What Da Vinci Didn’t Know: An LDS Perspective
Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, Andrew C. Skinner, Thomas A. Wayment
Page one of The Da Vinci Code boldly declares, “All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate” (The Da Vinci Code, p. 1). Though admittedly other factors play into the success of this book, one might wonder how well it would have done without this opening assertion.
At this point, such speculation is neither here nor there. Just as many other critics have already sprung to the task of debunking The Da Vinci Code, Holzapfel and Co. have released “An LDS Perspective” just ahead of the movie opening this weekend (even references to the movie are made in the book).
Speaking of Richard Holzapfel, I took a History of Civilization class from him at BYU and recommend him highly. In fact, that class holds special meaning to me, as it was the only class that my wife and I attended together at BYU. But I digress.
What Da Vinci Didn’t Know sets the stage by explaining, “Although they [the book and movie] provide the basis of our discussion, they are simply a springboard to reconsider, once again, the life and ministry of Jesus Christ” (p. XV11). The authors continue by explaining that some Latter-day Saints, due to belief in additional scripture, are quick to gobble up seemingly plausible additions to / omissions of history.
The first chapter focuses around “approaching history.” At only eight pages, it is an outstanding elucidation of best practices for the history enthusiast. The “LDS perspective” doesn’t show through here, and The Da Vinci Code is only used as an example of the difficulties surrounding the fusion of history and fiction. For example, the book states: “…The Da Vinci Code purports that a secret cache of documents exists…to make such a claim, we would ether have had to view those documents or to know where they could be found…are there external historical sources that confirm the existence of such documents?” (p. 6).
The following chapters begin dissecting the major controversies surrounding claims made in The Da Vinci Code. Included are brief but fairly thorough responses/introductions to issues such as a married Jesus, the Holy Grail, Mary Magdalene, women in early Christianity, etc. The book is a quick and easy read at just over 100 pages.
Ironically, perhaps my main issue with this book is that it is very critical of The Da Vinci Code while making extremely audacious statements in its own right, such as: “And the thing that matters most–the most important event in time or all eternity–is the Atonement, including the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (p. 40). I say “ironically” because at first I thought “the LDS perspective” would be refreshing (which it is in some sections, such as within the context of a married Jesus). But, as many of you may know, I’m not a fan of the superlative, especially when we’re talking about eternity. Not to say that I don’t think the atonement is important, but most important in all eternity? How could we make such a statement, let alone in a book criticizing another book’s credibility? I won’t detract further, but for those interested, please refer to my issues with eternal coincidences.
Otherwise, the only aspect lacking in this response to The Da Vinci Code is any sort of positive reinforcement. The authors admit that the book has well developed characters and an engaging story. But I would have been interested in any sort of here’s-where-Brown-got-it-right approach. As it stands, the book makes you feel like Brown didn’t get history right at all. Obviously The Da Vinci Code has issues on this front, but I think those issues might have been all the more interesting if pointed out in contrast to those references to history that didn’t have issues.
All and all, a good read for any Da Vinci enthusiast (I’d say it’s best suited for Mormons but could do well among non-Mormons) or for anyone interested in a brief historical context of most things mentioned in The Da Vinci Code.