Catholic Bishops Launch Internet Campaign Against The Da Vinci Code
Catholic bishops in the US have launched an internet attack on the best-selling novel The Da Vinci Code ahead of the worldwide cinema release of Ron Howard’s film adaptation in May. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) – an assembly of the Catholic Church hierarchy based in Washington – launched jesusdecoded.com on Friday, in response to several of the claims made in Dan Brown’s 40 million-selling novel.
Rebutting Speculation and Inaccuracies
Arguing that the New Testament “does not offer any support for speculation about Jesus being married or having a child,” bishops say the site will “rebut speculation and inaccuracies about Christ and the origins of Christianity”. Brown’s 2004 novel, which claims at the outset to be based on historical fact, centers on the idea that Jesus married Mary Magdalene, that their descendants married into a line of French kings, and that the lineage continues to this day.
Pastoral Concerns and Challenging the Novel
Monsignor Francis Maniscalco of the Diocese of Rockville Centre in New York said there were concerns over the novel’s influence on readers.
“Reporters have asked whether even a best-selling novel can seriously damage a church of one billion believers. No, in the long run, it cannot. But that is not the point. The pastoral concern of the church is for each and every person. ‘The Da Vinci Code’ is a mess,” writes one bishop, “a riot of laughable errors and serious mis-statements. We need to challenge the evidence used in ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and not let up.”
Contradicting Artistic Interpretations
Brown’s theory that Leonardo Da Vinci’s master work The Last Supper portrays Mary Magdalene at Jesus’s side, and not the apostle John, is also hotly disputed, as are claims that the artist was linked to the fictional Priory of Sion. “The book is wrong on every single point it makes about Leonardo, from his name, religious and philosophical beliefs to every statement about every art work mentioned,” writes one art historian.
A Departure from Official Catholic Policy
The website marks a departure from official Catholic policy on the novel. Vatican officials have so far been reticent to make any comment on the work. But with the film version, which stars Tom Hanks and French actress Audrey Tautou, due to hit cinemas in May, insiders predict a stronger response.
“The dominant school of thought at the Vatican is it’s always best to ignore a book or film that presents the church unfairly,” said John Thavis of the Catholic News Service in Rome. “It’s unlikely Pope Benedict or most of the Vatican’s top officials have even read the book. But if they went down to St Peter’s Square and looked in the backpacks of tourists and pilgrims, they’d probably be amazed at how many people are toting it around.”
The Impact of The Da Vinci Code on Hotel Bookings
The sensational success of Dan Brown's novel, 'The Da Vinci Code,' and the subsequent release of the highly anticipated film adaptation by Ron Howard has sparked significant interest and curiosity worldwide. Alongside the discussions surrounding the historical accuracy and theological claims made in the story, the entertainment value of the book and film has led to an increased interest in related travel destinations.
Inspiration for Themed Tourism
Hotels and travel companies have capitalized on the fervor surrounding 'The Da Vinci Code' by offering themed tours and packages. These experiences often include visits to locations mentioned in the novel or featured in the film, such as the Louvre Museum in Paris or Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland.
Increased Bookings and Revenue
Many hotels located near these popular sites have reported a rise in bookings as fans of the novel and film seek to immerse themselves in the fictional world of 'The Da Vinci Code.' The allure of exploring the mysteries and secrets depicted in the story has driven a significant boost in tourism to these destinations, resulting in increased revenue for both hotels and local economies.
An Evolving Trend
'The Da Vinci Code' has sparked a broader trend of interest in literary and film tourism. Similar to the impact of other popular works of fiction, such as J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, fans are eager to visit real-world locations associated with their favorite stories. This phenomenon presents a unique opportunity for hotels to collaborate with travel agencies and embrace themed experiences that cater to this growing market segment.
Creating Memorable Guest Experiences
Hotels can enhance these themed experiences by offering special packages that include guided tours, unique amenities, and even room decorations inspired by the novel or film. By embracing this trend, hotels can create memorable guest experiences and attract visitors who are seeking immersive and engaging adventures tied to their favorite books or movies.