Reaction to Da Vinci Code: Opposition to Free Expression?
The Da Vinci Code has obviously touched a raw nerve in certain religious quarters, it remains to be seen whether the reaction to the film will turn into a crusade against free expression. Some people are so opposed to the film that they are willing to take action (see http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4759111.stm) As church congregations decline in the West, do established churches fear further reductions in their power and influence? After all, when I read the Da Vinci Code I found it more convincing and a far more spiritual experience that that gained from reading stories from the Bible. I think that the Dan Brown book helped open the eyes of many to Christian traditions of which they were previously unaware. In this way freedom of expression has given the Christian religion coverage that it previously might not have achived, it has got people talking which is surely a good thing. Vested interests with an eye on their own power and prestige would probably disagree. Nevertheless, freedom of expression is there to rein in the power of the mighty and keep them honest. The film may bring long dead heresies back to life and established churches, perhaps, fear a loss of credibility In the Middle Ages, the Cathars' freedom of expression was ruthlessly crushed by the religious establishment of its day. Perhaps we a witnessing similar tendencies in contemporary European politics when the establishment appears intent of destroying new "heresies" that oppose new dogmas such as political correctness. Those who oppose the new dogmas, people like Ayaan Hirsi Ali, are threatened, hounded, and intimidated. Others are accused of racism and it seems that mud sticks much like accusations of witchcraft did in a previous age. Fear of being falsely accused of racism has in itself been successful in shutting out many intelligent voices. This cannot be a healthy turn of events in a democracy. Without freedom expression true democracy is impossible. We have seen, and are seeing, initiatives and strategies in Britain that I believe are designed to usher in a new kind of inquisition. The Racial and Religious Hatred Bill (before it was modified), ID cards, the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill, media propaganda, rampant political correctness, and brainwashing in schools (e.g. lessons in what it means to be British – which to me is just political indoctrination that the old USSR would have been proud of) are all examples of tools that I think have been fashioned to facilitate this. What will be next on the “approved” thinking list? There will be a great deal of discussion when the Da Vinci Code opens in cinemas across Britain. Would this be a good time for us to launch a campaign for the repeal of the blasphemy laws?

I was just reading back through some of the old posts on this forum. Yes, Aeneas, the blasphemy laws are now dangerously out of date. I say dangerously because we now live in an age when, regardless of the religion practised by people's forbears, the majority of people in the UK are now NOT practising Christians. The other problem with this law is that as long as it continues to exist, other religions will be asking for similar protection - something that would have disastrous consequences for free speech in this country. The argument rumbles on long after Aeneas' post - recent info here: Blasphemy Law Repeal Plan Receives Broad Backing - HARRIS

In an age where drug crazed and drunken youths kick and stab innocent householders to death for merely trying to protect their own property, surely it's about time our glorious MPs found other corss-party causes of more critical importance with which to occupy Parliamentary time and all the juicy expenses they are claiming! Since the UK although it would claim to be a Christian society and many people seek marriage in Church as they also seek christening for the mainly illegitimate brats, from my perspective it is now a Godless and almost totally amoral society. I would have no problem with changes to the current laws of blasphemy, all provided so-called "religious Hate Crimes" were also de-criminalised! As an aside, I read the Da Vinci Code and thereafter Brown's appallingly poor book, Digital Fortress which was one of the worst researched novels I have ever had the misfortune to read and in an age of ubiquitous computer technology, the storyline was gauche and the finale, if one could call it that, juvenile! Incidently, I asked one devout "Christian" his opinion of The Code, and he waxed lyrical in his resounding condemnation of the work. I asked him if he had read it and he replied, "Certainly not! The book is blasphemous!" My vicar, a very good friend and a PhD (who has read the book) and I had a good laugh about this later on.

24 Hour Licensing! :roll: