The Wilderness Cry Newsletter
Much Ado About Nothing
"But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness." 1 Timothy 4:6 "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen." 1 Timothy 6:20-21 "But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain." Titus 3:9
With all of the controversy surrounding "The Davinci Code" by Dan Brown; I have wondered in amazement - "what is all the uproar about?"
Plainly stated on the front cover are the words: A Novel! This book is a work of FICTION! The Websters Dictionary online defines novel:
1 : an invented prose narrative that is usually long and complex and deals especially with human experience through a usually connected sequence of events.1
The Davinci Code has become the latest target by many within the realms of ecumenical harlotry. Paul Crouch began a campaign aired on TBN calling for Christians to boycott the film.
Leadership within the walls of the Vatican believe they are so threatened by Dan Brown's work of fiction; that they have taken even greater steps to thwart this heretical novel.
"The Vatican has appointed a top cardinal to rebut what it says are the lies, distortions and errors in Dan Brown’s bestselling thriller The Da Vinci Code."2 (emphasis mine)
"Apr. 28 (CWNews.com) - The secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has called for a boycott of the film version of The Da Vinci Code, saying that the work is 'full of calumnies*, offenses, and historical and theological errors. I hope you will all boycott it,' said Archbishop Angelo Amato at an April 28 seminar on the Church in the media. The seminar was held at the Roman University of the Holy Cross, which is run by Opus Dei, an apostolate that is given an extremely sinister portrayal in The Da Vinci Code."3
*calumnies is defined: "1:a misrepresentation intended to blacken another's reputation; 2 : the act of uttering false charges or misrepresentations maliciously calculated to damage another's reputation".
The Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith was once known as The Sacred Congregation of the Universal Inquisition. The man now hearlded as Pope Benedict XVI, headed this Congregation under Pope John Paul II.
On April 14, 2005 the man known as "God's Rottweiler" and "God's Panzer" was elected the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The former cardinal Ratzinger, now known as Pope Benedict XVI was once a member of Hitler's youth corp; thugs called brown shirts. In modern day English they are called "gang bangers". Although there is evidence that he was forced to join, there is still reason to believe that he has not been forthcoming about his involvement. He claims he resisited joining, but as history shows; those that resisited Hitler often met with dire or completely fatal consequences. The Ratzinger's did not have to endure much for their "resistance" to Der Fuehrer. Being labeled "God's Panzer" is also in itself quite interesting. The Panzer tanks were Hitler's backbone of the mechanized army of the Third Reich during World War II. Allowing himself to be associated with them absolutely identifies Ratzinger with the greatest mass murderer of the 20th Century.
Before being elected Pontiff, Josef Ratzinger was appointed by Pope John Paul II to be the head of the "Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith". Formally known as the "Sacred Congregation of the Universal Inquisition", this was the entitiy responsible for the deaths of millions of Bible believing Christians and anyone else that stood in the way of Catholic world domination during the great Inquisition. The Roman hierarchy has learned that they need to put a new face on occasionally to give the impression that they are changing. According to the Official website of the Vatican, the history of the office is as follows: Founded in 1542 by Pope Paul III with the Constitution 'Licet ab initio,' the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was originally called the Sacred Congregation of the Universal Inquisition as its duty was to defend the Church from heresy. It is the oldest of the Curia's nine congregations.
The only curial organism which is older is the Secretariat of State, whose forerunner, the Apostolic Secretariat, was created by Innocent VIII on December 31, 1487, with the Constitution 'Non debet reprehensibile.' Pope St. Pius X in 1908 changed the name to the Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office. It received its current name in 1965 with Pope Paul VI. Today, according to Article 48 of the Apostolic Constitution on the Roman Curia, 'Pastor Bonus', promulgated by the Holy Father John Paul II on June 28, 1988, the duty proper to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is to promote and safeguard the doctrine on the faith and morals throughout the Catholic world: for this reason everything which in any way touches such matter falls within its competence." (emphasis mine) Is there a difference in the old "Sacred Congregation of the Inquisition" compared the new and improved version? If history reveals anything about the Catholic Church it is that it NEVER changes! "Since 1968, the cardinal head of the dicastery (a court of justice) has borne the title of full Prefect. There are usually ten other cardinals on the Congregation, as well as a prelate and two assisants, all chosen from the Dominican Order." Wikipedia, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congregation_for_the_Doctrine_of_the_Faith The Dominicans were the Order of the Roman Institution that carried out most of the atrocities commited in the name of "Mother Church". Named after a self-mutilating monk (Saint Dominic), they were (and continue to be) the enforcers of Papal doctrine. It is no wonder that Pope John Paul II wanted a Catholic hardliner like Ratzinger to be head of this office. His desire was to restore the temporal power of the papacy to it's former stature, and he needed someone to keep everyone in line. John Paul II was also completely devoted to the Virgin Mary of the Roman Institution. The Rosary is an intricate part of goddess worship within Catholicism and Dominic was instrumental in it being made a part of canon. The Wilderness Cry, The New Inquisition, www.thewildernesscry.com/page6.html
TBN and many of the purveyors of heresy that adorn "Christian" television have gone to great lengths to reveal the so-called errors found within the pages of this NOVEL.
You can find on the website of Rod Parsley an offer to recieve a gift DVD of his expose' on "The Davinci Code". The gift will cost you a minimum of $50 US currency.
As plainly stated on his website, part of the sales pitch reads:
"You must be prepared to combat these untruths and smears against the name of the Savior."4
The Trinity Broadcasting Network Newsletter for May 2006, jumped on the Anti-Davinci Code bandwagon and offered "The Davinci Code Deception" authored by Dr. Erwin Lutzer. In his explanation as to WHY you NEED to obtain a copy Dr. Lutzer's book by sending in a monetary gift; Paul Crouch explained:
"You will want this book to be prepared to give an answer to those who question the Gospel message."5
James Dobson's Focus on the Family began an entire website:
"...to equip you to know the truth (about The Davinci Code) and share it with others."6
The secular media has also joined The Davinci Code rollercoaster. It was the subject on the covers of Time and Newsweek. The History Channel ran an entire week of programming on the topic.
The obvious question arises - Does The Davinci Code offer a viable alternative to True Biblical Christianity?
Absolutely NOT!
It is loaded with gnosticism and conspiracy therory, not Gospel truth!
But is it worth the focus, attention and refuting that has been lobbed against it in the name of "defending Christianity"?
Of concern to some is that on the inside of Dan Brown's book is this statement:
"FACT: All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate."7 Depending on how you interpret the "Fact" page; it is either fiction or a deliberate lie.
As found on Wikipedia, The Priory of Sion:
"...has been shown to be a hoax created in 1956 by Pierre Plantard, a pretender to the French throne."8
In answering his critics, Dan Brown is quoted:
"The Da Vinci Code is a novel and therefore a work of fiction...If you read the 'FACT' page, you will see it clearly states that the documents, rituals, organization, artwork, and architecture in the novel all exist. The 'FACT' page makes no statement whatsoever about any of the ancient theories discussed by fictional characters."9
However, there actually is a very real and catastrophic truth revealed by The Davinci Code - and it concerns today's fast food, microwave Christians that get their truth from multi-media entertainment Christianity!
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." Hosea 4:6a
It is the tragedy of how today's Christians fall short in reading a reliable version of the Bible and fail to exercise Holy Spirit discernment!
Railing against a work of fiction that defames the Lord?
How many books, movies, television shows and religious movements do the very same?
In the writings of official Mormon Doctrine, the Trinity is not only denied, but defamed! As is the divinity of the Lord Jesus within the teachings of Jehovahs Witnesses.
Paul Crouch, CEO of TBN believed that Christians needed to donate to recieve a copy of Lutzer's book to:
"...be prepared to give an answer to those who question the Gospel message."
One of the most infamous writings that defames not only the divinity - but the very essence of Salvation through the sacrifice and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, is the Q'uran; the Holy book of Islam!
WHERE is the outrage over these teachings and the heinous acts perpetrated by those that follow Muhammed?
You will not hear the same rhetoric about Islam as you do The Davinci Code from Paul Crouch and TBN; they have embraced muslums as brothers and sisters.
"In early April during the Spring 2005 Trinity Broadcasting [Praise-a-Thon], Paul Crouch did indeed wax eloquently about his muslim brothers and sisters that will be able to watch TBN (Total Blasphemy Network) on satellite dishes."10
Where was the outcry about heresy when Rick Warren's masterpiece The Purpose Driven Life - a book full of new age psycho-babble and perverted scripture - was published?
"Throughout his books and sermons, Rick Warren also uses modern translations of the Bible to back up his claims and assertions for obtaining a purpose driven life. These versions are common among those that follow the ecumenical path because they blur the lines of Truth."11
Where was the outrage demonstrated by leadership of modern Churchianity against The Davinci Code when The Passion of the Christ, a movie based on the unscriptural visions of Catholic visionary Anne Catherine Emmerich was released?
On the Trinity Broadcasting Network (7/15/04) John Hagee praised Mel Gibson for making the movie 'The Passion of the Christ', ending his enthusiasm with a hearty 'God bless ‘em'. Gibson, a staunch Catholic, based much of the blockbuster on the accountings of a nun named Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich, known for her mystical (and unbiblical) visions of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. The star of the movie, James Caviezel (also a devout Catholic), in many interviews described how that Mass was given everyday on the set. He explained that after taking the Eucharist, something 'took him over' so he could play the part of Jesus in the movie.
There are many un-biblical renderings in 'The Passion', and many obvious references to the Blessed Virgin of the Roman Catholic Church. According to Catholic Tradition, all must obey her – even Jesus. 'At the command of Mary, all obey, even God.' Alphonsus de Ligouri, “The Glories of Mary” p. 181 John Hagee, pastor of 'If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.' 2 John 10-11 KJV (emphasis mine)
The Wilderness Cry, The Heresy Driven Life; www.thewildernesscry.com/page8.html
Also take into account the writings of Tim LaHaye and Larry Jenkins "Left Behind" series. These volumes are alledged to be biblically based! HOWEVER, they are FICTION as is "The Davinci Code"!
What's the difference?
Unlike The Davinci Code; Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ", Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life" and the "Left Behind" series all have one thing in common - they are all Pro-Catholic!
Father Manning (an extremely devout Catholic) is a regular of TBN programs.
"Paul Crouch Jr., Vice President of Administration for TBN, noted that Father Manning’s broadcast ministry crosses all denominational and cultural lines, making it a perfect fit for TBN. 'His relevant and heartfelt teachings have clearly illustrated that "Christ crucified and then resurrected is the center of what all Christians believe ... the rest is just window dressing." 'On behalf of everyone at TBN, I congratulate Father Manning on receiving this prestigious and much deserved award from Pope Benedict XVI.''' 12
The Roman Catholic Church sees "The Davinci Code" as a slap in the face.
"As the controversy around the upcoming Da Vinci Code movie grows, the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) and its America Needs Fatima (the goddess of the Catholic Church) campaign announced plans to hold 1,000 peaceful prayer vigils outside theaters nationwide beginning May 19. 'These public acts of reparation will literally blanket the country. From Alaska to Alabama, from California to Connecticut, dedicated volunteers are banding together for protest prayer vigils in front of movie theaters showing the blasphemous Da Vinci Code movie,' said America Needs Fatima director Robert Ritchie."13
To combat the blashphemy of "The Davinci Code", members of the American TFP practiced Catholic idolotry!
"'After a full month of theater protests, the American TFP will sponsor a national hour of Eucharistic adoration in reparation for The Da Vinci Code’s blasphemies. The event will be held from 5:00-6:00 P.M. (Eastern Time), on June 18, the feast of Corpus Christi,'" said Mr. Drake. 'The TFP hopes more than 1,000 protest organizers will sponsor an hour.'"14
For anyone old enough to remember, there was a similar protest many years ago. The authors name is Salmon Rushdie. He penned a novel concerning Islam called The Satanic Verses. The leader of Iran, Ayotollah Khomeini was offended much in the same way the modern leaders of Churchianity are. He issued a price on the head of the author. Mr. Rushdie had to go into hiding for concern for his life!
What is at the heart of the so-called protest over The Davinci Code by the leaders of modern Churchianity?
It is harlotry and money - plain and simple!
The prostitutes of heresy will defend to their last breath the Pope of Rome and the Ecumenical movement. They have also witnessed the monies generated by The Davinci Code, DEMANDING that they get they're piece of the pie!
Hence, you have numerous exposes', books and video media; refuting a NOVEL; a work of fiction!
As of the writing of this newsletter, The Davinci Code has sold 42 million copies, and the movie has made over 600 million dollars worldwide, surpassing "The Passion of the Christ".
"I'm told that Da Vinci Code is still red hot overseas and set another benchmark: passing The Passion of the Christ globally with $642 million compared to $623 million, making Sony's religious thriller the 26th biggest all-time hit. As far as foreign box office, all the Hollywood studios expected deep slides because of the ongoing World Cup action. But Da Vinci added another $22 mil internationally, making it the #1 movie for the fourth week in a row and putting its foreign take at over $453 million. In the U.S., Da Vinci mustered 6th place with slightly less $10.3 mil for a domestic cumulative of $189.0 mil, which is still far less than Mel Gibson's religious homage took in from American moviegoers. But Da Vinci's $189 mil domestic/$453 mil foreign winning formula proved enough to surge past Passion's $370 mil domestic/$253 mil foreign."15
If "The Davinci Code" is such a threat to Christianity - would it not be beneficial for those leaders that are so outraged (Paul Crouch, Rod Parsley, etc); to make the "sacrifical offering" of sending Dr. Lutzer's book and Rod Parsley's DVD to every Christian that requests them - Free of Charge?
Don't hold your breath for that one.
What is so ironic is that by protesting SO FERVERENTLY, the controversy has only spurred interest and INCREASED ticket sales!
There is absolutely nothing wrong in getting information about doctrines and teachings contrary to the Word of God and learning where it is they come from, and what they are based on.
But the greatest defence againt error, is the Bible and the Holy Spirit.
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth..." John 16:33a
But is this controversy surrounding The Davinci Code really the fight Christians need to be engulfed in? And do we really NEED a multitude of revealing investigations and teachings to thwart the onset of Davincicoditis? Almost 1000 years ago, the Pope of Rome convinced the people that they needed to fight a Crusade againt the hordes of Muslums in the Middle East in an effort to "defend Christianity".
It was a marvelous lie concocted by the Papcy to enlarge the influence of Roman rule over the known world.
The result was not an expansion of the Kingdom of God by the salvation of souls, but thousands upon thousands that died "in the name of the Virgin Mother" or for the moon god of Islam "Allah": depending on which side you were on.
With all the bad press that the Roman Catholic Church has received in the past few years; pedophilia scandels, billions in dollars paid in restitution etc. It was time they needed to "LOOK" like the underdogs! As if they are the one's under attack!
And viola' - now the Catholic Church is "offended" by the scribblings of Dan Brown, and the ecumenical harlots of the Pope have joined the Crusade to put a stop to the influence of a NOVEL!
There are many real issues facing today's Christians, but The Davinci Code is not one of them.
Much ado about nothing!!
Absolutely!!!!
1. Webster's Dictionary online http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary
2. Richard Owen, "Vatican plots against 'Da Vinci Code',
3. Catholic World News; "Boycott Da Vinci film, Vatican Official Urges",
4. Breakthrough, The Media Ministry of Rod Parsley;
5. TBN Newsletter, May 2006 VOL XXXIII NUM V
6. Focus on the Family, Decoding the Davinci Code,
7. Dan Brown, The Davinci Code, Published by Doubleday, 2003
8. The Priory of Sion, Wikipedia.com http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priory_of_Sion
9. The Davinci Code, Official website of Dan Brown;
10. S. David Mitchell, The Heresy Driven Life; http://thewildernesscry.com/page8.html
11. S. David Mitchell, The Heresy Driven Life; http://thewildernesscry.com/page8.html
12. Pope Honors Fr. Michael Manning of 'The Word in the World' on TBN
13. Christian Newswire, 1,000 Prayer Vigils Against The Da Vinci Code,
14. Da Vinci Code Movie Meets 'Largest Protest Against Blasphemy in History'
15. Nikki Finkes, Deadline Hollywood Daily 6/12/2006
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