Truth and Fiction in The Da Vinci Code: A Historian Reveals What We Really Know about Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Constantine

Truth and Fiction in The Da Vinci Code: A Historian Reveals What We Really Know about Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Constantine Review

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In his staggeringly popular work of fiction, Dan Brown states up front that the historical information in the The Da Vinci Code is all factually accurate. But is this claim true? As historian Bart D. Ehrman shows in this informative and witty book, The Da Vinci Code is filled with numerous historical mistakes.
Did the ancient church engage in a cover-up to make the man Jesus into a divine figure? Did Emperor Constantine select for the New Testament--from some 80 contending Gospels--the only four Gospels that stressed that Jesus was divine? Was Jesus Christ married to Mary Magdalene? Did the Church suppress Gospels that told the secret of their marriage? Bart Ehrman thoroughly debunks all of these claims. But the book is not merely a laundry list of Brown's misreading of history. Throughout, Ehrman offers a wealth of fascinating background information--all historically accurate--on early Christianity. He describes, for instance, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls ; outlines in simple terms how scholars of early Christianity determine which sources are most reliable; and explores the many other Gospels that have been found in the last half century. In his engaging book, Ehrman separates fact from fiction, the historical realities from the flights of literary fancy. Anyone who would like to know the truth about the beginnings of Christianity and the real truth behind The Da Vinci Code will find this book riveting.

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Before the Da Vinci Code: An Introduction to the Original Encoded Secret Concerning Jesus, Mary, and a Child

Before the Da Vinci Code: An Introduction to the Original Encoded Secret Concerning Jesus, Mary, and a Child Review

While Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code has sparked debate and set the stage for further inquiry, little is known of the biblical and historical precedent for this "Jesus, Mary, and Child" idea.

In fact, the original story, as recorded in the Gospel of John, is even more astounding, controversial, and provocative. Its implications are legion and colossal, for both Christianity and Messianic Judaism.

This Introduction, based on the research presented in Jesus, King of Israel: Samaritan Blood and the Kingdom at Shiloh, offers a glimpse into the world of Jesus and the "Holy Family" he creates.

It explains the overall nature of Jesus' mission in Judea, his relationships with Mary, Lazarus, Martha, and Peter, and the significance of this mysterious child.

Mary Magdalene's symbolic role as the Bride of God is directly associated with her perceived role as the Adulteress - the 'sinful' woman of Samaria. We learn why she was chosen, who she marries (hint...NOT Jesus!), and why she is forbidden to touch Jesus after the crucifixion.

Behind the Jesus-Mary story, however, is a fascinating tale of intrigue, deception, guile, and danger... as Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and Mary risk their very lives, early one morning at the Pool of Siloam, to ensure Jesus and his son reach the sacred (Samaritan) site of Shiloh.

This short work is offered as a complement to The Da Vinci Code, for those who want to discover the real story behind all the fuss!