How Dark The Con Of Man...How Bright The Truth Of God

"The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death." -Matthew 26:59 (NIV)

We Americans love a good conspiracy! My how the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown has brought out our fiercest voices to defend the faith and to allow orthodoxy to correct the error of old stories brought to new light.

But isn't it just a modern conspiracy re-telling an old gnostic (heretical) proposition? Isn't this scandalous matter merely the repeated conversation settled long ago. Proofs are debated, and I believe rightly so, as the matter must be corrected. We cannot allow lies to go uncorrected...My concern is just how that happens.

As I watched the Da Vinci Code movie tonight (which from a literary/story perspective, I give it a B- compared to other historical writings & subsequent films- we will see 100 years from now if this book and film is considered a classic or not)- anyhow, as I watched the movie I kept thinking "What the Church really needs to combat this heretical proposition of Gnostic truth (small "t") is a good conspiracy right back!

As I drove home in prayer- it came to me (at least in some pieces)...the film itself revealed it to me (dare I say one of the good things from the film!). My revelation came from the lesson learned by the Council of the Shadow. They were consumed with and fell prey to their fear of a truth or lie being exposed. It is funny how fear can consume us.

The lesson learned is in the power of the freeing Truth (big "T") as it is a mighty power within the greatest conspiracy of all. When the devil has communicated (only words) that his power is sufficient to claim the lives of each man, woman & child- Jesus Christ declares by His scandalous crucifixion, that His love can display the power to save that which He claims as free!

I do not believe that we have as the Church wasted our breath as we have defended the Truth in these days about the danger of introducing kernels of deception as kernels of truth- such are the simulacrum that leave us empty and alone. However, I do believe that the greatest response of the Faithful is to declare the power of God's love through the cross as the answer expressed as the Lamb was slain for our sins- that has now set us free!

Now, I really don't mean to sound cryptic or mystical, but I do wonder if the brightness of God's love really can drive out all fear? 1 John 4:18 suggests to me that the power over deception is the presence of God's love through Jesus. Perfect love is just that "perfect."

As my friend, Brent Vernon writes "No lyric has ever been written- no melody ever been sung- oh, the greatest of authors could never describe the power of God's wonderful love." May such descriptions flow from us as the greatest conspiracy ever to take over the world- such is a revival we long for!

Of interest...Greek Orthodox Conversation on The Da Vinci Code