Sitting at swim practice late last spring, a group of moms were talking (as we always do). For a change, the discussions werenât about vacation schedules or swimming abilities. Rather, these moms were intensely debating a book⦠or rather, they were exploring their deepest core values and how they fit with the new ideas put forth. There were two copies of the book at the pool that day, and they were in different languages. Dan Brownâs “The Da Vinci Code” has sparked a renaissance of thought and debate.
Until I told them, these earnest and engaged debaters did not know that Brownâs story was born of a non-fiction research book â and while they found that information interesting, it wasnât particularly important to them.
My copy of âThe Da Vinci Codeâ? has been loaned out many times, and it is always returned with some advance warning to set up coffee and necessary discussion time. Itâs a fascinating, extremely readable novel that has broken down walls and enabled discussions hitherto unheard of in the carefully protected world of personal belief.
I mean really – how long has it been since anybody seriously questioned the foundations of the Catholic Church?
My copy of âHoly Blood, Holy Grailâ? has also been lent to friends, but far less frequently. Even though it is also very well written, itâs not fiction, and ordinary people (busy parents and and compulsive careerists) are less likely to work through Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh’s detailed, meticulously documented research into the biblical past. They are no more interested in the underpinning scholarly theories than Christian fundamentalists are in Darwinian evolutionary theory.
But while the heirs of Charles Darwinâs estate are not suing for plagiarism over the use of his theories, Baigent and Leigh are. Thatâs too bad, because to the many interested, but non-discriminating recreational readers of the world, such a suit is likely to blur the distinction between the two books. The Da Vinci Code is fiction, and while the other is not, suing for plagiarism will make people wonder which is which.
Read Next
I gotta tell ya â this need some people seem to have to share their sexual orientation, latest flames, recent break-ups, and the nitty gritty details behind their lives is really beyond me. I have never understood it, but this …
The first LA special legislative session wrapped up yesterday. Unsurprisingly, not everyone is happy, but then, they never are, and many possibilities were argued into oblivion. However, one of the most important bills made it through: the partial take-over of …
Oh my yes indeedy – let’s spend LOTS of time and money figuring out whether government employees should have taken the time to bargain hunt right after Katrina. This time, the congressional audits — the first of which is due …
It’s noisy on AP tonight. There are three helicopters cruising up and down the streets, shining huge spotlights at the houses and surrounding yards. At only 20-30 feet elevation, they are apparently generating a welcome breeze, and of course their …