Exploring the Da Vinci Code: Investigating the Issues Raised by the Book and Movie

by Lee Strobel, Garry Poole

Exploring the Da Vinci Code takes you on a fascinating journey to London, Paris, and California with Lee Strobel and Garry Poole as they investigate the claims made by Dan Brown in his novel, The Da Vinci Code. It provides quick, straightforward answers to the most troubling aspects of the popular novel and major motion picture, which is scheduled to release in theatres May 19, 2006. This outreach book is designed so readers can give multiple copies to friends, family, coworkers---anyone who may be struggling with the misconceptions fostered by The Da Vinci Code. Exploring the Da Vinci Code is not to be confused with Zondervan's DVD Group discussion resource, Discussing the Da Vinci Code. The latter links a DVD to a group discussion guide and equips group members to personally combat the misunderstandings that many readers of The Da Vinci Code have.

Genres: Christianity, Christian, Nonfiction

112 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

About the author

Lee Patrick Strobel is an American Christian author and a former investigative journalist. He has written several books, including four that received ECPA Christian Book Awards (1994, 1999, 2001, 2005)[2] and a series which addresses challenges to the veracity of Christianity. He also hosted a television program called Faith Under Fire on PAX TV and runs a video apologetics web site.

Reviews

[Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend

Critique of The Davinci Code. The authors refute the content of the book in light of the Bible and history. There are those that say it is just fiction so should not be taken seriously. The authors speak on this matter also. Short read and very good.

[Cyndi Beane-Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the DaVinci Code by author Dan Brown came out several years ago, I love to read the articles and books which take it beyond the book of fiction that it is, and try to argue that IT IS or IS NOT factual. I saw Brown in an interview when the book was first released, and he himself stated that he wrote it as a fictional piece, although he pulled from articles and rumors that could no way be truthful, he simply wrote a fictional novel. And so when I read it, as a Christian, I was not offended. It was a great murder mystery to me! I loved it so much I've purchased every Dan Brown book afterward that I could find!

So, if Brown had meant the piece to be factual these two gentlemen went about trying to prove his falsehoods in a non-judgmental way. They sought the advice of scholars and historians, and visited the sites where Brown's book took it's characters.

I like how the book is written in a group study sort of way. You are asked questions along the way to help you decide on your own, without their leading, if you believe the facts over the events as found in The DaVinci Code, or not. They gave their opinions without forcing it upon you.

As I have said, I did not judge the book when I read it as factual, simply because I'd already heard Brown proclaim it was a work of fiction. I just enjoyed it for a great murder mystery!

Let me leave you with the very last paragraph of the book: "You've probably heard that the catch phrase for The DaVinci Code movie is, "Seek the Truth:. That's good advice, but frankly, I like the way Jesus put it in Luke 7: "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

This is a great short study, easily read in an afternoon. I highly recommend it if you have or have not taken Brown's The DaVinci Code seriously. The openness is amazing. These are two brilliant researchers and authors of great talent

[DaShannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read The Da Vinci Code when it came out and then Strobel's Discussing The Da Vinci Code and I had this but somehow didn't read it. So after reading Strobel's The Case For Christ, I returned to this book. It's good and I'm glad I read it. Strobel also has a video series discussing the historical aspects and, what he says, are claims of The Da Vinci Code. I've always said The Da Vinci Code is fiction and I think that is what Brown wrote and marketed it as. I do have a better understanding of the opposite view that Brown believes and is trying to claim this as historical. Both of Strobel's books are really solid in presenting the facts of the issues addressed in TDC.
I realized while reading this that I do often talk about how irritating it is to read historical fiction and have to research what is fact and what is invented so I don't know why it has never really bothered me in this series. I guess because it has always been discussed. The invention of facts is an accepted practice in historical fiction. I also think the timing of my reading of The Da Vinci Code has something to do with that too. I needed a page-turner and I hadn't been reading thrillers that were so engaging so reading Brown's thrillers was a welcome treat. I think the biggest difference between Strobel's and my stance is that Strobel believes Brown not only believes his invention but he is trying to spread it and have it accepted as fact. He even mentions a comparison of rewriting JFK's assassination and Hitler's rise. Both of those have since been covered in fiction. Alternative fiction.
So, in conclusion, I do highly recommend this book and any of Strobel's books. I like his interviews and resources. Very well done.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+ stars. For the Christian this is a useful reference for pointing out the false claims in Brown's novel. For the unbeliever this is useful for understanding who Jesus was and is. One important point of this book is that there is a danger for ignorant unbelievers to be attracted to popular fiction by "historical" or archeological claims posed as "facts." The danger is that they absorb them as true and repeat them to other unbelievers. Post modern humanists who know little of history, let alone the Bible, are at serious risk of missing the Gospel, as this book explains.

[Charlene Hios · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in all a good refresher

[Joshua Michel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lays out the true story.

[Canny Tay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fable cannot beat the fact.

[Dave · Rating 1 out of 5]

Look, at the risk of offending anyone on the religion spectrum, I can appreciate the fact that a book such as the DaVinci Code draws such a defensive response (this is not the only book dedicated solely to refuting the claims found in Brown's novel) from basically, just about any fanatical churchgoer. That said, no matter how many pages are written to contradict Brown, I keep reminding myself of the question, "Isn't this a book of fiction?" It's categorized in fiction at the local bookstore and I imagine the library. This "Exploring" pushed its sources to the point of using leading questions for its experts and thus appearing contrived. Why so defensive about a work of fiction? Because, unfortunately, there are a lot of stupid people out there who can be coerced one way and back again without a grain of truth. There are also a lot of open-minded and edcuated people who can think for themselves and therefore, decide for themselves as well. Both pose a threat to the Church. Thus, the defensiveness. I just like a good read.

[Katerina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Exploring the Da Vinci Code is a short book that quickly addresses four misrepresentations found in Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. Lee Strobel and Garry Poole look at the historical record, the reliability of the gospels, the place of women in Christianity, and the deity of Jesus.

I don't know if this book would change the mind of someone who wanted to believe that Dan Brown's writing was based in fact. I read this book with my son after we watched The Da Vinci Code movie as a way to point out the errors people can pick up when they fail to read books or watch movies with discernment. He thought this book was unnecessary concern on my part.

This is not a book meant to be kept but to be used to discuss The Da Vinci Code with others. It was very inexpensive but also cheaply made; some pages fell out on our first reading. It has many discussion questions, but they are spread throughout the text rather than grouped at the end of the chapters.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exploring The Da Vinci Code by Lee Strobel and Garry Poole contains strong intellectual proofs Jesus Christ is the Messiah. Specific examples from history are named and cited by the authors.
An example in His favor:
Constantine's land donations to Catholic bishops after the Edict of Milan legalized Christianity in the fading Roman Empire provides evidence Jesus changed his life. Constantine had a dream before the battle of Moravian Bridge wherein a voice spoke to him and declared "In this sign you will conquer" presenting Constantine with the image of the Cross. Constantine's army won the battle and he converted to Christianity.

The Cross is the symbol of victory. Though used as an instrument of torture and death to promote fear among the enemies of ancient Rome, the Cross means Salvation to Christians. Do you know Jesus Christ? Ask him into your life today by inviting him into your heart today.

[Atchisson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much what you would expect: counter-programming to the literary juggernaut by Dan Brown. Still some effective information is relayed.

[Linsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as Angels and Demons, so I expected too much.

[Gerardo]

It is a really good book that makes you think about many things that the religion can hide. I like it because it allows you wonder about different topics...!

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

helped clear up some of the many historical issues raised in book but I can only give so much credit to a book that describes the issues of another book.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strobel's journalistic account on historical evidences surrounding the stories about Jesus Christ were concise and well organized.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book, with cool facts and discussions with historians and scholars about the truth and errors in Dan Brown's book.