I found an article the other day about Christian's boycotting the Dan Brown movie and I didn't bookmark it. I found this instead:
So, as I was saying, we should make a big stink about Da Vinci. Remember how effective we were back in '88, when they released The Last Temptation of Christ? We screamed and yelled and wielded our signs: "Blasphemy!" The studio says they got a lot of free publicity when we did that; they claim that our protests actually gave them a boost at the box office. But you know these Hollywood studios. They're always lying!Read the rest here.
So, when it comes to Da Vinci, I say we should …
Just a moment. The phone's ringing …
Um, that was Robert K. Johnston, Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Seminary. He's telling me, "Belligerence seldom works. It is more for the speaker than the listener."
Yeah, what does he know? Just because he wrote a couple of books (Finding God in the Movies and Reel Spirituality), he thinks he's some kind of "expert" on engaging pop culture. The nerve!
Anyway, back to my point: Remember how we boycotted Disney all those years? Boy, we really showed them! And now they're really trying to kiss and make up. I mean, what other reason could they possibly have for doing The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe?
See how effective boycotts are? We get the movies we want! Belligerence does work! Therefore, I propose that we …
Excuse me, I'm getting an IM here …
Sorry for the interruption. That was George Barna, the Christian pollster. He's rambling on about some "thoughtful and strategic reaction" to Da Vinci. He says maybe we can "use the movie as a springboard for conversation and exploration regarding the roots of the Christian faith." He writes that "66 percent of adults"—George always resorts to statistics to try to "prove" his point!—"say that in a typical week they dialogue with friends and work associates about the content of movies and TV shows they have recently seen. The reach and slant of The Da Vinci Code will raise countless opportunities for open discussion of such matters. Christians who recognize and engage those moments of opportunity can do much to advance the cause of truth."
Sheesh, he's got to be kidding! Nothing is more effective than a picket line for "advancing the cause of truth." I've just finished painting my favorite sign for our picket down at the megaplex: "Dan Brown is a Big Fat Liar!" And on the back side: "So is Ron Howard!" Isn't that great! When people come up to me and ask about it, then I'll really stick it to 'em with the TRUTH of the gospel!
Barna, Shmarna. Forget those pop culture conversations around the water cooler, which just involve a few folks. But a picket will get the attention of lots of people. We might even be on TV!
For all these reasons, when it comes to The Da Vinci Code, I urge my fellow believers …
Rats! Another interruption! My cell phone is ringing …
That was Darrell L. Bock, another one of those head-in-the-sand seminary profs. He teaches at Dallas Theological Seminary. But he did write a book called Breaking the Da Vinci Code; now there's a title I like! I figured at least he would be tracking with me.
But NO-O-O-O! Bock actually says we shouldn't view the movie as a threat. He says it's only a threat "if its facts are right, or it could simply persuade by making its claims."
