Here we go again. Some sensational movie supposedly takes a poke at the church, and then thousands of Christian protestors try to dissuade one from watching the movie. I went to see the movie myself today, and it is an adventure. Nothing more. I would rate the movie a B-. It's better than average (and maybe because I like the subject content) but as they would say, "nothing to write home about." I would suggest seeing it on a rainy day if you want a little adventure. Don't do like I did. I needed some "down time" so I watched it on a bright sunny day instead of being outdoors taking some nature pictures like I originally wanted. I should have taken pictures instead. On the other hand, unlike many Christians, I am not saying to stay away from the movie.
So, what is the movie about, and why is it so controversial? The movie, taken from the DaVinci Code best-seller, is a fictional action-adventure based on the historical premise that Jesus had children thru Mary Magdalene. Actually, I briefly mentioned in some past messages about the "grail" legends and kings, and how a royal bloodline of Jesus himself was perpetuated. However, nobody made as big of a stink when these historical ideas, secret societies and all, was presented in the book "Holy Blood Holy Grail" about 25 years ago. I did not have the patience to read thru such as thick and sleep-producing book like that, but I did read in its entirety the book "Bloodline of the Holy Grail". So why was there not a big stink then? Because I am really starting to think that the most vociferous kinds do not really bother to read books, and Hollywood did not promote them. That's what that tells me. Christian or otherwise, each has their "sideshow" except they are just on the opposite side of the street or town.
The grail legends introduce the idea that the monarchy of King David via Christ is still in existence. They deny some of the gospel accounts and claim those books are a church cover-up so-to-speak to keep the doctrine of the divinity of Christ perpetuated, when in fact, Jesus was a mere man in the lineage of royal blood.
What do I say about all this? Both sides are full of bunk. For the DaVinci side, I want to lay the claim (demonstrated shortly) that even without the New Testament gospels that the Old Testament predicted everything the way the gospels portray Christ. And if that's the case, then the Old Testament, Torah and all, has to be discarded as part of the cover-up if the New Testament is false. In other words, what I am saying is that even if there was no New Testament, if we are to believe at least the Old Testament, then by prophetic extrapolation, we'd have an account exactly as the New Testament we presently have speaks about.
What about the "rollers" and Catholics that protest it? I think they have the right idea, but I do not think they speak from faith, but fear. Basically, they do the same thing to the DaVinci code ideas as they do to the "lost tribes". What is that, Liaf? They go thru great lengths to disprove the idea that Jesus had children, but offer nothing in its place--- in this case, an answer to an earthly, Davidic King. This is what happens when they reject the truth we teach here, but then have to face the world's substitute of the continuing Davidic lineage. "DaVinci" people raise some valid points. But I do not think they have the right lineage, that's what I have to say about it. Like I said before, if you want to quit smoking, substitute it with a good habit. The Christians just want to ban the bad habit and then wonder why the guy's going nuts without the cigarette.
OK--- I think the best way to deal with the idea that the Old Testament predicted Messiah exactly the way the New Testament depicts him is to quote the verses that support this, and then compare to what mainline Christianity believes, and then finally what the "DaVincians" believe. In other words, I am going to quote merely Old Testament verses about the Davidic lineage so that even if the New Testament was false, will demonstrate that the DaVinci people still do not have it right. Characteristics and prophecy of Messiah can stand without the New Testament. This is why it is soooooo important to know your bible and learn it as we teach here. To that end, I think the best way to tackle this is to make a chart comparing the beliefs: the bible, the Christians, and the DaVincians. You will see what we teach here is the truth, and it is a ready answer to the complexities that come with the DaVinci code.
To conclude, we see in this chart that Christians do not really believe a lot of the Old Testament as we teach here, and may call the likes of us that teach the bible "strange" or "a cult". But when they only have half of the answers and are not playing with a full deck, the likes of the DaVincians becomes severely threatening (could it be they doubt they have solid answers and cannot give reason for the hope that is supposedly within them?). The result will be well intentioned, but ignorant picketing and debates that do not really answer some of the valid points the DaVincians have. Thus, many will "fall away" and be converted to this lie only because many Christians are too pig-headed to understand the bible properly.
As for the DaVincians, we see that their "secret" lineage of Christ is a feeble and impotent substitute for the continuing Davidic lineage--- the world's answer to the alternate lineage the bible teaches. In addition, they do not believe the New Testament, but we've shown here with scriptural proof from the Old Testament that they do not believe that either. So what? Aren't they unbelievers anyway? Well, if they do not accept the Old Testament either, then what is the basis for believing in the Davidic lineage? So, if there is no faith in the Old Testament, the Davidic lineage could just as well be a fable, and there would be no DaVinci code. Plain and simple.
So, go ahead. Watch the movie. But pick a rainy day. It will pass the time if you like a little adventure. But it is nothing more than that.