It is appalling to hear everyone riding the "Da Vinci Code" controversy. Bishops, Civil leaders, and just now, newspapers say that even the Executive Secretary wants Da Vinci Code banned from local cinemas. It is sometimes disturbing and confusing where the paranoia is coming from.
I have read The Da Vinci Code and I must say that Dan Brown has crafted a literary masterpiece. With its fast-paced, action-packed plot and highly controversial issues, you wouldn't want to stop reading until the end. The book has touched a few sensitive issues on Christianity, the Opus Dei sect, the Gnostic Gospels, and Jesus Christ's human side, irating the faithfuls.
For one, Dan Brown has already cleared it out that his book was fiction, thus beliefs, rituals and facts stated were not true. End of controversy.
Second, being a devout Catholic, I don't think Dan Brown insulted, nor questioned the divinity of Jesus Christ. He just gave Christ a more human nature. Everybody could have made several assumptions on the life of Christ during the hidden years. After all, it was not written in the bible.
I admired Bro. Mike Velarde's statement over the issue, saying that the Filipinos are too secured towards their faith so there is no need to ban the movie. Also, MTRCB Chairperson Consoliza Laguardia was absolutely correct in saying that a simple two-hour video will not change a person's faith overnight.
This is not the first time that a movie has somewhat questioned the facts about the Christian religion. There was the movie Stigmata, which became famous for the line "How's your faith these dyas, Father?" The movie also questioned the validity of the Catholic Church, however, it was never banned by the MTRCB.
Another controversial movie is "The Body," starring Antonio Banderas who played the role of a priest investigating the site where they allegedly found the corpse of Jesus Christ. If I could recall correctly, the movie ended with a scene of Banderas and a bishop, where the bishop weeps and tells Banderas, "A priest is sworn to secrecy" after having found out that the body was indeed Christ.
All these media hype just a) puts the Catholic Church on the defensive, and b) creates interest and enthusiasm in the movie, which would later on convert into ticket sales.
There are more urgent concerns in this country that needs attention.
2 comments :
Babe just a clarification. Brown did say in the book, and i quote, "All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents and secret rituals in this novel are accurate". Still I agree that none of this over-reaction is founded.
Oh yes, I read that. I think what he was referring to as fiction was the plot itself. And maybe, the extremities of the characters who are members of secret societies and Catholic Sects. Maybe what he was trying to say is that the characters may project an image of corruption, heresy or wickedness, but it does not reflect the profile of the specified group as a whole.
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