1st Corinthians 1:20-21
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
The Da Vinci Code -- Men's Wisdom Wearing Out Again
Twenty some years ago I was on one of those small airplanes that make it really awkward if you don't speak to the person next to you. After I began to see people as interesting souls instead of inconveniences, I found it amazing what people will tell you about themselves on airplanes. The gentleman next to me had a fascinating job as a medical director for a huge pharmaceutical company. When he found out I was a minister he made it clear he had no need for spiritual things because of his deep beliefs in science. And he proudly announced that he and his wife were also writing a book on parenting for a new generation. His professional wife had remained with the children in their home in the eastern US while he took this very important job in the Midwest. He visited them every second or third weekend. When I asked him how the children were doing, bursting with pride, he said, “They are adjusting so well that the last time I went home, the kids just looked up, said “Hi” and went back to what they were doing! Isn't that great?”
After more discussion of his disbelief in the Bible, I asked him if he could help me understand a passage of Scripture. He eagerly agreed, but as he read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, his countenance changed. He returned the Bible to me with the mere comment of, “Interesting.” I shared a bit more after that about my own pride in my knowledge of the Bible and how that had not really taught me how to be a disciple of Jesus or to love my wife and kids. Only when I was humble enough to learn God's wisdom did my life, marriage or parenting really work. Sadly, we didn't talk much after that.
There have always been attacks on the Scriptures and there always will be. We shouldn't just dismiss them out of our own ignorance or self-righteousness. But neither should we be surprised by them or worried about them. God's wisdom will continue to be attacked by men's foolishness until the end of the world. But those attacks never diminish God's wisdom. In fact, they actually prove the power of it.
An old truth is once again playing out in the release of the bestseller book and possible blockbuster movie The Da Vinci Code. If this intrigues you, don't be afraid to engage the discussion. Douglas Jacoby has produced a two CD set to help: The Da Vinci Code: Confronting the Fraud. Along with many other faith building materials, you can purchase this audio set on our One Stop Shop. Also note the article by Dr. John Oakes in our DisciplesToday.net Teaching Channel: What to do with the Da Vinci Code.
The Da Vinci Code is found in the fiction section of the bookstore. How in the world should that discredit the Bible? It is merely the latest hammer banging loudly on the anvil of the Word of God. The anvil will be here long after The Da Vinci Code is a mere footnote in history, lying in a pile of worn out hammers. While this fiction hammer has its half-life, it may be great drama and a great opportunity to share our faith. It’s definitely a timely chance to teach our kids how to view the hammers that will be thrown at their faith in the coming years.
Grace and Truth,
Roger Lamb
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
The Da Vinci Code -- Men's Wisdom Wearing Out Again
Twenty some years ago I was on one of those small airplanes that make it really awkward if you don't speak to the person next to you. After I began to see people as interesting souls instead of inconveniences, I found it amazing what people will tell you about themselves on airplanes. The gentleman next to me had a fascinating job as a medical director for a huge pharmaceutical company. When he found out I was a minister he made it clear he had no need for spiritual things because of his deep beliefs in science. And he proudly announced that he and his wife were also writing a book on parenting for a new generation. His professional wife had remained with the children in their home in the eastern US while he took this very important job in the Midwest. He visited them every second or third weekend. When I asked him how the children were doing, bursting with pride, he said, “They are adjusting so well that the last time I went home, the kids just looked up, said “Hi” and went back to what they were doing! Isn't that great?”
After more discussion of his disbelief in the Bible, I asked him if he could help me understand a passage of Scripture. He eagerly agreed, but as he read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, his countenance changed. He returned the Bible to me with the mere comment of, “Interesting.” I shared a bit more after that about my own pride in my knowledge of the Bible and how that had not really taught me how to be a disciple of Jesus or to love my wife and kids. Only when I was humble enough to learn God's wisdom did my life, marriage or parenting really work. Sadly, we didn't talk much after that.
There have always been attacks on the Scriptures and there always will be. We shouldn't just dismiss them out of our own ignorance or self-righteousness. But neither should we be surprised by them or worried about them. God's wisdom will continue to be attacked by men's foolishness until the end of the world. But those attacks never diminish God's wisdom. In fact, they actually prove the power of it.
An old truth is once again playing out in the release of the bestseller book and possible blockbuster movie The Da Vinci Code. If this intrigues you, don't be afraid to engage the discussion. Douglas Jacoby has produced a two CD set to help: The Da Vinci Code: Confronting the Fraud. Along with many other faith building materials, you can purchase this audio set on our One Stop Shop. Also note the article by Dr. John Oakes in our DisciplesToday.net Teaching Channel: What to do with the Da Vinci Code.
The Da Vinci Code is found in the fiction section of the bookstore. How in the world should that discredit the Bible? It is merely the latest hammer banging loudly on the anvil of the Word of God. The anvil will be here long after The Da Vinci Code is a mere footnote in history, lying in a pile of worn out hammers. While this fiction hammer has its half-life, it may be great drama and a great opportunity to share our faith. It’s definitely a timely chance to teach our kids how to view the hammers that will be thrown at their faith in the coming years.
Grace and Truth,
Roger Lamb
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