The Vatican slams The Da Vinci Code

[SVZ]

Vatican official FATHER RANIERO CANTALAMESSA has added to widespread criticism of DAN BROWN's best-selling novel THE DA VINCI CODE, branding it as just another example of JESUS CHRIST being sold out. Cantalamessa made his comments in a sermon commemorating Christ's death at St Peter Basilica's church in Vatican City on Good Friday (14APR06), in the presence of POPE BENEDICT XVI. Although Cantalamessa didn't specifically mention the name of the book, he made several references to the "pseudo-historic" work by saying people were obsessed with "every new theory according to which he (Christ) was not crucified and did not die, but ran off with MARY MAGDALENE". He also criticised the upcoming film version of the book, which will star TOM HANKS . Cantalamessa says, "No one will be able to stop this wave of speculation, which will see a sharp increase with the imminent release of a certain film."
17/04/2006 17:14

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[Karizma]

^ I totally agree with the stance of the Vatican, after they know about Jesus more than some film-makers or book writers.

[aabbcc]

I am not a Christian and it is not my intention to start a huge religious debate, but I find the idea that Jesus died of old age or whatever more believable than being crucified and rising from the dead.

[A*O]

The Vatican does seem a bit rattled by the popularity of the Da Vinci Code and its spinoffs, which kinda adds credence to the theory that they are trying to hide something - ironically the central idea of the book.

[nana55]

Why would the vatican know more than someone who has studied the history? Someone who has read other literature beside the fairytale I mean bible. The vatican was one of the most corrupt institutions in the world for years.

[A*O]

^ I totally agree with the stance of the Vatican, after they know about Jesus more than some film-makers or book writers.

Why is the Vatican the ultimate source of knowledge about Jesus? I don't think anyone seriously doubts his existance as a historical figure. Whether or not you believe he was/is the son of God is another matter.

[SVZ]

All hail the HypnoPope

[Luna]

It's a freaking book, admittedly fiction, at least the author disn't use "inspired by God" (eh hem Bible). Boo hoo for the Vatican, they really need to get over themselves.
Can't wait for the movie.

[ediebrooks]

We will never know what really happened because there is so little historical documentation. The Vatican doesn't need to get its knickers in a twist. Besides, "The DaVinci Code" was an awkwardly written piece of tripe that no one should take seriously.

[SVZ]

I can't believe they have Tom Hanks as Langdon...I was expecting a fit older man....not that tired old piece of trollop.

[Elise]

I have trouble trusting anything the Bible says. That book has been interpreted & reinterpreted so many times throughout history that I really feel it's real meaning has been corrupted.

[Grimmlok]

The fact that the vatican is freaking out over this means there's probably a ton of truth to it. This is the institution that has wreaked more havoc and suppressed so much knowledge all to retain power over 2 thousand years.

Bring it on.

oh, and SUCK IT catholic church. Thanks. Try not using your teeth.

[kitty]

i personally have not read the book myself, but i have read some of the main materials/arguments the book made. as a devout christian who attends church on a weekly basis, knowing what i know and as far as i am concerned, this book is a work of fiction and it doesnt have any evidence to back up its arguments which makes it dangerous for a person who is non-knowledgeable about christianity to make believe that the book is a work of non-fiction. the book also opened with the statement "fact" which in reality, is a bunch of lies with no evidence.
i know its hard to be religious in today's world. with all the sinful things going on, we are so used to it that they are seen as regular things and portrayed as daily living and appropriate actions.
i think its upto a person to choose their beliefs and i respect all others beliefs. however i find religious people to be the nicest and truest people around. no offence to anybody in the forum. bless u all whoever u believe in.
and lastly the bible is difficult to understand, you dont sit down and read it and expect to understand it completely. i am amazed at how many people know how to read the bible. this week was really nice, my church as full

[SVZ]

The Vatican is worried because well, they're targetting their demographic and telling them to think.

There doesn't necessarily need to be truth to their novel. But it's like a smaller and competing company suddenly gaining a lot of media attention, you have to react in some way.

[A*O]

I think the Vatican should possibly spend less time worrying about 'subversive' works of fiction and focus on more important and relevant doctrinal issues like its Dark Ages stance on birth control and homosexuality.