Da Vinci Code scratch cards help solve puzzle for local residents

15 May 2006

With only a few days before the blockbusting Da Vinci Code film hits cinema screens, a south-east London church member has delivered hundreds of special Da Vinci Code Scratch cards (available from http://www.cpo-online.org.uk/product.asp?cat=1723&prod=ZX772) to his neighbourhood.

The cards pose ten questions based on claims made in The Da Vinci Code, and give residents the chance to scratch away find out if the claims are true or false. They have been delivered by Eltham Park Baptist Church member David Coleman of Eltham. An accompanying newspaper "Challenge" also delivered to homes along with the scratch cards unpacks more information about the Da Vinci Code.

David, who also works as Communications Manager for Church Army, comments; "The Da Vinci Code book and forthcoming film has got millions of people talking about issues of faith, spirituality and Christian history. Christians need to seriously engage with this debate and understand why the book’s version of events is attractive to so many. It is important to show that Christians are not part of a conspiracy to silence the truth. This is just me doing me bit to help people get to grips with some of the claims that Dan Brown makes."

To coincide with the release of the film, Church Army will also publish seven daily emails through www.word-on-the-web.co.uk looking at aspects of The Da Vinci Code in bite-sized 300-word chunks. David comments: "These are ideal for fans of The DaVinci Code, for those who looking for truth, and for Christians who want to be informed about what all the fuss is about."

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. Coleman continues: "Rather than critiquing the book and the film, we will be exploring what God might be saying to us through the popularity of the book. What nerves is it touching for 40 million people to want to read it and for the millions more who are awaiting the film’s release this week?"

For more information check out www.thedavincicode.org.uk or www.churcharmy.org.uk/davincicode, and to obtain YOUR FREE copy of an accompanying booklet Cracking the Da Vinci Code email enquirystl@christianity.org.uk