Irish group bids to debunk Da Vinci Code
Campaigners on a crusade to debunk the ‘Da Vinci Code’ tonight offered an antidote to the tale claiming that author Dan Brown is taking the public for a ride.
Stopping short of calling for a boycott of the film, an umbrella group of Christian organisations Hope Ireland warned Brown’s work may cause even more damage on the big screen.
The group gave the warning at the launch of US author Mark Shea’s book The Da Vinci Deception, which aims to separate fact from fiction in The Da Vinci Code.
Mr Shea said: “As a page-turning work of fiction, The Da Vinci Code is without equal. As a piece of pseudo-historical literature, the book and the film are entirely bogus.
“Brown’s very artful falsehoods are a scam. Once you understand Brown’s game, you start to realise that it is Brown, not the Catholic faith, that is taking people for a ride.”
Shea’s book gives readers 100 questions and answers about Dan Brown’s novel and he urged people not to line the best-selling author’s pockets any further.
Hope Ireland added that it would be stepping up its campaign in schools, parishes and the media.
Meanwhile, Catholics both north and south of the border are expected to turn out in force at cinemas this weekend to protest against the release of The Da Vinci Code.
Dozens of volunteers will be distributing free copies of The Irish Catholic at cinemas in Dublin, Belfast, Newry and Derry.
The newspaper has launched a special issue to coincide with the release of the movie, rebutting certain claims in the book and movie point by point.
It also includes contributions from senior church officials as well as leading art historians.
The plot of the movie, which claims Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had children, has outraged Christians worldwide.
The Irish Catholic examines the myth behind Dan Brown’s best-seller, which it describes as “a blizzard of nonsense”.
