Evolution

The folks at Opus Dei sent me these interesting bytes about DVC - my, my, my....

Jason Kaufman, editor of the novel, quoted in the New York Daily News, Sept. 4, 2003: "Nothing is made up in Dan's research," he says. "He's a student of this stuff."

Jason Kaufman quoted in the Boston Globe, May 8, 2004:
"This is a novel based on an interesting idea. It's not a textbook."

On his web site, the author asks himself the question, how much of the novel is based on fact. Here is how the answer evolves (see http://www.danbrown.com/novels/davinci_code/faqs.html):

Early version:

HOW MUCH OF THIS NOVEL IS BASED ON FACT?

All of it. The paintings, locations, historical documents, and organizations described in the novel all exist. Photos of the paintings and locations can be viewed in art books or on my website.

A somewhat later version:

HOW MUCH OF THIS NOVEL IS BASED ON FACT?

The paintings, locations, historical documents, and organizations described in the novel all exist. Photos of the paintings and locations can be viewed in art books or on my website.

Most recent version:

HOW MUCH OF THIS NOVEL IS TRUE?

The Da Vinci Code is a novel and therefore a work of fiction. While the book's characters and their actions are obviously not real, the artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals depicted in this novel all
exist (for example, Leonardo Da Vinci's paintings, the Louvre pyramid, the Gnostic Gospels, Hieros Gamos, etc.). These real elements are interpretted and debated by fictional characters. While it is my belief that the
theories discussed by these characters have merit, each individual reader must explore these characters' viewpoints and come to his or her own interpretations. My hope in writing this novel was that the story would serve as a catalyst and a springboard for people to discuss the important topics of faith, religion, and history.

Comments

[Tim]

Was at my parent’s home this past weekend helping them get ready to move. What book on tape were they listening too while traveling on the road? The DaVinci Code of course. They had not gotten very far. I recommended Amy's book. My dad had seen a flyer at church about the book. I think it was from OSV. He did not pick it up. My mother asked me about Opus Dei. After rolling my eyes, I proceeded to inform her that they do not have monks, let alone murderous ones. I did not spoil the plot for them but did let them know to beware. They have been through two Renew programs so I cut them some slack. The sad thing is they are moving at a time when they now have a very orthodox pastor and a young orthodox associate pastor. I am slowly working on them and the rest of the family. One sister is Catholic but into Feng Shuei (sp?), a brother has left the church, for ECUSA I think, due to his wife. The rest are in the church thank God. Anyway, the point is this book is everywhere. Be vigilant.

[Cheryl]

Carl Olson made some of the same points in this recent article on Catholic Exchange:

http://catholicexchange.com/vm/index.asp?vm_id=2&art_id=23629

He also revisits the laudatory reviews when DVC came out (the ones that gush about this "intellectually satisfying thriller.") Some of the media backpedalling that's happening now, which Carl details quite well, is amusing to watch.

But I agree with Tim, I still hear a lot from friends and relatives who have swallowed the book hook, line and sinker.

[Sandra Miesel]

Maybe Christian debunkings are starting to get to them, even though they brush us off as "frightened" or worried about "mere fiction."

[Bill White]

It's telling that the blankin' editor of the book can neither spell nor write.

[c matt]

First version:

Most people are such historical and religious illiterates I could say the Church taught the moon is made of green cheese and they'd believe me.

Second version:

I can fool most of the people most of the time.

Third version:

Crap!! Someone actually looked into this.

[mario comeri]

For Dan Brown, please.

Sei un birbone!
Hai costruito la parte finale di "Angeki e Demoni", giocando su un'ignoranza di massa: la differenza fra castità e celibato, in seno alla religione Cristiana Cattolica Apostolica Romana.
- I Frati (Monaci e non Preti) giurano castità e intraprendono la Scuola , il Seminario.
- I Sacerdoti (Preti) giurano celibato e per diventare tali frequentano il Seminario.
Un religioso è dovuto alla castità solo se inizialmente è stato un Frate ein un secondo tempo un Prete.

Complimenti, sia per "Il Codice Da Vinci" che per "Angeli e Demoni", per la ricerca, per le "cose svelate". Peccato che buona parte dei lettori li consideri "solamente romanzi".

Un saluto a te: "Om Mani Padme Hung" o se preferisci "Al-Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh".

Mario Comeri
Italy
ram.5@libero.it