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DA VINCI CODE

Ron Howard, Director of the movie The Da Vinci Code, urges people who think the movie might upset them, not to go see it. I think I'll follow his advice.

Howard says, its "entertainment, not theology." I've got to tell you that I'm becoming uncomfortable with the "its only fiction" argument. Here's why. Just as nonfiction can be judged by the truth it communicates, so can fiction.

For instance, "The Green Mile" directed by Frank Darabont communicates a powerful message. Author Stephen King names the protagonist "John Coffey" in his book that formed the basis of the movie. In his book.

On Writing, King states that he wanted the protagonist's name to have the initials JC because he is a sacrificial lamb figure in the movie. There are some parallels between John Coffey's life and Jesus', but there are no assertions that Jesus was a black man who owned a pet mouse while on death roll. (There are also places where there are no parallels, such as when Coffey takes revenge on his enemies.) In this book, King uses fiction techniques to communicate truth.

C. S. Lewis understood the power of communicating truth through fiction. He was the master at doing so. No one would dismiss the truth he teaches in the Chronicles of Narnia by saying, "It's only fiction, don't pay it any attention."

If you do see the movie, please let me know what "truth" Howard communicates in this move. We already know what untruths are communicated because they've been well publicized. As I said, I don't buy that they're fiction—they're false, and there is a difference. Jesus was not married to Mary Magdalene.

As for me, I'll take Howard's advice and not see his movie.

—http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=101771, On Writing, p. 196-7. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson

Philippians 4:8 (NIV) "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."