So I had the opportunity to see three movies this past weekend.  Now I am not one to post movie reviews here, but if you have a choice of what movie to see next, this might help you to thin k twice before going and seeing what everyone else is seeing:

UNITED 93:  This is a documentary style movie that takes you inside the FAA, the Defense Dept Command Center and United Flight 93 which was supposed to crash in to the capitol building before the courage of the passengers worked to bring it down prematurely.  It is gripping, edge of your seat suspense.  It is also highly respectful of those involved in that fateful day.  This is an important movie that needs to be seen.

Over The Hedge:  This is laugh out loud FUNNY!  Great animation.  Hilarious characters.  Cute, not stupid.  Just see this movie if you want to have fun.

The DaVinci Code—I really debated as to whether or not I wanted to see this movie for one reason:  Did I want Dan Brown, the author of The DaVinci Code book to my money? After teaching on it for four weeks on Sunday morning, seeing all sorts of news stories and specials on what is wrong with the story.  I am convinced that this is much, much more than JUST a story.  In my opinion it is intentionally deceptive and borderline blasphemous.  Friends of mine who have gone to church their whole life were left with questions of their faith after seeing this movie.  However, the bottom line is that the movie is BORING!  Two and a half hours of boring dialogue, no suspense, and bad acting.  Save your money, check out the book if you really want to know about it and read it, for the book is far more entertaining.  I encourage you to spend your money elsewhere.

Five Ways to Respond to The DaVinci Code:

1.  Let this START GREAT conversations with people about Jesus and The Church

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”

1 Peter 3:15-17

Take what you have learned in the past four weeks of Bible Class and use that information to let you have an informed discussion about Jesus and his Divinity, the authority of scripture, and Absolute Truth with those friends of your who see it.

2.  Let this CONTINUE YOUR QUEST for TRUTH as it is REVEALED IN SCRIPTURE. 

“For the word of God is living and active.”

Heb 4:12

If you read the book or see the movie, don’t let those questions just sit there!  Seek the Truth in Scripture!  Build a regular Quiet Time and develop your faith by building a stronger foundation of what is right.

3.  TRUST what has been passed down for GENERATION AFTER GENERATION.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.”

Hebrews 12:1

Know that you can trust the traditions of the church, those who have gone before you in faith, the trustworthiness of the Bible.  The DaVinci Code is FICTION.  Even though Dan Brown writes that “All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents and secret rituals are accurate.” THIS IS FALSE.  That statement is also part of the fiction work and is intended to help you suspend belief of what is really true to increase the drama in his book.

4.  Call a LIE a LIE.

Don’t condone falsehood with silence.

When you see something that is wrong—say that it is wrong.  Don’t just sit there and let is sit there without any challenge.  When you see something that is a lie, say, “That’s not right!”

5.  Be the BEST EXAMPLE of Christianity to those around you.

“Preach the word at all times . . .  If necessary, use words.

--St. Francis

This is the best way to respond to everything The DaVinci Code brings up is to be the best example of Christianity to those around you.  Be honest, a person of integrity, purity, righteousness and truth.  Be a servant.  Love those who others don’t.  And most of all walk the walk.