Book Review

• Teabing claims history is written by the winners. Do you agree or disagree? Does this change your perspective of history? How can you change this pattern for recording “tomorrow’s history”?
• The Da Vinci Code proposes many theories about the idea of the Holy Grail - chalice, Mary Magdalene, etc. Do you think they are real? What do you believe the Holy Grail is?
• In 1947 at Nag Hammadi, Egypt, texts from the second and third centuries were uncovered. These noncanonical books deemed heretical by the early church are also referred to as the Gnostic Gospels. Do you feel these were kept secret or just forgotten over time? Do you feel there is a place for these books within worship or to further promote spiritual growth?
• Many Protestant denominations never agreed with Mary Magdalene’s depiction as a prostitute. In 1969, even the Catholic Church made distinctions between Luke’s sinful woman, Mary of Bethany, and Mary Magdalene. Do you think this information is well-known? Does Mary Magdalene’s role as a prostitute or a disciple change the foundation of your faith or Christ’s story?
• The premise of the book claims that Mary Magdalene and Jesus’ heir were kept secret for security of the heirs. Should any secrets be kept from historical knowledge?
• What is your faith based on? Would it crumble if an historical assumption were proven different?
• Langdon tells Sophie that every faith is rooted in a fabrication based on a God who is known through metaphors. However, Langdon must be overlooking the United Methodist’s understanding of experience as part of our faith. How has your experience with Christ proven Langdon’s statement false?
• Sophie let her relationship with her grandfather lapse over 10 years due to a secret disclosed and misunderstood. Have there been times in your own life that secrets have severed relationships?
• The depiction of history on pages 231-233 is fictional. How do you react to this inaccurate history or hearing inaccurate accusations about Christianity?
• There has been an insurgence of those studying Kabbala, the Gnostic Gospels and other mystic factions of religions. What is it about these groups and practices that society is drawn to?
• Do you think this book helped or hindered understanding of Christianity?
• What has this novel sparked you to learn more about?

Activities:

• Try out PHI as guests are arriving. “Measure your shoulder to your fingertips, and then divide it by the distance from your elbow to your fingertips… hip to floor divided by knee to floor… “ Make sure to have rulers, cloth measuring tapes and a few calculators on hand.
• Read one of Elaine Pagels' books along with The Da Vinci Code to learn more abut the Gnostic Gospels. Suggested readings are The Gnostic Gospels or Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas.
• Read some Gnostic Gospels. For example, Gospel of Mary Magdalene, Gospel of Phillip and the Gospel of Thomas. Most of them are short and can offer deeper conversation. Compare the facts listed in Da Vinci with observations of your own.

Atmosphere:

• Set the Scene: Make the space look like a museum, a Parisian café or a London pub - don’t forget the fleur-de-lis, rose and perhaps a compass rose or two.
• Bring out the memories: Put out photos, trinkets, posters and anything else that people might have picked up from their travels in London or Paris.
• Indulge in the Art: Display Da Vinci’s paintings - Vitruvian Man, Mona Lisa, Last Supper, etc.