What Da Vinci Didn't Know: An LDS Perspective

by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel

Few books in recent years have enjoyed the popularity of Dan Brown's novel, The Da Vinci Code. Set amid the museums and cathedrals of Europe, the book purports to identify the Holy Grail and describes mysterious rituals and secret religious beliefs that have been kept hidden from the world by an ancient conspiracy. The most sensational claim made in the book is that Jesus was married and that his bloodline has been perpetuated in a princely line of unidentified descendents. That premise has captured the imagination of readers of all faiths and caused Latter-day Saints to wonder how much of the book is factual and how much is the product of the author's imagination. In this lively conversation, three Latter-day Saint scholars discuss The Da Vinci Code, examining the plausibility of the "facts" presented by the author and comparing those to the teachings of the scriptures. Whether you have read the book or just been caught up in the world's current fascination with Christ, you'll find these informed opinions both interesting and faith promoting.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, History, Lds, Lds Non Fiction, Historical

124 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Dr. Richard Holzapfel is a Professor of Church History in the Religious Education Department at BYU. He attended BYU, Hebrew Union College, and the University of California, Irvine (B.A., M.A., and Ph.D.) emphasizing in Middle Eastern Studies, Jewish History, Ancient History. Dr. Holzapfel began teaching at Brigham Young University in 1993, and has taught in the Church History, Ancient Scripture, and History departments. He is currently the Managing Director of Religious Studies Center Publications and the Editor-in-Chief of the center’s periodical The Religious Educator. In addition, he serves as an Editorial Board Member for BYU Studies. Dr. Holzapfel has received various awards and honors for his teaching, including Continuing Education Faculty Teaching Award in 2006. In 2008 he was named the BYU Honors Professor of the Year. Along with his teaching and university appointments, Dr. Holzapfel remains one of the most rigorous and widely published writers on campus.

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rebuttal of the very popular The Da Vinci Code challenging it's claim to accurate scholarship on the aspects of history and religion covered by that book. I read this many years ago when it was first published but I had not, until recently, read the book it was about so I thought I would try it again now that I had the proper background. I appreciated that despite pretty thoroughly thrashing any claim the book had on historical accuracy they still allowed that it was fine entertainment, and that they intertwined their own testimonies of believers in Christianity from the perspective of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout leaving no doubt where they felt the truth really was to be found.
This book, though short, differs from, and is longer and more in depth than, the 45 minute CD with the same title and most of the same authors.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown against my better judgment and despite the advice from many intelligent people I respect. Honestly, if no one had told me how popular it was I would have assumed it was a bargain basement mystery novel. To be fair, that's exactly what it was. If the author hadn't drummed up interest by throwing in a lot of crazy anti-Christian conspiracies no one but his mom would have read it. The writing is incredibly bad on its own - no need to argue about his ridiculous theories.

So, why read this one? Good question. It's not like I felt Brown needed any rebuttal any more than Bigfoot nuts or alien abductees do. I just thought the authors of this book might have something interesting to say about the subject and it was included in my Deseret Book Plus membership and it was short. Okay, maybe that last factor was the biggest draw. I was in the mood for something that wouldn't take more than a minute and this one fit the bill.

This is not technically a book, not in the format I consumed, anyway. It's actually a recording of three LDS scholars who chat about the problems with The Da Vinci Code and their rebuttals for Brown's theories. It was an entertaining, informative, and short listen and did a great job with what they set out to do, outlining the LDS perspective. If you are LDS and thought Brown had any credibility, then give this a listen. Otherwise, it just gives more attention to a thoroughly forgettable, third-rate novel. The biggest mystery about The Da Vinci Code is how it got so popular. C'mon people, we can do better.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book on the discount table at Seagull Books. The authors all agree that Dan Brown's book is entertaining and well-written, but their careful examination of scholarly sources reveals some very blatant errors in the Da Vinci Code. Whether they were used as literary license to enhance the intriguing plot or Brown's agenda goes further than that to cast doubt on basic tenets of Christian belief is anyone's guess. Wonder if he has ever been interviewed or questioned regarding his provocative statement: "all descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret ritual in this novel are accurate". Readers beware...

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the authors, Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, was one of my BYU professors and he is an expert in ancient scripture and language. He and 2 other BYU professors discuss aspects of the book, The Da Vinci Code, that do not promote Christ's divinity. I liked The Da Vinci Code and read it as exciting fiction, not well-thought-out history. This book discusses the sources Dan Brown used and gives us an academic view of these sources.

[Sierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book makes some interesting points (that the Hebrew phrase "touch me not" when Mary and Jesus meet at the tomb would better translate to something like "cease from embracing me" and denotes a more personal relationship between the two, for instance) but I felt the book lacked a really in-depth look. Of course its purpose was mostly to distill the concept that everything in The DaVinci Code is completely presented correctly, which I think this book did.

[Jason Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at the Da Vinci Code from the perspective of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dan Brown's book was interesting, but it is best to look at is as a work of fiction and not an accurate portrayal of historic events (including of Christ in the Bible).

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

"All description of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate." This quote comes from page 1 of The Da Vinci Code. "What Da Vinci Didn't Know" put holes in that statement. This is one of several books written to counter the lies in the Code. Easy reading of deep research - years and years of research - not just a few months research for a book (Code)that is definitely fiction.

[leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short, and, let's be honest - kind of dry. But it WAS intended to be only a scholarly examination of the Da Vinci Code's claims to accuracy, not a page-turner. It also takes on the "supposed" controversy surrounding Mary Magdalene. It was very straightforward and what I was expecting to hear.

[Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a really good reminder that we shouldn't take fiction seriously nor depend on the twisted "facts." This was a very easy and quick read, but very good. It's unfortunate that some people might base their religious beliefs on The Da Vinci Codes' liberal views. Worth reading, if you've read or seen The Da Vinci Code.

[Etta Mcquade · Rating 3 out of 5]

When "The DaVinci Code" first came out, many people, including regligionists, were in an uproar about some of Dan Brown's premises. This book answers the questions, "Was Jesus married?, "Did he give Mary Magdalene the authority to carry on the church?", "Was the Holy Grail the feminine mystic?",etc. Very interesting.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always good to remember that even historical novels are going to take some liberty with the details. I liked how the historians discussed a spiritual side too, noting that the book diminishes the divinity of the Savior, which was one of my major gripes with the book. As a mystery it's fine...just can't take all the "history" as fact.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written and interesting critique of Brown's book "The Da Vinci Code". We all knew Brown was very biased when it came to the Catholic Church specifically and Christ's divinity in general. This book does a great job exposing that bias and bringing to the light a factual look at early Christianity. Well done!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book really should be titled, "What Dan Brown Didn't Know", since it doesn't really talk about Da Vinci that much. It takes a closer look at the sources for some of what Brown claims are the "facts" behind his book, from an LDS (Mormon) perspective. Very interesting.

[Matt · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is a shame that the authors would follow up such a nice series on the New Testament with this pathetic book. Was not worth my time. Jokingly call it "What Da Vinci Didn't Know Couldn't Hurt Him." Not sure what this means. Just makes me chuckle.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I classify this as more of a "bathroom reader" than a novel to be read cover to cover. But the information was extremely enlightening, especially when so many people seem to make pop-culture their religion and accept literary fantasy as fact. This is eye-opening and clarifying.

[Todd Cannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked most about this book is that the authors point out that Davinci Code is fiction. They then go on to show reasons why Davinci Code is not a very scholarly work and that no one should treat it as such. I just wish the book was longer and that it gave more information.

[Tamra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although much of this slim book was written in a dry, clinical way, there were interesting points which countered some of the claims made in the Dan Brown book, along with a stern reminder that "The Da Vinci Code" is FICTION.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating observations that I hadn't even thought of and a good reminder that fiction really is fiction.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting- it's been like 2 years since I read the da Vinci code, but a great perspective on what historical documents from ancient christianity we have and what conclusions we can draw.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

An LDS rebuttle to parts of The Da Vinci Code. Was somewhat informative, but not much depth.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for anyone confused about the doctrines explored in Da Vinci code from the LDS perspective.

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still love The Da Vinci Code, don't get me wrong. But I did appreciate the insight and analysis that this book provided.

[LeAnne Franke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, a great companion for someone like me who is LDS and who enjoyed the Da Vinci Code and wants a good religious discussion on some of the material presented within. Excellent read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a great job of explaining the "myths" promoted in The Da Vinci Code.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fair analysis of Dan Brown's book. Lots of interesting information. Overall a great read.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting if you like history.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't like the format.

[Quinn Lavender · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually a recorded discussion that was then transcribed into a book. It is very short, and even at it's current length, provides very little insight into the themes upon which The Da Vinci Code is based. There is a healthy dose of "don't let The Da Vinci Code ruin your beliefs in Jesus" -- which I suppose is to be expected from an LDS treatise on the subject. The only real takeaways from this for me was an explanation of the gnostic gospels and other writings that are referenced as "true" in the novel but do not appear in the Bible. These scholars explain where they come from and why they are generally not considered scripture. Other than that, there is little to be gained here.

[Sam Stamos · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling read for anyone who’s a fan of Dan Browns books while also comes from an LDS background and has a deep love for history-so pretty much me and 2 dozen others are the target audience of this kind of book but I’d still recommend it. One of the most noteworthy things I learned from this book is that Joseph smith himself theorized and taught that Jesus was married and that his wife was most likely Mary Magdalene.

[James Biser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the DaVinci Code books, it was interesting for me to contemplate how the ideas presented there relate to my beliefs as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Many of the ideas that I had mulled over were mentioned in this piece by Holzapfel, Skinner and Wayment. It was interesting to look at their ideas as well.