Torch, Summer 2006

Features The Heart of the Conspiracy 4 Editor’s Notes S everal months ago, Dr. Hayes Wicker (senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Naples, Florida, and a Cedarville University trustee) asked Dr. Brown to address his congregation on the subject of The Da Vinci Code . Thus began Dr. Brown’s personal journey of reading, understanding, researching, writing, and responding to The Da Vinci Code. In addition to the presentation at First Baptist, Dr. Brown addressed the University family in chapel on April 3 on the subject of The Da Vinci Code . With keen public interest in the book and movie, local media have also approached Dr. Brown as a source for expert commentary. Dr. Brown’s blog entries ( www.xanga.com/billbrown ) on the subject have also been widely read. This issue of TORCH features Dr. Brown’s research and perspectives on The Da Vinci Code . You will learn from his insights and careful study. You will be challenged by his passion to engage the culture with the heart and mind of Christ. We hope you’ll be reminded to pray for Dr. Brown and for Cedarville. We continually need God’s wisdom and direction to fulfill our mission to equip students for lifelong leadership and service through an education marked by excellence and grounded in biblical truth. Make the Most of the Opportunity 16 Joining the Conversation 18 We’ve been fooled, or so claims The Da Vinci Code . To seek the Truth, first understand the alleged conspiracy. The message of The Da Vinci Code is no doubt disturbing, but God may have a much greater work in mind. Reading opens exciting opportunities to participate in significant and thought- provoking conversations. It’s Time to Seek the Truth 6 The historic and biblical understanding of Jesus, the early church, and the New Testament do not fare well in The Da Vinci Code . Christians and the Movies 12 American entertainment shapes the values and behaviors of our culture. How should we respond? Editor David Ormsbee Managing Editor Janice Supplee Associate Editor Kara DeMusz Proofreader Wendy Orchard Senior Designer Michael Bieniek Photography Scott Huck Cedarville TORCH Vol. 27, No. 1, Summer 2006 Published by Cedarville University Dr. Bill Brown, President NO PAID SUBSCRIPTIONS Cedarville TORCH is published for alumni and friends of Cedarville University. Direct comments and requests for extra copies to: Managing Editor Cedarville TORCH 251 N. Main St. Cedarville, OH 45314 937-766-7808 torch@cedarville.edu www.cedarville.edu 1-800-CEDARVILLE ISSN 1093-4618 How Did Leonardo Get Involved in All This? 14 Leonardo was the Renaissance man. Was he also a conspirator? Summer 2006 / TORCH 3