The Da Vinci Code: Evangelicals' zeal is misguided

All month long (and on and off since the Da Vinci Code was written) evangelicals have come out in full force against Dan Brown's novel and its film adaptation. It is certainly a worthy cause for them to defend Jesus Christ's divinity and celibacy (especially since historical fact is on their side); but perhaps in their zeal to discredit and defame "Da Vinci Code," they are missing the point. Dan Brown stated that his "hope" for the book was to "serve as an open door for readers to begin their own explorations and rekindle their interest in the topics of faith," and yet Christians are passing up this incredible opportunity to use the "Code" to springboard public discussions of Christ and their faith.

There is another film coming out (a remake of 1976's "The Omen") with a premise so revolting, it should have evangelicals in a tizzy! Heralded as the fulfillment of a prophecy that "His Day Will Come" (according to taglines), the movie's 6/6/6 release date is marked as "Armageddon." The movie centers on a boy who is revealed to be the devil incarnate: the Anti-Christ; what his mission is, and how he will be stoppedm or aided.

I find it shocking that evangelicals would allow a film like "The Omen" to slip into theaters nation-wide without a fight, even as they attack a movie that will only (and has; judging from box-office receipts) benefit from controversy (as ?The Passion of the Christ? did). Especially when the latter film brings Christianity (an otherwise oft considered taboo) to the public spotlight, giving evangelicals a prime opportunity to share their faith.

It's great to be zealous, but even Jesus instructed his followers to be "wise as serpents;" and maybe it's time they pick their battles a little better. The R-rated "Omen" comes out next month. If ever a movie should be boycotted...it's this one.