Boycott Da Vinci Code film": top Vatican official

Da Vinci Code Forum

Boycott Da Vinci Code film": top Vatican official

ROME (Reuters) - The Vatican stepped up its offensive against "The Da Vinci Code" on Friday when a top official close to Pope Benedict blasted the book as full of anti-Christian lies and urged Catholics to boycott the film.

The latest broadside came from Archbishop Angelo Amato, the number two official in the Vatican doctrinal office which was headed by Pope Benedict until his election last year.

Amato, addressing a Catholic conference in Rome, called the book "stridently anti-Christian .. full of calumnies, offences and historical and theological errors regarding Jesus, the Gospels and the Church."

He added: "I hope that you all will boycott the film."

The movie, which is being released by Sony Pictures division Columbia Pictures, stars Tom Hanks and premieres next month at the Cannes film festival in France. Sony Pictures is the media wing of Japanese electronics giant Sony Corp (NYSE:SNE - news).

Amato said the book, written by Dan Brown, had been hugely successful around the world thanks in part to what he called "the extreme cultural poverty on the part of a good number of the Christian faithful."

The book has sold over 40 million copies.

The novel is an international murder mystery centered on attempts to uncover a secret about the life of Christ that a clandestine society has tried to protect for centuries.

The central tenet of the book is that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had children.

In his address to the group, Amato said Christians should be more willing "to reject lies and gratuitous defamation."

He said that if "such lies and errors had been directed at the Koran or the Holocaust they would have justly provoked a world uprising."

He added: "Instead, if they are directed against the Church and Christians, they remain unpunished."

Amato suggested that Catholics around the world should launch organized protests against the "The Da Vinci Code" film just as some had done in 1988 to protest against Martin Scorsese's "The Last Temptation of Christ."

LATEST BROADSIDE

Amato's broadside was just the latest blast against the book and the film.

Just before Easter, another Vatican official railed against it at an event attended by Pope Benedict, branding the book and its film version as just more examples of Jesus being sold out by a wave of what he called "pseudo-historic" art.

Catholic group Opus Dei has told Sony Pictures that putting a disclaimer on the movie stressing it is a work of fiction would be a welcome show of respect toward the Church.

In the novel and film, Opus Dei is characterized as the latest in a series of secretive groups that worked over the centuries to obscure truths about Jesus Christ.

Opus Dei is a controversial conservative Church group whose members are mostly non-clerics and are urged to seek holiness in their everyday professional jobs and lives. It has rejected criticisms that it is secretive and elitist.

With the movie's opening less than a month away, Opus Dei and other Christian groups have been sponsoring Web sites and events telling people the novel should not be believed.

The book is a thriller in which the main characters must uncover clues they hope will lead them to an important religious relic. Their adversary is an Opus Dei member.

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-HECK!

You know, my girlfriend is a Catholic and very religious. Church every Sunday. I am a heathen in comparison. But she can't wait to see this movie. Wanna know why? Because it's a freakin' movie! This reminds me of books getting banned in the dirty South back in the 50's. Close minded, pea brain, religious right dogma crapola that makes me want to flick these jackballs who believe it right between the eye with my middle finger.

-HECK!

I'm totally with you there, Heck. It's a MOVIE! They are NOT claiming that this is the truth, like the bible does. Sheesh... people get way too wound up over things in life that don't need it.


As Eddie Murphy said, years back in his RAW tour...

"Tell Mr Cosby to have a coke, smile, and to shut the **** up!"

I will not see it and I know that many other Christians will not see it. Yes I know it is a fictional story, but I find it VERY insulting what they have done to Jesus. It is in extremely poor taste to take our Lord and Saviour and pimp him out for profit and betray everything he stood for just to make a buck.

Now I am not saying that no one should go see it, but I do not think anyone who doesn't want to see it should be chastised for their choice.

I don't think that anyone should be chastised for their choice in seeing it. My problem is that there are christians who want something mentioned about this film being fictional, because it goes against what they believe. But, if there is a movie made, such as "The Passion of Christ" why isn't their a statement before hand, stating this this is only fiction? It might not be fiction to the believer, but to others, it is. That's the thing that has people upset.

The Passion was based on the Bible. IF you are religious then you know that to be the source. There is a world of difference between the Bible and a book by a fiction author.

I personally do not think it needs a disclaimer. People should be smart enough to figure out that this is a fictitious account.

I will tell you this, I will not see ANYTHING done by Ron Howard again. He and Tom Hanks are on my list of people that I refuse to watch their movies. This movie is a slap in the face to Christians. It is highly offensive.

Sherry, the bible isn't truth to everyone. So, in telling someone that makes something, depicting something about christ, that they are wrong... that makes a statement of... "The bible is THE truth... you're wrong about everything else." What gives ANYONE the right to say that their version, of ANYTHING is truth? It's a faith based thing... that's what I'm trying to say. Each person has the right to believe what they want.

As far as boycotting anything from Ron Howard, or starring Tom Hanks... thats a decision for you, and you alone. I don't agree with it... but, that's what makes life wonderful... we all have the right to decide what we want, and don't want.

Kris, I do realized that the Bible is not believed by everyone. Still it is and has been the truth to millions of people.
Even if you do not believe the Bible, the Da Vinci code is in such poor taste it is amazing. It shows zero religious tolerance, and it is abundantly clear that the book and movie are anti-Christian. I guess I find it amazing that so many people think it is o.k. to take something that millions of us believe and hold dear to our hearts and piss on it. That is exactly what the Da Vinci code has done.

Yet, playing devil's advocate here... the bible doesn't "piss on" others religions, beliefs, etc.... ?

I can see both sides of the coin, because of where I stand with my religious views. I still believe that non are the full truth... yet, there is some truth in all.

I had this book... and started to read it, and never finished! Why? Because I was sick at the time, and it bored me, to death. I will reread it, because I want to. I have had many a conversation with people, including my mother, and Jill (my pastor) about this book. Our church even had a study group on this book, and people loved it... they loved reading it, disecting it, and having in depth discussions on it. I respect that. They don't all have the same opinion on it. Some of them were like you, upset with the book, while others thought that it was great. The good thing about it.... it brought intelligent debate in a group of people who have different points of view, and everyone loved that.

In my dealings with young people I have found that many of them believe this book to be true. Oh I know thats its suppose to be fiction but they have not heard it. They say "but the guy has facts to back it up".
For those out there who are questioning their lives and their worth or their relationship to God this book is devistating to them.

Also one more thing to ponder. What to you think would happen if Tom Hanks and Ron Howard did a movie about Salmon Rushties book on mohammad?

Holy blood and Holy grail is more of a historical book, and it describes pritty much the same thing ...

I beleive there is proff of the event, they have just been hushed up by the church

Other movies that need to be banned by the Catholic Church:

Star Wars- it happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. It goes against the origin of Earth and the Jedi bare false witness. Blasphemy!

Jurassic Park- many Catholics believe the Earth is 10,000 years old. Dinosaurs were fake. Blasphemy!

Bruce Almighty- making Jim Carrey God? Blasphemy!

Brokeback Mountain- the Catholic Church does not approve of gay cowboys. Blasphemy!

Short Circuit- robots that come alive? Blasphemy!

Superman- alien in tights? Did God make Krypton? Blasphemy!

See how silly all of that sounds?

And I think the Harry Potter comparison is apt. It is a movie about witchcraft, unapologetically so.

I am all for not seeing a movie on your beliefs, but when the dudes with big hats at the Vatican start shaking their finger at movies it's not a good sign.

-HECK!

I think that if the Church wanted it to be in the bible, true or not, it would be. We're talking about a book that was written, re-written, edited, translated, added to, debated, and interpreted over centuries. And there are still vague passages that scholars to this day try to figure out.

One universal truth is, history is written by those with the power.

-HECK!

There were MANY books, according to scholars, that were not put in the bible! Why is that? Because the church decided what would, and wouldn't, be told. They made it be exactly what they wanted it... and THAT is why I will never say that it is the absolute truth. I can't believe in something that was man made. It's just my opinion.

I think that people have the right to read what they want, and see what they want. I don't agree with a church, a book, or a person, telling the mass what they can, and can't, do.

Now, if someone doesn't want to see this movie, because it goes against what they believe... truly, I think that it's their right to feel so. But, I also think that it's other people's right to say how they feel. If someone wrote a book and they believe that Jesus was married, or had relations, or whatever... they have that right, to write the book. To the believer in the exactness of the bible, they have the right to not want to read it.

Its the same as a war ... you only hear about it from the veiw of the victors

I won't see it. It's Bogus with a capital "B".


I think for "Blasphemy", but maybe for "Bull****". Not sure which.

Ill see it because i enjoyed the book

So it doesnt go to the bible ... which i dont see as complete fact any way. I think JC sercived the cross and ran off other mary M to finish off being a budist

And that's cool, Whidden. To each their own. I will see it, because I think that it will be a good movie.

Turns out I won't be boycotting the film (I was going to boycott because I thought the book was extremely overrated, not because of any religious thing), because the wife wants to watch it. To be honest, with Ron Howard directing, the whole chase could be quite breath-taking.

Mystic, I don't think W and F are particularly picking and choosing which parts of the bible they wish to adhere too. I don't think it has much to do with the bible. Jesus is their (sorry, is that rude? Should I say our? Or... ah, you know what I mean) saviour, they don't like the way he's portrayed in this book. I think that's all it comes down to.

Looking at both sides here, I can see where people are coming from. It's their faith. It's what they truly, to the depths of their heart believe... that Jesus was sent, from above, and came here, as a sinless man, and died for all of our sins. The book, Da Vinci Code, goes against that belief. This book changes everything that the bible says about Jesus, and portrays him in a different light.

But, on the other side, there are those that DONT have that belief. They are of the feeling that the bible isn't pure truth. Some, like me, believe that there is truth within the bible. Some believe that there is no truth to it, what-so-ever. And so, this book, and the movie, to them, are just that... a book, and a movie. They don't take it any more seriously than they would a horror flick, or an outrageous storyline in some sense, that is just fantasy. To many, it's pure entertainment.

Then there are people who believe that there is truth to this book. They think that Jesus did live and have a regular life, like most human beings. That he married, had a family, etc...

Who is to say what is the ABSOLUTE truth? It's all about faith. Everyone has the right to that. Everyone might be right, and wrong. Who knows. Until the day that we are no longer breathing on this earth, we won't know. And then, once again, at the point of death, we might still not know.

But, the one thing is, that we all have the right to our views, and opinions.

I can see why Sherry and Dave are upset over this movie. It's about their belief system. It's their faith, in Christ, that they feel is being tarnished. I can also see mystics point of view. To defend one thing, but to support a book, however fictional, that is about witchcraft, goes against the bible. It's a no win situation. But, the GREAT thing about life is that we all see it through different colored glasses. And that's beautiful. Life is about communication, in the purest forms... and debate is about as pure as it gets, because of the passion, from each person involved.

Personally, for me, and a few others on here, I have LOVED this forum, and the passionate posts that I've read, from each and every person. Do I take anything that someone says, personally? No, when I log off from here, I don't stew over it. Nor do I think about what I'm going to come back and say. I just reflect upon it, and smile, because it's all good.

Illuminate said it best:
"If a movie such as this is going to crumble your faith and beliefs then it wasn't strong to begin with."

My mother, whom is my spiritual pillar, is a very faithful woman, in so many different ways. She's a Christian, who is HEAVILY involved in our church. She is a woman of faith in every sense there is, in life. She never forgets that. She is also open enough to know that there is more out there than we will ever know. She has read the Di Vinci Code book, and highly recommends it... not as truth, but as a point of view of someone else. Her faith, for not one moment, was not shaken, or ever stirred, when she read the book. She was not angry by the portrayal of Jesus. She is, by far, one of the most open-minded people that I've ever known... and that is an inspiration. You can be open-minded, and not have your feelings, beliefs, etc... be changed. Yet, you can still hear what others have to say.

Okay, I'm just rambling on and on.... but, my point is, that we can all see things, in a different way, and still discuss it, like adults, without our faith, in whatever, falling apart. We can also show respect, to each other, for those views, and not tear another apart for it. Try to remember that, in your responses. Even if you don't think that you're doing, it might come across to another like that. But, on the other hand, to those who might feel offended, or attacked, try to remember that it's not personal. It's merely another person, who is sharing their views, and they are just as passionate about it as you are.

I just think it's a big step from comparing the fictional idea of a movie saying JC hooked up to the Holocaust, kicking puppies and Honest Abe being Freddy Kruger. This movie is not wiping it's backside with the Bible. I am all for those who don't want to see it, but let's not start the book burning just yet.

Again, I haven't read it. I am about to, at least before the movie comes out. I wonder how many devout Christians that are boycotting this movie have given the book a gander?

-HECK!

they proberly boycotted the book as well as they heard from others what it was about

Absolutely. I mean, not everyone should read every book. My only problem is people slamming, codeming or otherwise criticisizing when they haven't even read the thing they are so against. Just say it's not for me and be done. People who get all uppity and holier than thou tend to give me the red ass.

-HECK!

Okay, I read the book and unless i'm completely forgetting a main part, i don't remember the book saying that Jesus DID NOT die on the cross. I keep reading people say that and I don't think that's in the book.

I understand if some people feel strongly against the story and what they think it's saying - but i do hate when people form an opinion before they know what they're talking about. I don't think it's as blasphemous as people are making it out to be. But, that's just my opinion and if someone isn't interested in reading it, then by all means, don't.

It doesn't say that at all, from what I've read on Churchy websites slamming the book.

-HECK!

I wonder though, from the standpoint of those boycotting the film, do they regard the Bible as a history book?

-HECK!

Well thank you

Hey, don't congratulate her. I'm more open minded! I'm so open minded my brains are about to fall out!


I suggest everyone watch this movie now. I recently realized those in America will finally get a good look at the car I drive (Smart) and don't call it girly when you all see it

I hate Smart cars ... although i do like smart roadsters (-coupe) ... the smart cars are just too hilly

Wait, aren't smart cars those teeny tiny square ones that you can parallel park PERPENDICULARLY! i love those cars.

Heard that Ron Howard said he will not post a disclaimer at the start of the film.

Now what, how will I be able to tell the difference between reality and movies?

I just hope those dasterdly prisoners from Con Air got their day in court!

And I hope the war is over soon... the war between Vampires and Werewolves in Underworld. All the fallen people on both sides. Sad.

-HECK!

Good for him. He shouldn't have to. It'd be lame and he'd be a sell out if he did post the disclaimer.

good ol' opie.

now, let's see who can spot his brother in the movie the most times. READY...GO!

"Christians must not just sit back and say it is enough for us to forgive and to forget. Sometimes it is our duty to do something practical. Any film produced on the basis of that book is already in error from the word go, no matter how interesting it might appear." (Cardinal Francis Arinze, yesterday)

I think he expects Christians to go on kamakazi missions into movie theatres.


illuminate, yeah, my Smart can park perpendicular to the side of the road. The only problem with it is it's only got a 600cc engine (but with Turbo to boot). You'll see one in a great chase scene in the movie (or should do...)

I just don't understand why this book and movie so upset Christians. (usually the same Christians that don't understand why Muslims got so upset with cartoon depictions of Mohammad) The main idea in the book seems to be that a man named Jesus married a women named Mary. hmmm I wonder how they would feel if a book came out saying that since Jesus was never married that perhaps he was gay? (now don't get in a tizzy I am not suggesting he was) The premise that a Jewish man 2000 years ago was married when nearly every Jewish man 2000 years ago was married doesn't seem very far fetched at all.
I realize that "true believers" will just think I am anti-Christian (which I am not) but I just can't help think that letting an Institution (the Church) tell you what you should believe in is against everything that I have learned throughout by life.

And the fact is.... since there were other books written, and the church got together and decided WHICH one's would becoming the new testament... HOW does anyone, today, know that Jesus wasn't married? He might have been. He might have had kids. WE DONT KNOW. WE weren't alive back then. But, it's their faith. Just as it is other people's rights to believe differently.

Well, for me, the day that I allow the church to tell me how to live is when I will be celibate, and I will burn all my Harry Potter books, along with my cd's which aren't music that uplifts the lord. I will stop being online, because it isn't a spiritual thing that I'm doing... it isn't bringing me closer to god.

See, for me, that's just crazy. But, it's my opinion. It isn't the same for others. To each their own. But, you don't see me out there, protesting for christians to stop harassing me about my life! I just live my life, the best that I can, and do those things that I want. I don't tell another person what to watch, or read, or anything else. And I don't make demands, or boycott, because I haven't gotten my way.

Something would have been said if JC wasnt married, as it was the norm and as Ben said, most Jewish men 2000 years ago were married something would have been said if he wasnt

Da Vinci code is a good read, a combination of fact and fiction, not unlike that other best-seller with the talking snakes and man who walks on water and turns it into wine and came from a mother whose husband never got jiggy, not even after they were married, presumably, but as if by magic.

Nice one.

Good points, DKLillee. It's especially curious that the first print edition of the New Testament in Greek didn't pop up until the 1500's, the predecessor to the King Jimmy version, containing an entire belief system written by who knows how many peple that had been translated, interpreted, updated and who knows what else for over a thousand years.

-HECK!

And I don't mean to come off anti-religous, far from it. Just kicking up some debate here.

-HECK!

Well, I should declare myself an atheist right from the get-go. I think religion's wishful thinking at best, delusional fairytales in the middle, and a bunch of dangerous mind-bending ******** at the other end of the sprectrum.

But I spose it keeps them off the streets.

In what way does the DaVinci Code "pimp out" Jesus Christ? It puts him in a loving relationship with another human being. At no time does it imply that Jesus was promiscuious as so many people are now. God made us all sexual beings. Why is it so hard to accept Jesus, Son of God, as a sexual being? I do know that the Catholic Church back when I attended tried to make anything sexual as dirty and as sinful as possible . They just didn't want to believe that the savior could harbor feelings of sexual interest. Not even when his relationship with Mary Magdalene was as loving and as faithful as the highest ideal we now have of marriage.

Kerry, because, for many (not me), the bible is a sacred book, and complete truth. So, since there isn't anything in there, about Jesus being married, or having sex, etc... it can't have happened. Yet, there were MANY "books" written all that time, long ago, that NEVER made it into the 'bible' because those who chose the new testament books put what they WANTED people to read, and believe, in it.

Personally, I think that it's a wonderful thought... that Jesus was married, and had a family.

Isn't controvery FUN!!!!!

It's what makes the world go round... and round!!!

It would seem unlikely that Jesus would get married and father children when he knew he was going to be killed. Wouldn't be very responsible. Just before he died he told the Apostle John to take care of his (Jesus) mother (Joseph had apparently died). Wouldn't this have been a good time to tell someone to watch out for his wife and kids?

Jesus said he came to Earth to tell the truth and to teach people about his father. Also to offer up his life as a ransom for the human race.
His life was going to be short (33 years). Marriage wasn't in his plans apparently.

For those who believe that the bible is truth, then yes, kevdaddy, it would be easy to accept that. For those that believe that the bible holds some truth, it is questionable. For those that don't believe in the bible, they wouldn't find that reasoning acceptable. Therefore, some will see that Jesus was a man, who had a life like others, with a marriage, a family, etc...

I just wanna see a movie.

There is nothing wrong with that, SD! Thats all it is... a movie.

Totally, I didn't leave the theater thinking I was watching a documentary. Plus, we all know that there is so much made up stuff in it... like albino's.

-HECK!

Yeppers... totally made up!

BTW- did you see it this weekend, KJ?

-HECK!

No... Im going to read the book first.

I saw it on Saturday ... As a movie it was good ... had a couple of filmographic errors but still a good film

I have a deep seated respect for religious authority. However, taking such a stance as boycotting something instead of issuing warnings is a little drastic and close-minded, don't you think?

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The Catholic church's religious edicts include not wearing condoms despite rampant HIV in Africa - this is an authority the world can do without - it's not practical - people need to think of their own morals and ethics, not be dictated to by an organisation that believes in the teachings of a 2000 year old book of chinese whispers which features talking snakes and a man begat not from sexual intercourse but rather from magic by a man in the moon.

among other things.

I agree. Religion's nout but a myth propogated by vested interests. It's like legalised fantasy. There's no God, there's no magical land in the sky where you go when you die and live in paradise forever just as there's no volcanic lava underground place where devils stick you with pitch forks.

It's unbelievable to me that people BELIEVE this cockamamee magical land bulldust. They don't believe in Santa Clause though he has a big white beard and hands out gifts for children who are good for a year, just as God does when adults obey the rules for their whole lives, they get the pay-off at the end, the eternal life. No wonder people turn up to church. They don't believe they'll actually die. That must be comforting. Completely ****ing fanciful but there you go. It keeps them off the street, I suppose.

I don't go to church because I don't believe there's a magical man in the sky who'll give me what I want on earth and then eternal life in paradise when I die.

That's a pretty basic premise of christianity that there is a man in the moon who'll send you to heaven upon you carking it, and if you don't believe that's going to happen - I mean, it's a bit convenient isn't it? It doesn't happen for cats and badgers and other mammals, why only the humans? Because of our brain? - then praying is little more than wishful thinking, I think, which is harmless enough, granted, but if you want something to happen the best bet is to try and make it. I think.

I don't believe that the bible is truth, DKLillee... but, I do go to a church, that isn't all preachy. I go because I'm third generation there, and have a TON of friends there. Plus, the associate minister happens to be my adopted sister.

I think that 'each their own' is the best way to live. If people want to go for religious purposes, or to pray, etc... that it's their choice. If they don't push it on others, I'm fine with it.

Id like to be standing there too when that happens. (if it happens.) I was told by one of my 'religious whacko' relatives when I didn't want to wear a hat to Mass that it would be better for me not to go to Mass than to go without a hat. It's a RULE that all women must wear a hat in church. I haven't been for a long time now so maybe that's not so important anymore, but those insignificant rules were very important to the people then.

On easter Sunday theres a hat competition between the women ... who can wear the best hat