Breaking the Da Vinci Code: Answers to the Questions Everyones Asking

Anyone who has read Dan Browns novel knows that he is presenting more than just well written fiction. In fact, I believe that The Da Vinci Code may be one of the biggest attacks on modern Christianity ever. But its also one of the weakest. Dan Browns arguments are absurd beyond belief. But because he has sold over 40 million copies, evangelical Christians and even some liberal scholars (i.e. Bart Ehrman) have felt compelled to refute Dan Browns erroneous claims. When I began to look into Dan Browns claims, I went to the nearest Christian bookstore to find scholarly material that refuted his novel. I was shocked to find literally 10 books refuting The Da Vinci Code. Which was I to choose? I had already read Hanegraaffs work and was somewhat disappointed at the lack of depth presented. And some of the other authors didnt seem to have the right credentials to answer Browns claims. It was then that stumbled across Darrell Bocks masterful work, Breaking the Da Vinci Code. He had impeccable credentials as well a lot of experience in writing on these issues. First, Ill start with the good. I enjoyed each and every chapter by Dr. Bock. My favorite chapter dealt with the Gnostic Gospels. I was surprised to find that most of Bocks arguments were historical rather than theological. This was a good thing as someone reading Bocks book might suspect a bias on his part. Not so with this work. Bock examined the Gnostic works in great detail, showing how little they had to do with historic Christianity. Now with the bad. I didnt think that Bock dealt with the truly important issues. While he thoroughly refuted Browns claims on Jesus marriage, the conspiracy at the council of Nicaea, and the canon of Scripture, I dont feel that Bock refuted Brown as well as he could have. What are the important issues? 1. Is the Bible corrupt? 2. Did Christians believe in the deity of Christ before Constantine? While Bock touched on these subjects, he should have written entire chapters dealing with textual critical issues and things of that nature. Perhaps Bock wanted to focus on the main topics of the Da Vinci Code? I do not know. But if that if that is your primary concern; whether or not Jesus was married, then Bocks work is the perfect choice. But if your primary concern is Biblical inerrancy and things of that sort, then look elsewhere. Overall, I enjoyed the historical nature of Breaking the Da Vinci Code and look forward to reading more of his books in the future.

Is that the title is misleading. Several of the questions that everyone is asking are not even addressed in this book. The art issues are virtually ignored...Rosslyn Chapel... In addition, the perspective is distinctly evangelical, so, for example, in regard to issues of the spiritual feminine, Bock, presumably in order not to anger his evangelical audience (and CBA booksellers who are touchy about such things) misses the chance to drill Browns deliberate ignoring of the place of the Virgin Mary in Christian history, devotion and spirituality.

Ok, maybe ths book isnt all THAT fatiguing to read, but it does drag and is dry. Bock is a scholar (good point) and he writes like one (bad point). Also, as the information about this book states in the PR material Darrell Bocks research uncovers the origins of these codes by focusing on the 325 years immediately following the birth of Christ. This is a problem becasue Browns book goes farther back in history than 325 a.d. Browns underlying material dates back to the ancient goddess worship of the Mesopotamian era. I am surprised Bock did not deal too much with things like truly ancient goddess worship, Venus-related issues, etc. Clearly, Bock wanted to clear the name of Christianity more than do a complete look at all the things Brown had to say. Also, precious little material deals with the actual Priory of Sion that Brown discusses in his bestseller. Again, Bock was too concerned with simply proving the Bible, Jesus divinity, and how Christianity is true. Other aspects of the Brown-Da Vinci tale were covered not nearly as nicely as they could have been covered. He missed the more edgy issues Brown raises regarding the Knights Templar, Witch Hunts, paganism, etc. I agree with other reviewers who say that Bocks book is better than most. But it does not beat out The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code by Abanes (a younger, more contemporary author, who I believe much closer to Dan Browns age). Bocks book is hardly different from any history book on Christianity you might pick up in a Christian bookstore.

Ever order a book that you really had high expectations for, only to find out that it doesnt even talk about what you most wanted to read about??? Well, if thats the kind of book you want, then this one is for you. I am stunned by Bocks audacity to call his book Breaking The Da Vinci Code when his book CONTAINS NOTHING ABOUT LEONARDO DA VINCIS PAINTINGS!!!! Can someone explain this to me??? Some of THE most important questions everyone is asking about Dan Browns book relates to the many claims Brown makes about Da Vinci and his works of art. Bock answers none of these things. Hmmmmm. What does that say? Regarding The Last Supper and all the things Brown points out, Bock says zip, nada, nothing. He is equally silent about the Mona Lisa and the Virgin of the Rocks. What gives??? So what do you get for your hard earned money?-you get Bock beating you over the head saying, basically, Christianity is true, believe like I believe, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Dont get me wrong. being a Christian is fine. Super! But this book is called Breaking The Da Vinci Code NOT Why you should be a Christian in Spite of Dan Browns Bestseller. Bock should have used the second title. Try either the book by Lunn (Da Vinci Code Decoded) or the one by Abanes (The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code). The first is long (208 pp.), the second is short and sweet (96 pp.).

This book povides good analysis on who Mary Magdalene was and logically looking at the possibility of Jesus being married. It deals with the Gnostic documents reasonably, and gives a clear and fair account on how actually the Christian Bible came into being. This book answers key questions which could cloud the readers of The Da Vinci Code. A fair piece of work which gives an objective critique on the fascinating but misleading novel. Anyone who reads with rational mind (especially those who know Textual Criticism, History and Literature) would enjoy this intelligent work.

A fairly well-written book, but spends too much time evangelizing and sermonizing. I wanted something more factual and simply a straightforward historical reference guide for the non-religious. Something that would simply make a comparison bewteen facts in history and claims fo Brown. Also, too long. And, in my opinion, too expensive. This book, I must say though, is better than the one by Garlow and Barnes. But Id try Abanes short volume The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code, especially for non-scholars out there. Abanes is a bestselling, cutting-edge author who writes more for the popular market, gets to the point, and has great documentation. And it retails for only $6.99 (JUST released).

I agree that the book lost its references somewhere.. but besides that, I have to say that the book contains a good material. In this not-too-long book, Bock has succesfully convey some thoughtful reasoning which should be carefully weighed by all who are interested in the isue. He put side by side arguments from both sides, e.g. why do some people believe that Mary Magdalene was married? He gave his considerations on it and then move on by giving arguments why he thinks that Mary Magdalene wasnt married. To make this review short: all I want to say is.. yes, this book lacks references, probably because the author intended the book to be welcoming to all readers... but besides that, his thoughtful opinion deserves every sincere considerations. If you plan to buy another book alongside, this will serve as a good companion.

This is yet another attempt to cash in on Dan Browns brilliant thriller The Da Vinci Code. It is as dull and uninteresting a book as you will find this year. Bocks book is a bust. It may appeal to the PH.D. crowd, but if you are seeking a book that enhances the information in The Da Vinci Code, this one is a pass. Save your money unless you have trouble sleeping at night.

All one need do is read the blurbs at the beginning of the book to realize that this book isnt so much about refuting anything presented in The Da Vinci Code so much as is its about doing damage control for what they perceive to be an attack upon the validity of their faith. One cannot refute the accuracy, or lack thereof, of any historical reference by summing it all up with faith, as I feel this book does by way of the last chapter. The mere mentioning of the word faith in a book claiming to deal with historical accuracies, quite frankly, removes all threads of credibility.

I am staggered by the inattentiveness of the (below) critics! How many seem to lament the fact that Dr. Bock failed to respond adequately to the significance of the Priory of Sion or the Opus Dei sect of Catholicism! Their complaint seems to be that Dr. Bock somehow neglected to offer a point by point refutation of every aspect and claim of Browns woeful attempt at historical fiction. This in spite of the fact that Dr. Bock never intended his little book to provide such a comprehensive response to Browns book. Bocks intention (and scope of his study)is clearly stated on page 9 of the introduction: Our research for uncovering the validity of these codes will focus on the 325 years immediately following the birth of Christ, for the claims of the novel rise or fall on the basis of things emerging from this period. Operating with this intention in mind and within this scope of research, Dr. Bock does a splendid job! He argues persuasively for the primacy of the four canonical gospels (being among the earliest records and most lacking in legendary embellishment) over against the gnostic, apocryphal gospels (which are often a hundred years or more removed from the events they are describing). Considering that Browns radical thesis depends for its very life on the alleged primacy and superiority of the apocryphal gospels, Bocks demonstration of the intrinsic superiority of the canonical gospels is altogether appropriate. Especially helpful is Bocks treatment (in the first three chapters)of Mary Magdalene and the discussion of Jesus marital status. I found it very enlightening to learn that virtually all New Testament scholars today are agreed that Jesus was unmarried (as historic Christianity has maintained). Bock cites John Dominic Crossan (who, by the way, is not exactly a Christian fundamentalist), who points out that, there is no evidence that Jesus was married, multiple indications that he was not, and no early texts suggesting wife or children... (pp 31-32) Concerning Crossans conclusion about Jesus unmarried status, Bock rightly observes, It is such an unusual situation in the study of Jesus for scholars of all persuasions to agree- when it happens, one should note it (page 33). Again, virtually all scholars agree that Jesus remained unmarried throughout his life. So much for his alleged love life with Mary Magdalene and their mutual crumbsnatchers, who allegedly absconded to the South of France! So much for the mystery of Browns Holy Blood, Holy Grail and all the mythology it entails! The first three chapters of Bocks work alone are worth the full price of the book, as they thoroughly blast Mr. Browns thesis to shreds! Dr. Bock is a first-rate New Testament scholar, and highly regarded within his field of specialty (by both liberal and conservative scholars alike). Dan Brown, some would argue, is a first-rate novelist (I wont disagree). However, at the end of the day, lets respect each man for his respective field of expertise. Perhaps Bocks work isnt the suspense-filled page turner that Browns is (as Bock is not a novelist), but neither is Browns work the carefully researched, scholarly composition that Bock has produced (as Brown is not a Jesus scholar). What, exactly, are you looking for......FACT or FICTION?? If its the latter, quite clearly Dr. Bock is not your cup of tea! Nevertheless, he has accomplished what he set out to accomplish! Make no mistake.