Fiction Has Become Theology

I became aware of the Da Vinci Code phenomenon on a trip to Boston, Christmas Day 2004. I had heard of the popularity of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, but had never experienced it.

By Mark D. Mathewson, Ph.D.
Dean, Christian Leadership College

In airport terminals and on airplanes, I couldn’t look in any direction without seeing someone reading or carrying a copy of Brown’s best selling novel.  And this was over a year and a half after its publication!  As with any successful novel nowadays, we are set to witness the release of the for-sure blockbuster movie based on Brown’s novel.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to seeing the movie, I share the concern of many Christians that the false claims about Jesus and the Gospels will be believed by those who are theologically ignorant or those who are unable to decipher the difference between fact and fiction.  Sadly, many people will form their theology of the Scriptures and of Jesus from this fictional book and movie.  Think of that!  Forming one’s theology from fiction!  Sounds appalling, repulsive and downright foolish, doesn’t it?  But, I am afraid we live in a generation where fiction has become a source for people’s theological beliefs – even for evangelicals. 

Many Christians who will decry the fact that people are forming their theology from a fictional book and movie are the same ones who formulate their theology on “Christian” fiction like – and here is where I am stepping into hot water! – Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins’ Left Behind series or Hank Hanegraaff’s The Last Disciple series to name just a few.  Fiction is great fun, but it is a terrible source for theological formation – even well-intentioned Christian fiction.  We seem to have forgotten that the Scriptures are the final source for our theological beliefs.  The Bible may not be as exciting and captivating as the latest novel by Dan Brown, Tim LaHaye, Frank Peretti, or Hank Hanegraaff, but it is our most reliable theological source.  Our theology should, and must, be built upon the firm foundation of the revealed word of the God whose words are fact, not fiction.

Enjoy the movie The Da Vinci Code.  If it is anything like the book, it will be a thriller.  But remember (and remind others), it is fiction and not something on which to base one’s theology.  The same goes for other fiction, including “Christian” fiction.  Enjoy the Left Behind books, The Last Disciple books, etc. But remember (and remind others), they are only fiction and not something to base one’s theology upon.  The Scriptures are the ultimate foundation for any responsible, God-honoring theology.

Author’s note: For anyone who wants to be informed about the theological, scriptural and historical pitfalls of The Da Vinci Code and be equipped to interact thoughtfully and responsibly with the ideas presented in the book and movie, I strongly urge you to register for the upcoming class, Deciphering the Da Vinci Code, taught by Melanie Armstrong, Ph.D.  More information about the class may be obtained at the Adult Shepherding Ministries booth.