Da Vinci Code &Ndash; A Brave Step in Writing

The Da Vinci Code is a fast paced suspense thriller by American author Dan Brown in which the main characters have to decipher clues in paintings, architecture and riddles to solve a murder mystery. The book was first published in 2003 and became a bestseller.

As one is aware that Christianity in the USA, UK and other nations is increasingly under fierce attack in the media, in schools, in the courts even in churches, so, the book has been under lot of controversies. In a culture that systematically seeks to discredit Christ and His Word, theologian Dr. Erwin Lutzer has made this observation: “The Da Vinci Code is the most serious assault against Christianity that I have ever witnessed.” In light of such a bold statement, one has to study Dan Brown’s immensely popular novel, the released movie of the same name and their possible impact on the church and culture.

Although Dan Brown would have liked people believe that “all descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate,” The Da Vinci Code is a work of fiction, complete with good guys, bad guys and narrow escapes. Also, the novel’s plot twists are predictable. It is passable as popular fiction, but not a classic work. And yet, The Da Vinci Code has become a worldwide sensation.

The reason for this novel’s popularity is the controversial portrayal of Jujus. Even then the book has been bestseller in 2009 with a sale of 80 million copies and has been translated in 44 languages.

 The novel has   been criticized because of its alleged lack of artistic or literary merit and its allegedly stereotyped portrayal of British and French characters.