The Barna Research Group has published a report on How Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code has affected the beliefs of those who have read it.
The study also explored whether or not the book caused people to change some of their religious beliefs. Among the 45 million who have read The Da Vinci Code , only 5% - which represents about two million adults – said that they changed any of the beliefs or religious perspectives because of the book’s content.
“Before reading The Da Vinci Code people had a full complement of beliefs already in place, some firmly held and others loosely held,” explained George Barna, the author of numerous books about faith and culture. “Upon reading the book, many people encountered information that confirmed what they already believed. Many readers found information that served to connect some of their beliefs in new ways. But few people changed their pre-existing beliefs because of what they read in the novel. And even fewer people approached the book with a truly open mind regarding the controversial matters in question, and emerged with a new theological perspective. The book generates controversy and discussions, but it has not revolutionized the way that Americans think about Jesus, the Church or the Bible.”
I've stayed out of the whole controversy - mainly because I couldn't see taking the time to read a book with so many obvious errors of fact. if you are still looking for references on the controversy, start with Amy Welborn.
I hope that the Barna group does a similar survey on the film. We are not likely to see it - at least right away. We haven't even seen the Narnia film yet.
NOTE: This item linked with Beltway Traffic Jam for 05/15/2006
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