Just looking for thoughts and comments on the movie and book Davinci Code

It was a great read. Made me read other Dan Brown novels - I thought Angels and Demons was an even more enjoyable read. My wife and I plan to see the movie right when it comes out.

But what about the religious ramifications? Do you think it could cause an uprising of sorts throughout the religious community?

It might help to do a search before opening a new discussion. We recently had this discussion here:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/religion/davinci-code-24310.html

Just looking for thoughts and comments on the movie and book Davinci Code

It is fiction.

I understand it is fiction, however, it was all over the news this morning about some of the possible ramifications when people who do not completely understand that it is fiction see it. They discussed how Opus Dei may suffer some harsh criticism.

And ScottGem, just because there was a recent discussion, I believe a discussion can be reopened when something comes up in the news. This movie, although fiction, could create religious tension.

If it is worthy of the news, why is it not worthy of conversation?

And ScottGem, just because there was a recent discussion, I believe a discussion can be reopened when something comes up in the news.

I didn't say it wasn't. But instead of opening a new discussion, extend the existing one. This is one area where it would be OK to revive a dormant thread.

Those news discussions are also rehashes. The same discussions occurred when the book was originally released.

Just old news.

But what about the religious ramifications?

I don't believe there are any.


Do you think it could cause an uprising of sorts throughout the religious community?

No. There's not a hint of one now, and there will not be. Now, if we saw and read about reputable historians or priests speaking of the possibility of these things, then we might wonder... but there's no hint of any of that.

Clearly it's a hit and people love to talk about the hits. Throw on that the twist of making it sound like it could be true that one third of the people on the planet, including the worlds biggest Organization, have been duped.

Sensational! Wow! The stuff that makes fiction authors rich. That's all it is.

The truth about the Da Vinci Code.

Please see Rev. Bill Keller give his opinion on video at:

Prayer Requests and Miracles 24 hours a day! Prayer. (http://liveprayer.com/davinci.cfm) Warning 22 minute video

The "truth" about the Davinci Code is that it's a work of fiction played out against a background of some historical fact and some historical speculation.

Let each person decide for themselves what facts to believe or disbeleive.

According to author Dan Brown,Mary Magdeline had a child by Jesus called Sarah,and after his crucifixion,she,and the child fled to France,where the blood-line continued through French royalty,and supposidly,up-to this day.Da Vinci's painting The Last Supper,reportidly shows a woman,standing to the right of Jesus.Critics,and scholers have argued for years over this.Some say it is Mary Magdeline,others that it is nothing of the sort.
The book,and movie are fiction,as has already been said.I shall watch the movie,as simply a movie,nothing more,nothing less.Am I filling up the coffers of Dan Brown,Certainly.Will I stop going to my baptist church,or join a demonstration in protest of the book/movie? No.
Critics in the UK have already panned the movie as boreing,with some even yawning half-way through.Actor Sir Ian McKellern even stated on TV that this movie will prove to the Catholic church that Jesus was not gay.Only time will tell what the public at large make of all this,but I feel that for those actors involved it could prove a catastrophic blunder to their future careers.I hope not,for all are talented artists,and all have appeared in good past movies.Yet as they say,God moves in mysterious ways,not vengeful,or vendictive,but subtle,and quiet.However,what ever the outcome,my faith will remain constant.

Nice, reasonable editorial in the local paper here...
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060518/OPINION/605180325/1004

In particular I liked this part...
"Any faith that can't stand a little questioning -- especially the farfetched Da Vinci Code kind -- is a shallow one indeed. And Americans, overwhelmingly believers in God, are not persons of little faith. Religious groups afraid the movie will affect the beliefs of audience members or make the faithful doubt, underestimate the intelligence of the average American.

At least we hope they do.

However, if theater audiences are so easily swayed that one movie can shake lifelong religious beliefs, that means churches should get on a mission to better inform the flock about doctrines, including historical controversies relating to early Christianity. In other words, religious groups can embrace the Code controversy as an opportunity to brush up on their theology and get the message about their own beliefs across more keenly.

That's the reasonable -- and smart -- response to theological fallout from viewing the movie that some Brevard County churches have planned."

Enough respect to go around for everyone... I like that!

The truth about the Da Vinci Code.

Please see Rev. Bill Keller give his opinion on video at:

Prayer Requests and Miracles 24 hours a day! Prayer. (http://liveprayer.com/davinci.cfm) Warning 22 minute video "Why would you want to pay good money to see pure fictional fantasy."

That's what people do every day when they go to the movies. Has this guy ever been out in the real world? LOL I want my 10 minutes back after watching this guy who is obviously living in an alternate reality. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/alexp2_ad/lol.gif

Hmmm, That part that val quoted, I saw in Ellis Henican's column 2 days ago. Yet a I saw no credit given in the that link.

Added: I've sinced reviewed Henican's column (thanks to Val) and that part was not in it. I know I saw it somewhere in a NY paper, but no longer have those issues to find where I saw it.

Be that as it may, the contention that Jesus and Mary Magdalene had a daughter named Sarah and they both wound up in France is not Dan Brown's. There are other authorities that have promoted that theory. What Dan Brown did was take theories and facts and speculation about the marriage of Jesus and Mary and weave that into a very good thriller about the search for proof.

A lot of the idea and all the teachings of this "secret soceity" have been already proved false ( long before the book was even written) the entire society was based on forged information placed in various library and then all "found" all of a sudden to show the facts of the society.

And the problems just get funnier after that. The ancient texts that these are all based on were told in the book that they are much older than the gospels that are used in the bible, this is exactly the opposite, they gospels the bible is based on are much older.

Next there were not 80 tests there were about 15 that were not included either because they could not prove them or they were not commomly used among all the churches. Except for I believe Luke, 2nd John and Revelatoins, the rest were all accepted 100 percent. The entire bible as we have it was accepted by all but 3 of the Bishops at the meeting.
There was no real debate over what was to be in or not.

And the "gospels" that they base the book on in part is the teachings in the area where Mohammad took over, thus that is why you see ( according to Christian teaching) these principles in the Quran as they would have been learned by Mohammad as his christian wives and slaves would have related these teachings to him. Plus you have to laugh since the book goes on to say these gospels allow more freedom for women, but part of the main teachings is that women twill be transfored into men for true salvation.

What Dan was is that he took a false idea, and instead of basing it in a true world, like Raiders of the Lost Ark, he created the image of a world that is just off enough to sound true but is not.

Part of the book is the glass panes shaped like a triangle outside of one of the buildings, the number of these are a clue, he does not have the number right for several hundred, since the real number did not fit the story.

Basically anyone with any real education in church history of this time would know that is no base to this, and that allof the ideas are all a hodgepog of things that don't fit together.

And of course since there was no secret society ( proved in french court) then Da Vinci would not have been a member of it.

Next all of the "secret" in Da Vinci naming his paintings this or that, the painter did not name them, The art word named them, Mona Lisa was not a combination of man/women like the book said, but merely madam Lisa whom the painting is named after.

I would say that there are several good books on the subject showing how far from the truth the book is.

With that said, it is a great novel, sadly too many people without good education, or those merely wanting to find fault with the Christian faith use it as proof, but of course those who don't want to be Chrsitian, even took Star Wars and created a Church of the Jedi where you can become a knight and more. So if you want to find a reason to leave the Christian church you will find one.

The worst thing about the book, is that it may hurt newer Christians who have not learned enough, or even long time that just don't know better.
And of course for all of the anti catholic people out there , it gives them fuel even if fake.

As for the movie, bet it is going to be the best action film of the year, as long as you know it is no more real than Star Wars, you will be fine.

Well well.The arguing has already started,with Universal Music,and Sony coming to legal blows over the Da Vinci music:

BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Da Vinci Code sparks off CD row (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4996564.stm)


On UK TV this morning,it was reported that Tom Hanks has packed his bags,and left Cannes early.Hmnn?

Apparently the movie is flopping:

The Da Vinci Code - RottenTomatoes (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/da_vinci_code/)

Da Vinci Code, The (2006): Reviews - Metacritic (http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/davincicode)

Jesus was and is the only totally, perfect human to walk this planet. When someone sets out to slander that fact, they must fail. That is just Karma or reaping what you sow... a natual law of the universe. This movie will adversly affect every one that had anything to do with it. I said it before and I will say it again, it is pure CRAP and not worthy of my time nor my hard earned dollor. Just because Jesus forgave and welcomed a prostitute into the fold, does not mean he acquired her services. That, essentially, is what Mr. Brown has said. To hell with Dan Brown. His fame and fortune are fleeting and it will be gone as soon as it came. :mad: BOYCOTT

I did wonder, though, considering the popularity of the book. I half expected it to be a big hit.

We'll see what happens when it hits the U.S.

Opens today, I'll just sit back and wait till it comes on video.

I would guess, in the long run, this will all be about as remarkable as what happened in 1988 when The Last Temptation of Christ was released.

(yawns)

Geez I forgot about that movie.

In particular I liked this part...
"Any faith that can't stand a little questioning -- especially the farfetched Da Vinci Code kind -- is a shallow one indeed. And Americans, overwhelmingly believers in God, are not persons of little faith. Religious groups afraid the movie will affect the beliefs of audience members or make the faithful doubt, underestimate the intelligence of the average American.


That is a very good point. I think it is the insecurities of the person's faith that causes them to protest things like this. I will admit, I was appalled about the fiction in this book and movie and other's that try to discount the truth. I have come to grips that I don't need to do anything about it and just keep on living by my faith.

I serve a God that can prove Himself to the world. I don't need to bash people's face in (not literally) to try to get them to believe. It will be up to Him to do it.

BTW, this is the first time I posted in this thread since I have never read the book or probably won't watch the movie. Not because I am protesting but mainly because I don't read a lot of books or watch a lot of movies.

I don't need to bash people's face in (not literally) to try to get them to believe. You earn my respect for that. http://forums.serverbeach.com/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif

Two thumbs up for this one!!

the insecurities of the person's faith that causes them to protest things like this

The "truth" about the Davinci Code is that its a work of fiction played out against a background of some historical fact and some historical speculation.

Let each person decide for themselves what facts to beleive or disbeleive.

It's the historical evidence which the author provides that is causing his book to be viewed as dangerous to all denominations of Christianity. I just saw a commentary on this book on TV and it was described as anti Christian propaganda couched in an entertainment format. In short, sugar coated poison. Of course I don't disagree with everything the book says.
Only with the parts that contradict my understanding of scripture.

Quite honestly,

Let me play the devils advocate here. Lets say Jesus really did get married, Lets say Jesus really did have children, Lets say there is a blood line from Jesus himself in the world today.

Does that really change anything about who Jesus was? Jesus was free of sin, Yes. Jesus was in human form, Yes. So what would the ramifications be of the thoughts about Jesus leading a life that was different then in the bible. The answer for me is nothing. It is not a sin to get married. It is not a sin to have children.

Those are some of my thoughts about it. Just because some people are trying to change thoughts or ideas about the life that Jesus lived, will not change my belief in Jesus. It will not take me away from the Bible. It will not cause me to doubt.

I think it is interesting the different ideas that people come up with, with different conspiricies and it is up to each of us individually to watch, read and decide whether something is fact or fiction.

Do I believe it is possible, why not!

Have I read the book or seen the movie, No. I am in no rush.

Another question is why all the panic from religions, why all the panic in denominations over the Davinci Code? It is the work of the devil. Boycott the movie and all this stuff coming from churches. What are they so afraid of?

Joe

I have a date to go see it on Wednesday...

It is a silly little experiment we cooked up. My girlfriend (who is pretty devotely religious and has read the book) and I (the non-religious one who has not read the book) plan to hash out our reviews over a great Italian dinner afterward. Obviously it would help to have more involved for anything really objective (like someone religious who hasn't read it and someone not religious who has comes immediately to mind) but this is silly like I said. :D

Shall I post a summary of that here afterwards?

Sure, sounds like a great evening!

Sad movie, while I dislike the problems it has caused by presenting a lot of fake and incorrect material as true, ( so does star wars I assume there is no war going on in space) ( of course if Bush could he would get us into it to)

But the movie was a snooze fest, I love action shows, I love Tom Hanks shows normally, but this was a sad excuse for an actoin show.
The American Treasure which was not a all time best was still better.


I was really disappointed

Quite honestly,

Let me play the devils advocate here. Lets say Jesus really did get married, Lets say Jesus really did have children, Lets say there is a blood line from Jesus himself in the world today.

Does that really change anything about who Jesus was? Jesus was free of sin, Yes. Jesus was in human form, Yes. So what would the ramifications be of the thoughts about Jesus leading a life that was different then in the bible. The answer for me is nothing. It is not a sin to get married. It is not a sin to have children.
Joe


One of the ramifications is that it makes those who wrote the Gospels liars and those who believe tha Gospels gullible fools. Since millions view the gospels as part of God's Word, they can't help but take such accusations seriously.

You are right, it isn't a sin to have children and to get married.
Neither is it a sin for us to cut our hair like Samson did. Yet for Samson it was because he had made certain vows and had certain responsibilities which we don't.

It's the same with Jesus. His vow was to do the will of he who sent him which was for him to preach the good News of the Kingdom, prepare the foundation for the Christian church, and then give up his life for the salvation of mankind. This assignment took him three years and the Gospels tell us that he accomplished it perfectly.


Jesus was provided with a human body with one purpose and one purpose only, to offer it up as a ransom sacrifice for our sins.



Hebrews 10:4-6 (New King James Version)


4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:
“ Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,
But a body You have prepared for Me.
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin
You had no pleasure.


Also, Jesus; DNA would have been perfect-without blemish while his wife's would have been tainted with Adamic sin. IF Jesus' perfect DNA predominated as was the case with Mary when Jesus was conceived, then a race of perfect children would have come into existence and his sacrifice to lift mankind from sin would have taken an unscriptural turn. In short, he would have been providing his own solution instead of the one which God had told him was to be provided.


Ephesians 3:10-12 (New King James Version)

11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,.


BTW
The devil indirectly suggested such a course by offering Jesus earthly goals in order to have him deviate from his mission. Jesus rebuked him and refused the offer.

I can't understand the contreversy its only a movie!

Yea v. sorrow, if your still alive!

Starman,

Jesus ministry was how many years? How many years was not written about Jesus life. What happened to all the years before he preached? Don't you think that Jesus led a normal life. Working as a carpenter and possibly even being married? Jesus is pure and what is mans purpose on earth is. To learn about love, to join together; example in marriage and to have children. So Jesus came to earth in human form and also showed that he is human as well as Gods son. So does that leave a possibility that he led his human life in many ways as we ourselves did or do? Why is there are only a few years of his life written but nothing else, you would think for such a strong spiritual man(Son Of God) that there would be a lot written down about this great powerful man but there is not?

Joe

Starman,

Jesus ministry was how many years? How many years was not written about Jesus life. What happened to all the years before he preached? Don't you think that Jesus led a normal life. Working as a carpenter and possibly even being married? Jesus is pure and what is mans purpose on earth is. To learn about love, to join together; example in marriage and to have children. So Jesus came to earth in human form and also showed that he is human as well as Gods son. So does that leave a possibility that he led his human life in many ways as we ourselves did or do? Why is there are only a few years of his life written but nothing else, you would think for such a strong spiritual man(Son Of God) that there would be a lot written down about this great powerful man but there is not?

Joe

The early years of his life were preparatory for his mission which was to save mankind from Adamic sin but knowing about them is not necessary for our salvation. So being unnecessary to accomplish his mission, they were not included.

To learn about love?
If Jesus had been been ignorant of love then he would have been marred, imperfect, because any creature who doesn't know what love is cannot reflect God's personality perfectly.

1 John 4:8
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

That would have disqualified him from being the one to offer himself up as a sacrifice for our sins because then he himself would have been sinful in being deficient in love. It's wise to keep in mind that Jesus had a prehuman existence in heaven where he experienced God's perfect love and learned what love is, not accompanied by carnal relations of course, but love nevertheless.

Also let's remember that rebel angels experienced marriage during Noah's day and it didn't do them any good.

Genesis 6
1 Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, 2 that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.


They are still unable to show the love that God requires of his faithful creatures. Yet there are angels in heaven who have never experienced marriage and are able know what love is and are able to express love as God requires.

Matthew 22:30
For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.

However, Jesus' integrity had not been tested via physical suffering as Job had and this experience did add a certain quality to his character which would serve him well as heavenly high priest, judge, and king.

Hebrews 5:8
though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.


Addendum:

The only events recorded in the Bible about his human pre-ministerial life are events having to do with his birth and his attendance at the temple where he astounded the scholars by his knowledge. There are stories about other events in his life written in the books called apocryphal books. But they have never been recognized as inspired by Christian churches.

I can't understand the contreversy its only a movie!And the best part is that the religious groups are doing the marketing for the movie for free. Hehe.

Hello, I have not read the book nor have seen the movie. I think it's up to each person to decide if the believe it or not. As for me IT's just a movie.

Hi,
I believe that if one's faith is strong then this movie nor any other movie should not bother me at all. Will I go to see it. No. I know what I need to know about Jesus and therefore do not need man's versions.

Take care,
Hope12

And the best part is that the religious groups are doing the marketing for the movie for free. Hehe.


But the ones who see it and were going to see it regardless of ay counterargument, will have been presented with both sides of the issue and hopefully won't be as susceptible to being misled as they would have been otherwise. That's the purpose of the response to the dispersal of such information. Perhaps this film can cut both ways!


BTW

A christian has his shield of faith to protect him against such ideas but he is also equipped with the sword of the spirit with which to overturn anti-Christian reasonings.
Sheathing the sword when it should be being used is not what its purpose is.

Ephesians 6:16-18 (New King James Version)

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17... and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Spiritual Armor Explained
http://www.realarmorofgod.com/armor-of-god.html

Yea v. sorrow, if your still alive!

Verily Magprob, (laughs here) my friend and I have lived through it and here stands our review as promised:

Both my Christian book-reading friend and I agreed that it wasn't all that hot of a movie. Too much explanation slowed the action, and despite the talented acting, interesting symbology and rich locations - neither of us felt very engaged in the story. The book was better according to my friend although she couldn't really say why apart from the movie seems sort of "full of itself" whilst the book does not do that. I don't plan on reading it.

As for faith alterations, she said Bah, most of it struck her as just fun fantasy with no ability to alter her beliefs. It is just a movie. However it has made her wonder about a few things. Her minister's take on wondering is that's a good thing, since it may lead to learning and expanding understanding. As for my non-religious beliefs, it seemed every side was alternately unnecessarily complicating and manipulating things, so nobody was compelling in their arguments.

So the verdict is "We've seen better!" :(

So in many people opinion, including you and your friend. Do not bother watching the movie, just a waste of time and money?

Joe

Well at then end of the day it's a fictional film of a fictional book about fictional beliefs... if you can get a copy of it see the UK's Tony Robinson TV series "The Real Davinci Code" - though it will spoil the film for you - it completelly put me off even bothering to see the film. :rolleyes:

Well at then end of the day its a fictional film of a fictional book about fictional beliefs................... if you can get a copy of it see the UK's Tony Robinson TV series "The Real Davinci Code" - though it will spoil the film for you - it completelly put me off even bothering to see the film. :rolleyes:

Fictional does not=harmless. Seeds of doubt are cunningly planted via fiction. For example, the film Damian is fictional yet portrays Satanic forces as more powerful than God. Other works of fiction portray sin as enticing. Life is presented as cheap and concepts of murder as entertaining and violence as acceptable in solving problems.


Links

http://www.revlu.com/grail.html

http://www.thedavincichallenge.com/expert.cfm?e=84

The UK documentary (The Real Davinci Code) shot down one by one all the all of the so called theories of the book and therefore the film.

400 years ago, the sun went round the earth! It was accepted because people knew no better.

In this day and age if people are so naïve as to believe the "Bovine excretia" coming out of Hollywood - there must be something seriously wrong with the educational systems. Then again, the majority of believers in this seem to come from the country that accepts "Creationism" in education (okay - only in some states) - but how long will it be before Americans believe that it really was them that got the "Enigma Machine" off the submarine in WWII.

Anyone replying to this post with biblical quotations for proof will naturally be ignored by this "Devout Athiest" :D

On a lighter note - Tony Blair's first words on his recent meeting with the pope...

" Erm - yes - well - me and George have been in touch with the guy upstairs - and heres what he wants you to do..............." :eek: :cool: :rolleyes:

Fictional does not=harmless.
I don't believe for a moment that information is to be feared, even misinformation, even orchestrated misinformation which is better known as propaganda regardless from what camp it comes. There are more worthy things to fear.

We were given a discerning mind for a good reason, and in this newly dawning "information age" its all the more apparent how valuable a gift it is. As far as I can tell, each person is free to use or not use that gift as they see fit.

Just as they are free to view or not view any movie.

"31pumpkin agrees: Hey Karma - that's sounds so anti-christian. Now who's the hypocrite?"

I have no idea what you are talking about. None at all. Proof that I've been hypocritical about anything I've posted would be interesting. Other than that great comment. http://www.gfxhaven.com/forums/images/smilies/custom/rolleyes.gif

Gosh how enlightening... and here I thought this was all about a painter's secret ATM number, I really need to get out more :D

N.Karma -

To refresh your memory...
Do you remember saying that I couldn't tolerate your religious beliefs( I think you meant Judaism or similar ethic maybe) a few weeks back?
It was more like an accusation from you.

Now I see you laughing at any Christian protest for this movie.
So that's why I said hypocrite. B/c you actually show that in your comment.

Not for nothing, but your idea of Christians ( I am judging from some of your posts r/t that) seems to be an ambiguous. That's all.

N.Karma -

To refresh your memory...
Do you remember saying that I couldn't tolerate your religious beliefs( I think you meant Judaism or similar ethic maybe) a few weeks back?
It was more like an accusation from you.

Now I see you laughing at any Christian protest for this movie.
So that's why I said hypocrite. B/c you actually show that in your comment.

Not for nothing, but your idea of Christians ( I am judging from some of your posts r/t that) seems to be an ambiguous. That's all.Not laughing at christians at all, I'm making a marketing statement - by all their non-stop pronouncements they are advertising the movie for free.

Did the painter really have an ATM number?

To: N.Karma


Was /is there a lot of protest? Last I heard of only one.

:confused:

I don't believe for a moment that information is to be feared, even misinformation, even orchestrated misinformation which is better known as propaganda regardless from what camp it comes. There are more worthy things to fear.

We were given a discerning mind for a good reason, and in this newly dawning "information age" its all the more apparent how valuable a gift it is. As far as I can tell, each person is free to use or not use that gift as they see fit.

Just as they are free to view or not view any movie.


The Bible views orchestrated demonic propaganda as dangerous.
History shows us that it is:


Hate Propaganda in Nazi Germany, Rwanda, and the Balkans conflict--Jonathan Belman
http://gseweb.harvard.edu/~t656_web/peace/Articles_Spring_2004/Belman_Jonathan_hate_propaganda.htm

Since some have difficulty understanding: I am referring to Nazi propaganda as
Demonic. I am not referring to the film as hate propaganda since obviously it doesn't have the same motive Nazi propaganda does.

The Bible views orchestrated demonic propaganda as dangerous.
History shows us that it is:


Hate Propaganda in Nazi Germany, Rwanda, and the Balkans conflict--Jonathan Belman
http://gseweb.harvard.edu/~t656_web/peace/Articles_Spring_2004/Belman_Jonathan_hate_propaganda.htm So you consider the movie to be "orchestrated demonic propaganda"? It's also hate propaganda just like the Nazis did?

Wow, that's a scary world you live in.

The Bible views orchestrated demonic propaganda as dangerous.
History shows us that it is:

Hate Propaganda in Nazi Germany, Rwanda, and the Balkans conflict--Jonathan Belman
http://gseweb.harvard.edu/~t656_web/peace/Articles_Spring_2004/Belman_Jonathan_hate_propaganda.htm

I think (apart from the bible stuff since I have already identified myself as non-Christian who reads it for information only) you and I are more on the same page than not, Starman. While I grant you that it appears that propaganda in itself is dangerous, I do notice two distinct things about that:

1. People always say that... except about their own - funny how that works! :eek:

2. What will quench propaganda's ability to persuade people is the people's own ability to acquire information. And in this "information revolution", you could almost call it, I would contend that those without resources need help with that - LOTS of help maybe. More information, and more access to more information will run propaganda out of town eventually. We are already into that process by some distance, I believe.

And just for the record, as I have claimed in another thread, I feel I have personally looked into the face of absolute evil and know it now for what it is. I like the quote (can't recall who said it just now and may have quoted it poorly too :o ) that goes like this:

"Good has but one enemy and that is evil; evil has two, and that is but good and itself."

1. People always say that... except about their own - funny how that works!


I agree, anyone can say anything ad infinitum-but morality is not an arbitrary thing which is equally valid simply because a culture or government tells us so. Ethical morality is based on our rights as human beings as derived from our human condition. That's why governments are either praised or criticized for the manner that they govern and sanctions leveled against those that violate these officially recognized human rights. So yes, there are many views all claiming to be truth. But there is also a way to evaluate such views which provide us with a touchstone, a litmus, as it were with which we can evaluate and categorize something as either mere opinion, conjecture, or reliable fact.

Unfortunately, most persons do not know how to identify a con artist or ideas which are essentially without any justifiable foundation and are misled as a consequence. Since this is the case clearly identifiable false information calls for a counterargument.

There is nothing wrong in pointing at something false and calling it by what it is for the benefit of those unable to untangle the labyrinth of concepts offered up as truth. That's why we have teachers, courses in logic and ethics. If indeed we are born with such abilities then these courses would be unnecessary. Unfortunately that isn't the case.

Ummmm, didn't we have that discussion (classes in critical thinking) on another thread?

Ummmm, didn't we have that discussion (classes in critical thinking) on another thread?
Now that's an extremely sensible idea.;)

Some people are as sheep and will follow anywhere
Some people don't believe anyone or anything
ME! I know its only a movie so the factual value is nill.And I find it amusing that some make a big deal out of it. When I see it for myself I can comment if I was entertained or not!:cool: :D

So you consider the movie to be "orchestrated demonic propaganda"? It's also hate propaganda just like the Nazis did?
Wow, that's a scary world you live in.


Scary for those who have no hope of a better future as God promises.
For Christians it poses no such fears. Just a temporary inconvenience.


Psalm 37:11
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

2 Peter 3:13
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Revelation 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
KJV


BTW
I find a Godless world where mankind faces the future alone adrift in the blackness space and forced to accept the eternal oblivion of death and which predicts a future where a bloated sun obliterates all life on earth terrifying. But you seem to accept it tongue in cheek!

As far as I'm concerned we pass through this place just one time only and I am grabbing as much of it as I can.

There is much more to the little black book as you call it than meets the eye.
Yes I will keep my attitude and you can feel free to stay with yours. It is called freedom of choice.

BTW
This website is for answering questions, so my answers were not directed at you. Also, unlike other sites on the web, there are rules about how you treat others here which I recommend that you become familiar with if you intend to stay.

Jesus was and is the only totally, perfect human to walk this planet. When someone sets out to slander that fact, they must fail. That is just Karma or reaping what you sow...a natual law of the universe. This movie will adversly affect every one that had anything to do with it. I said it before and I will say it again, it is pure CRAP and not worthy of my time nor my hard earned dollor. Just because Jesus forgave and welcomed a prostitute into the fold, does not mean he aquired her services. That, essentially, is what Mr. Brown has said. To hell with Dan Brown. His fame and fortune are fleeting and it will be gone as soon as it came. :mad: BOYCOTT


There are a lot of people who wish they could write as successful a flop as Brown. Still on the best seller list and the movie doing great box office. I should be such a failure! Puhleeeeese!

M:eek:RGANITE