of readers of the novel believed Jesus had a child by Mary Magdalene, as opposed to 30% of people who had not read the book. • Online polls have similar results.

4. Does the Author present fiction? • Brown says in high profile interviews: “99 percent of it is true. All of the architecture, the art, the secret rituals, the history, all of that is true, the Gnostic gospels.” • “after numerous trips to Europe and about two years of research I really became a believer.” • NBC’s Matt Lauer: “How much of this is based on reality in terms of things that actually occurred?" Dan Brown: “Absolutely all of it.”

5. Terms: Gnosticism • Gnostics are those groups who claim to be privy to some “secret information”. Illuminati, Freemasons, Templars, Indiana Jones, Priory of Sion, Opus Dei.. tons of others.

6. Terms: Gnosticism • Gnostic beliefs often include: Cosmic forces, Mother Earth, Jesus as more divine than human. Hidden treasures like the Grail. Female God. Some kind of secret or uncommon knowledge is essential for salvation. Did you think that New Age, Humanism, or Feminism was a new thing? • Da Vinci Code presenting Mary as the Holy Grail, and necessary secret information = Gnostic Book.

7. Terms: Canon • Canon is the term used to explain which books are considered inspired and included in the Bible. You will hear “canonical” referring to the 66 books currently included. • This is not a new argument. The Jews often argued which O.T. books were scripture. This has two “n”s cannon ->

8. Other Teachings • There are other writings from around the time the Bible was written, just like there are tons of books made today. • None of these are mentioned by other writers until 100 years later. The original gospels are mentioned in the 1st century. • Apocrypha means "hidden things." KJV for hundreds of years promoted some of these Gnostic texts.

9. The Q “Gospel” • This is a theory created by comparing similarities and differences between Matthew and Mark. The speculation is that the two books were based on one earlier missing book.

10. “Gospel” Of Judas • “Gospel” of Judas surfaces around 180 A.D. • Puts forth that Judas had more secret information than the other disciples. It is not new. • Judas includes a Self-Generated angel that creates other Angels. Jesus laughs at the disciples for valid worship practices. Judas is the 13th generation that will rule over the others. Cloud angels created Adam and eve. Does not mention Mary Magdalene.

11. Poor Mary M.! • September 21, 591, Pope Gregory the Great gave an influential sermon where he declared that Magdalene, Mary of Bethany, 'the woman taken in adultery' described in John 8:3 and the woman who anointed Jesus' feet in Luke 3 were all the same person. From that point on illustrations of Mary Magdalene were suggestive with red fabric, long uncovered hair. There is nothing in scripture to suggest this.

12. Jesus Marriage Possible? • Philo, Hypothetica 11.14-17 Many of the believers remained unmarried to devote themselves to God. Describes celibacy as an "enviable system" • Josephus, Jewish War, 2.8.2 Neglect wedlock, focusing on the fidelity and virtue instead of passions. • Josephus, Antiquities 18.1.5 “There are about four thousand men that live in this way, and neither marry wives, nor are desirous to keep servants; as thinking the latter tempts men to be unjust, and the former gives the handle to domestic quarrels”

13. “Gospel” of Thomas • “Simon Peter said to them, "Let Mary leave us, for women are not worthy of Life." Jesus said, "I myself shall lead her in order to make her male, so that she too may become a living spirit resembling you males. For every woman who will make herself male will enter the Kingdom of Heaven." (section 114)” There is no mention of a marital bond, rather the view that women are nothing.

14. Misc Mentions of Mary M • In the “Gospel “of Peter we find no evidence whatsoever for a marriage between Mary and Jesus. She is mentioned as a disciple. • There is no hint in The Dialogue of the Savior of a marriage between Jesus and Mary (or the Savior and Mary). She is mentioned as “one who knew the ALL (God)” or was spiritually discerning.

15. Misc Mentions of Mary M • The Sophia of Jesus Christ is a post-resurrection dialogue between the risen Christ and some of his followers, including Mary. She asks where the disciples were, where they were headed, and where Jesus was going. There is nothing further about Mary in this passage. • 200 years later we find a growing interest in Mary, as she is praised in The Pistis Sophia as one "whose heart is more directed to the Kingdom of Heaven than all [her] brothers" There is no implication in this writing of a marital status.

16. “Gospel” of Mary • In the 130-180 Gospel of Mary Jesus' love for Mary leads him to reveal special truth only to her, that the disciples were upset about. There is now a more special bond between them than the other disciples, but still nothing in this writing that points to a sexual or spousal relationship between Jesus and Mary.

17. “Gospel” of Phillip • The final document that has bearing on this situation is the “Gospel” of Phillip 170-220 "There were three who always walked with the Lord: Mary his mother and her sister and Magdalene, the one who was called his companion" (section 59). The greek word here is koinonos. It is used several times in the New Testament with this ordinary meaning (for example, when Paul refers to himself as Philemon's koinonos in the Philemon 1:17). • The second passage in The “Gospel” of Philip that concerns Mary is the most suggestive: " And the companion of the [...] Mary Magdalene. [...] more than [...] the disciples, [...] kiss her [...] on her [...]. The rest of the disciples were offended by it and expressed disapproval. They said to him, 'Why do you love her more than all of us?'

18. “Gospel” of Phillip • Even entertaining the far-flung idea that this could be an inspired writing; it does not support the marriage idea. If Jesus were married to Magdalene the disciples would not have been shocked, and the two of them could have kissed and cuddled all day. • The Gospel of Philip also makes statements that deny the virgin birth, and claims that the Holy Spirit is female. It says there are men who do not sin and are not able to sin. It says that Adam came from two virgins, and from the spirit of the earth. That Adam ate from the tree in the garden that bears animals.

19. From the Scriptures • Paul mentions that marriage divides a man’s focus on God, it would have rendered Jesus not fully committed to God’s will. 1 Corinthians 7:32-24 “An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided.” • Jesus would have been a hypocrite to call disciples away from their families, professions (fishermen, tax collectors, etc.) in order to follow Him with singular purpose. “left everything” “forsook all” Matt 10:37, Luke 14:26

20. From the Scriptures 2 • John 14:31 “The world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” If Jesus had married the above statement would not ring true. He would have been interested in his own desires, suiting and wooing a follower. He would have shown a mixed message that he loved his father AND his earthly wife. • The Bible does not say He was not married to a garden hose.

21. From the Scriptures 3 • In Matthew 19 Jesus is asked about the circumstances in which divorce is lawful. His answer makes it clear that He holds marriage in the highest regard. In response to Jesus's "hard line" on divorce, His disciples say, "If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry" (v. 10). Jesus responds: ".. and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can." (vv. 11-12) • This implies to me that Jesus followed the concept of pursuing a celibate life because of a greater purpose. • There is no counter by the disciples “but Jesus, what about your wife” There is no attack from the Pharisees about such a relationship.

22. Jesus Knew His Purpose early • At age 12, right before the critical Jewish age of 13… Luke 2:49 "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be about my father’s business?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them. • Would Jesus have married, knowing that he could not father children, and would be killed early in life?

23. Jesus Could Not Join Himself • While marriage itself is not wrong, Jesus would not have been the pure sacrifice. He would have been “one flesh” with a fallen human. In God there can be no darkness at all. • 1 Corinthians 7:4 “The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife.” He would not have had full right of sacrifice.

24. Jesus About Natural Family • The crowd told him that they were there to see him. Jesus responded, "Who are my mother and brothers?" Then, looking at his disciples, he answered the question: "Here are my mother and brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother" (Mark 3:33-35). • Jesus upheld the family as important, but He showed clearly that He personally had no ties to a natural family. No mention of here is your wife.

25. Prophesy Makes this impossible • Jesus was ugly, not physically attractive. ISA 53:2-3 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. • Jesus was not welcome in his hometown. ISA 53:3 “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.” Mark 6:4 "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor."

26. Prophesy Makes this impossible 2 • He had no home, no place to rest his head. Matt 8:19 Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. • He could have no offspring ISA 53:8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.

27. Prophesy Makes this impossible 3 • Everyone deserted him Matthew 26:56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. • His servant position would have greater status if married. Phil 2:5 “but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!”

28. Did Jesus Keep Secrets? • ISA 45:18 For this is what the LORD says-- he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited-- he says: "I am the LORD, and there is no other. 19 I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.' I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right. • John 15: 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

29. Did Jesus Keep Secrets? 2 • John 18:19 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. "I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said. • 2 Pet 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

30. The Meat of the Argument • This argument fits in today’s society of easy-out marriage better than it would have even 50 years ago. Jesus is espoused to his church. There is no way out of this marriage arrangement. Scripture indicates that not even death can separate us from his love (Rom 8:38). We as disciples are, together, the true and only bride of Christ. • Ephesians 5:21-33 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish”

31. Dangers in This • It undermines scriptural authority. e.g. because the bible appears silent about ________ it is open to speculation and change. • Proof Damaged: Miracles – Da Vinci book claims miracles are impossible. • Proof Damaged: Prophesy fulfilled – These are human books full of errors and changed over time. • Proof Damaged: Physical Resurrection – Jesus was just a man, married with children. • It damages history. If I said Columbus found America in 1842 you would think I was a fool. We cannot allow history to be changed. It is the pillar that supports truth.

32. Dangers in This 2 • It undermines the message that Jesus was really a pure sacrifice. It represents Jesus as selfish in his desires. It presents Jesus as partly about gratification. • It reduces the marriage covenant down to something that is convenient when a female disciple is around. It belittles the idea that believers are part of the bride of Christ or that Jesus will be married to his church. It reduces the church to an adulterous second marriage.

33. Scripture Fights False Teachings • Acts 20:29-31 “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” • 2 Timothy 2:17-18 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.

34. Scripture Fights False Teachings 2 • 2 Peter 2:1 “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves” • Revelations 2:15 ”You hate the teachings of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate” These were likely a group of Gnostics or Church leaders that elevated their positions.

35. The Real “Da Vinci code” • Leonardo wrote mirrored or backwards.

36. Da Vinci Anatomy Expert?

37. Da Vinci Lord’s Supper

38. Lord’s Supper Close-up

39. Fact: • Leonardo Da Vinci (1400ad) himself identified the apostles in the drawings for the paintings and in his other writings, mentioning that John was the youngest and more feminine of the 12 disciples. If Da Vinci had painted a Mary Magdalene in the picture, then which disciple got left out? There are only the twelve in the picture plus Jesus.

40. Other Paintings Of John: Cosimo Rosselli - 1481 Gerard David - 1510

41. Other Paintings of John 2 Giotto Di Bondone - 1350 Jacobo Bassano - 1542

42. Practical Application • The author of the Da Vinci Code clearly researched and knew his stuff, He had way too much time and motivation for just a simple work of fiction. The Gnostic argument is nothing new. This is dangerous religious fiction presented as fact, like evolution, easy out-marriage, or any other of man’s imaginings.

43. Practical Application 2 • You may have heard there is a real “Da Vinci Code” so it rings in the back of your mind as plausible. You can look and notice that John in the Last supper does appear feminine. You can look and find some of the secret organizations do exist. • Do you think, how much more of this fiction might be right? The correct approach should be: It is fiction, parts are obviously wrong, Destructive heresies CAN destroy good faith. We should approach it as false teaching. Acts 20:31 “Be on your Guard!”