DaVinci Code, Protocols of the Elders of Zion, Conspiracy Theories

[patcox2]

What do these three things have in common? Well, the first two are fictional examples of the third, both the DaVinci Code and the Protocols of the Elders of Zion are conspiracy theories. And they have a lot in common; both concern a major religion, and both revolve around an imaginary secret "conspiracy" within that religion.

I think there is something to be learned from thinking about the relation between these two examples of conspiracy theories, and then taking a look at other conspiracy theories.

The Protocols of the Elders of Zion were a work of fiction, yet they have fueled the flames of european anti-semitism for a hundred years and now are believed to be true by muslims in the middle east.

There is good reason some catholics are a little concerned about the fictional DaVinci Code. Fiction, as history shows, sometimes becomes myth. For all we know, thats how all religions arise.

And there is reason to take care in promulgating any conspiracy theory which amounts to a "blood libel."

[Skinner]

1. This comparison seems a little over the top to me.

Dan Brown's brief intro notwithstanding, DaVinci code is clearly labeled as fiction. The protocols of the Elders of Zion, while fake, are passed off as true by anti-semites.

The DaVinci Code is a good page turner, I'll admit that I enjoyed it a lot, and I found some of the speculation in it to be mildy interesting.

But other than some paranoia about Opus Dei, I don't really see The DaVinci Code fueling any real-life anti-Christian or anti-Cathoic hate in the way that the Protocols have.

[sam sarrha]

2. it is just people making money off a previous very old story about Jesus

leaving and settling in the south of france.. and being the Rabi he was and making babies.. like any MAN.

[Zynx]

3. I have first hand experience with people taking the DaVinci Code as

fact. Granted, these were stupid people, but nonetheless I have seen it. They accept that the story itself of course is fiction, but they accepted a lot of the background information as literal fact when indeed most of it has been disputed by reputable historians. The whole idea that DaVinci had special knowledge about the identity of the "Holy Grail" as being a child born by Jesus and Mary Magdalene is total garbage. There are many other smaller points, but that larger one, and the idea that the Catholic Church is keeping this huge secret away from us, is a lot of speculation and nonsense.

[Finder]

7. DaVinci and others did leave information in art and in literature...

however, it depends on what one believes the information left to us is trying to tell us. The "Jesus/Mary Magdalene having a child" is not what it is all about at all.

"Reputable Historians" cannot disprove the claims the novel is based on nor can they be proven because the truth is there is NO HISTORY. That is what the church is afraid of...whether a religious or a non-religious person starts the journey of examining the history they find the truth.

[Warpy]

4. People who have accepted one myth are suckers for another

generally speaking. They do have cause for concern. Look at the cult that has sprung up around the hideously written "Left Behind" series.

However, this one is fairly benign, as cults would go. Royal families in Europe have often quietly whispered this silly theory, and of course THEY are the descendants of Jesus. You can tell it by their pale skin and bright blue eyes. Of course. Never mind Jesus was a Jew and his descendants would look far different.

Oh, and that IS how all religions arise.

[Trajan]

5. WIth ALL due respect ...

And speaking as a baptised and confirmed EX-catholic ...

The Da Vinci Code IS a fiction; and as a fiction pales in comparison to the REAL horrors and suffering inflicted by 'The Church' over the centuries ....

What would the movie be called that would have whole christian communities turning against thousands of jews hiding in synagogues, and burning them alive: men women and children .... ALL as a lark on Easter morning .... This happened for CENTURIES ...

What of the Albigensian slaughter, the Cathari; over 20 years of massacre and rapine .... How would THAT movie look to you ?

I don't imagine you have bothered to look into the REALITY of the transgressions of the church against humanity .... but THAT is real .... The awful pogroms and massacres are REAL .....

The Da Vinci Code is a walk in the park to the REAL horrors perpetrated by a church full of failed, defective human beings ....

The Da Vinci Code MASKS the reality, and turns it into sugary confection ; you should be glad it says so little of reality .... Because the bitter stench of death is the REAL fruit of the church ....

The history is FAR worse than the fiction ..... Do you wish to discuss what is real ?

[Finder]

8. Hopefully those who set out to debunk or confirm...

will come away with the truth.

[Trajan]

9. yeah ... fat chance ....

chuckles ...

I would recommend Gibbon's Histories as a starting point .... http://ccel.org/g/gibbon/decline/home.html

[bleedingheart]

11. as a lapsed catholic I agree...what I find funny is that the one

element of the Catholic Church that draws converts and keeps those born in the faith tethered to it to a great degree...is the mysticism and rituals that are embedded in the church...and it is also the very thing that makes it a target of those who don't like catholics...

if anything the only thing I have liked about the church is the veiled mysteries...

[charlie]

6. Boy, the opposition to this movie is reaching fever pitch

I was just reading an article by some Discovery Institute goob making the same argument, except he takes a grand leap and warns that it's Jews who oughta be worried for their safety.

I've got a feeling the movie is likely to disappoint fans, anyway. It's Ron Howard/Tom Hanks, not Scorsese/DeNiro, and the NY Times reported a while back that studio execs met with church representatives to hear ways to make it less offensive.

[bleedingheart]

10. Holy Blood Holy Grail upon wich the DaVinci Code drew some ideas

would be perhaps be more of a "conspiracy theory"...but then again...many pieces of the Bible could be seen that way as well...

It could be just one big ole conspiracy to keep the masses under control ...

"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich. "

Napoleon Bonaparte

[rman]

12. Throw in Fake Moon Landing and Hollow Earth for good measure

The eagerness of the attempts to discredit the Da Vinci Code makes me think there may in fact be something to it.