Da Vinci Code, Islam and God

The Da Vinci Code (both book and movie) have created some kind of stir in America. The reaction has been large. The book has sold over 45 million copies and the experts are saying the movie will break the $300 million barrier - putting it among one of the most attended movies.

I have read the book and watched the movie. I agree with most Christian critics that the Da Vinci Code undermines the deity of Jesus, the authenticity of the Bible and is not factual in its representation of church history. This is especially damaging to a number of situation. First, it is damaging to the church because it cast a dark shadow on the church. This adds fuel to the fire for those who look for the "conspiracy" they believe that the church has and is a part of even today. It is also damaging to individuals who don't have a good understanding to the Bible and the history of the church. They will walk away with a distorted view of Jesus, his church and the history, though not always pristine, but false at least.

But why bring in Islam? To me it is just as damaging. It may not distort church history, but it does undermine the deity and person of Jesus Christ. It also subtlety tells the world that Christianity is not the only way. That is damaging to both the church and the individual.

I am not asking people to boycott the movie or the book. I am not asking that we round up all the Islamics and have them shot. But the church is at war - a spiritual war - for the thinking, service and souls of mankind. Let us be prepared - serve the King. Use His Spirit and power to overthrow the prince of this world.

Jesus was not just a man - he is God - serve Him.

Sid

Harley Davidson and God

It just seems to me that people love Harleys.

I live in a state where there is no helmet law and on a pretty day, the Harleys come out of the closet. They are everywhere. What is interesting is that there are different categories of riders. You have the ones that are dressed to the max. They have the jacket, tattoos, riding pants and glasses that show they take their riding seriously.

Then there are the want-a-be riders. They have the bike but have not moved to the extreme of a full costume.

Biking is big! They have their wave as they pass each other going in the opposite direction. They have their clubs that ride together. They have their look. What intrigues me is the desire of so many to be like them.

Even the commercials of Harley Davidson play on this mystique. But why? What does riding a Harley represent? Freedom? Anti-authority? Being cool? I am not sure, but it seems to me that it could be a little of each or maybe a lot. It may just may be that thing we call human nature. We love our freedom. We don't want anyone telling us what we have to do. We love fitting in and feeling like others look at us as being cool.

But where does God fit in? I am not saying that riding a Harley is anti-God. I just think that we have a Harley mindset when it comes to us and God. It is hard to be submissive! It is hard to be obedient! We want our freedom. What the world seems to be missing is that God offers true freedom. It is through Jesus.

Get on your bike. Feel the wind in your face. But let all of us have God in our hearts and a will to be his faithful child.

Sid