Da Vinci code email studies from word-on-the-web for Internet evangelism day

Special Da Vinci code email studies from word-on-the-web for Internet evangelism day

Dan Brown's best-selling thriller, The DaVinci Code, has been a phenomenon, selling over 30 million copies worldwide and next month sees the release of the big budget movie adaptation, starring Tom Hanks and directed by Oscar-winner Ron Howard.

To highlight Internet Evangelism Day on 7th May and to coincide with the release of the movie, Church Army's  Word on the Web ministry will be sending its subscribers seven days of biblically-based emails looking at aspects of the story of The DaVinci Code, in bite-sized 300-word chunks. Written by author and broadcaster Andrew Wooding these studies are ideal for fans of The DaVinci Code, for those who looking for truth, and for Christians who want to be informed about the story and how to use the book and film in sharing their faith.

Much has been made of the conspiracies, cover-ups, theories about Jesus and accusations against the church at the heart of Dan Brown's novel. Other Christian ministries have looked at these in depth and written excellent critiques on the so-called facts presented in the story, using historical evidence and archaeological research.

However, word-on-the-web will be taking a different stance. Rather than critiquing the book and the film, we will be using the Bible to try to see what God might be saying to us through the popularity of the book. What nerves is it touching for 30 million people to want to read it? Is there anything in it that might be a genuine challenge to Christians? And just who was this Jesus person anyway? Might Dan Brown unwittingly be telling us some truth about him?

Subscription to www.word-on-the-web.co.uk  is absolutely free and is currently enjoyed by over 9,000 subscribers. To receive the seven Bible studies based on The DaVinci Code you would need to sign up before Friday, 19th May 2006, the release date of the film. To do this, visit www.word-on-the-web.co.uk/signup/signup-form.html.

The seven emails will be sent daily from Saturday, 20th May 2006. Once they have finished, subscribers will continue to receive the regular word-on-the-web daily Bible studies.

Grove Books have also published Coded Messages by Church Army researcher Steve Hollinghurst which shows how The Da Vinci Code taps into the thirst for conspiracy theories and explores how issues raised by the book and the film can be used to build bridges with those outside the church.

Steve Hollinghurst comments, "This book and film has got millions of people talking about issues of faith, spirituality and Christian history. It shouldn't be dismissed, and Christians need to seriously engage with this debate, the facts and what it is saying about our culture. We need to understand why the book's version of events is attractive to so many and should be part of the solution rather than the problem for those seeking truth. It is vital that we are able to engage positively with this agenda and show why the Christian faith has answers that are relevant for spiritual seekers today."

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Internet Evangelism day is Sunday 7th May 2006 when in churches all over the world, Christians will be encouraged to find new ways of using the internet to communicate the Christian message, as well as supporting ministries that already have an online presence.

Word-on-the-web: For more information on Church Army's email and internet ministry call 020 8309 3570 or email theteam@word-on-the-web.co.uk or log on to www.word-on-the-web.co.uk

Coded Messages is priced £2.95 (plus P&P) and can be ordered from sales@grovebooks.co.uk phone 01223 464748