Blasphemous Da Vinci Code

Unfortunately, when somebody tries to defend the faith or a religious belief, a multitude of objections appear on the papers particularly from Catholics. Fr Benedict Groeschel or the EWTN, for that matter, are often the objects of such attacks.

Fr Benedict stated that the novel Da Vinci Code was blasphemous (irreverence towards God) and it is, despite the fact that many might argue that it is only fiction and fun reading. It lies about a most Holy faithful God, our Saviour. Of course, everybody is entitled to read it. If one thinks it is good reading so be it, but it is still blasphemous.

One is not arguing that the author is not talented and that is the danger. In Canada, a survey revealed that one third of those who read it (some three million persons) believed its contents. I do not think Canadians are from the back of beyond.

We have a free will and we have no right to judge each other. However, it is our liberal attitude towards our faith which is disputable. If trash is thrown at it, twisted and made depraved we lukewarm Catholics just sit back and accept it. We state that we are mature and have freedom of speech. Incidentally, this goes both ways. If the crucifix is removed from a public place we would not bat an eyelid and say there is nothing wrong.

Mahatma Gandhi once said "show me one good Catholic and I will convert".

I am sure no reader would call a novel great, however well it is written, if in anyway it puts a loved one in bad light whether it is truth or fiction. I, like Fr Groeschel, do not like someone to describe my God as some trash however mature, well read or open minded one may be. God deserves only praise and He should not be used for fanciful writing. Call me a fundamentalist if one should feel that way.

Meanwhile, it would not be amiss to reiterate that the right to freedom of speech goes both ways and is not someone's monopoly.