how many of you think that the da vinci code could have an element of truth in it?

There are some true things in the Da Vinci Code. At least Dan Brown left us with some references for these things. I really enjoyed the book because of the actual facts that he used. I am quite aware that the story is a novel [which means fiction] - I put this in here for the the people who will try to disagree with me based on their assumption that liking the book means that you are somehow evil.

As far as the outcome of the story... when I finished reading it, I smiled when I closed the book and said to myself "at least he made a good argument". In actuality, I do not care either way if Jesus had a child or not, because it does not change the way I think of him. I am happy that I read it, and I tell people all the time that they should read it - not for any conspiracy reasons or anything like that, but just for the shear enjoyment of learning about some of these facts.

As stated by many of the others, Brown's book was a work of fiction sprinkled with facts. That's what makes it a good read. There is no historical evidence to support the claim that Christ had a child. The most compelling evidence (according to Brown) of Mary's relationship to Christ is DaVinci's Last Supper. The person to Jesus' right is a young John. Art historians have early sketches that DaVinci did of the painting in which he labeled the figures and shows the person to Jesus' right as John. I think Brown is laughing all the way to the bank. Yes, I'm a little jealous!

Priory of sion http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priory_of_sion#The_ac...

Most of the so-called "facts" that are not general knowledge are made up, and most of the remainder are exaggerations. For example, all the "facts" about the paintings are not true (John in "The Last Supper" a woman, for example). I would be happy to answer any specific question you may have 1) if I can and 2) if you e-mail me. Unlike the author, I will provide valid references.

Sorry to disappoint you, but most of the book is sheer fiction, including many of his so-called "facts".

Jim, http://www.life-after-harry-potter.com/

Mostly fiction is my opinion...

But there is a free read called "Gospel Enigma" that has a much bigger puzzle in it... and much more evidence to back up it's claims that the vast majority of churches are preaching a "substitute gospel."

This is not "Dark fiction," like Davinci Code, but is done with more humor... a couple youngsters doing some theological research on their own... relying on common sense, rather than church dogma.... even a pre-school child gets into the puzzles.

Well, this book has more of an element of truth you were speaking of... in my opinion.

Da Vinci Code was a fiction created with valid bases( the things which help the construction of the plot r really really true)...It is a fiction so all those stuff about Jesus havin a family was obviously fictional...It was a great book though.. I just cudn't close book without finishin it...

As a Gnostic Christian, I most definitely do. Jim I must wonder how you can provide definitive proof that it is not a woman portrayed in the Last Supper unless you were Leonardo's assistant and he told you that. It surely looks like a female to me.

The book did nothing to shake up my beliefs - whether or not Christ was married doesn't change my opinion of Him one iota. Jessica, thank you for beautifully stating your opinion regarding Jesus's marital status. Wonderfully worded.

However you are wrong when you say the author claims all the facts in the book are true. He clearly states it is a work of fiction. But he did do his homework and research for sure.

And by the way, Opus Dei exists too. They own a huge skyscraper right here in NYC and yes they use the cilice and the discipline. I am told Mother Theresa wore a cilice too. Pax- C

Well, daVinci was a real person and I think he worked with codes.

Brown did his research and then built a bunch of fiction around it. I liked the story, but I like to read Anne Rice also, but I don't really believe in vampires any more than I believe in massive conspiracies

I know it can be tempting when reading books, but keep in mind that it is totally fictional. But as they say, in all things there is truth. Now, it may not necessarily be a church cover up Christ's family. Try and think of the "truth" as something abstract like the overbearingness of religion itself. In that sense there is probably much truth in the novel, but as far as it being moved into the non-fiction section, don't hold your breath.

I think there are elements of truth in it, but like the bible it is a mix of fact, fiction based on fact, and pure fiction. Telling what is what can be tricky.

I am a fan of that book.It's just wonderful and I do believe that the facts in that book are true but I am a little doubtful about the sangreal documents