separating fact from fiction in the Da Vinci Code

Hello dear friends,

Just finished a siong week of reservist training and finally got time to sit down write this email about separating fact from fiction in the Da Vinci Code (DVC). Some of you have been wanting me to write a summary of the discrepancies in the DVC in a bid to knowing the real facts. And I believe that not only you all wants to hear the facts but many other friends too, therefore i feel obliged to share this message with you.

As you might already know, there are numerous books depicting that the DVC has many twisted facts and notions. These books cover in depth many points, one by one refuting any twisted fact with supporting evidence. Many of us might groan about flipping through these thick books and in the midst of the information overload, might got lost somewhere and just give up the journey to seek the true facts.

I therefore aim to give a hopefully short summary of not all the refutation points brought up in the book, but from scenes shown in the DVC movie which i think makes the most lasting impression on me (and probably you) and clouds your mind about Christ. I would base my points from scences in the movie as i think that the movie is the medium which far more influences people given the visual/audio effects and the fact that it screened only recently.

Recap on the movie
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Robert Langdon receives a call saying that Jacques Sauniere, keeper of the art musuem at the Lourve, has been murdered. Jacques is found lying down in a position similiar to that of the Vitruvian man (remember the star fish shape?). That sets Robert and Jacques granddaughter Sophie on a chase to decode messages found in Leonardo Da Vinci's works of arts to uncover the secret of the sacred feminine (aka Holy Grail), which depicted in the story, is the position of where Mary Magdalene's tomb lies.

DVC claimed Leonardo together with some other famous people like Issac Newton were part ot the Priory of Sion, a sect that guards the secret to where the sacred feminine lies. Jacques is also part the Priory, which explained why till his death, he still guarded the secret. However, he wanted his granddaughter, Sophie to find the secret as she is of royal blood descending from Jesus (according to the book). So, he got together Robert and Sophie which starts decrpyting their way to finding the secret.

Refutation of scenes shown in the movie
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1. The existence of the Priory of Sion (POS).
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It is claimed that POS seeked to guard the secret. So, is this secret true and is the POS a reality?

The title Priory of Sion has been used 3 different times in different contexts by different people. It was first a monastic order in 1100. In 1954, its was a group that helped those in need of low-cost housing. Lastly, in 1960s and 1970s the POS led by a guy named Plantard, created a series of documents claiming the existence of a bloodline from Jesus and Mary through to the kings of France to Plantard himself (thus claiming the right to be the heir to the throne).

In 1993, however, Plantard admitted under oath to a French Judge that the had fabricated all the documents as claimed by the POS. The judge issued him with a severe warning and dismissed him as a harmless crank.

There you have it, the Priory of Sion did existed. In fact, It existed 3 times LOL. But each claiming different things. The non-conformity and the fact that the most recent POS is a hoax no doubt proves that Dan Brown had twisted and moulded the POS in his novel.

2. Da Vinci and Issac Newton members of the POS?
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We already know that the POS is but a hoax. So how could we insult these 2 geniouses and legends that they are a part in this scam? Well, the claim that these 2 men were part of the POS is based on an assertion in one of Plantard's forged documents. So, these 2 great men would NOT to be associated in any way with the POS (which we know now as a hoax).

So, if Da Vinci wasn't part of the POS, why did his works especially the Last Supper seem to depict that Mary Magdalene is Jesus's wife? Or is this just clever self assertive and story telling by Dan Brown? That leaves us to the next point that I want to depict.

3. Did Da Vinci leave clues to his beliefs in his art?
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Leigh Teabing played by Ian McKellen (aka, Gandalf, Magneto.. he always plays such powerful characters!!!) gives an impressive presentation in DVC that the Last Supper points in all ways that Mary is indeed Jesus wife. Ok. we already know 2 things. 1. POS is a hoax, duhz. 2. Da Vinci, is not part of the POS. So, why would he leave hidden agenda in his work!??!?! Ok, lets look at the painting from a factual and objective point of view.

Ask an art critic. Art critics who have no interest in defending the church have rejected the notion that Da Vinci left his beliefs in his work. The so called hidden clues exist only in the imagination of those looking to make a conspiracy theory plausible. Its really up to your imagination to infer what you want to infer. Dan Brown, so imaginative, can write so many books would definitely have no problem in this aspect. For one, the person claimed to be Mary, is really the Apostle John. Back in those days, man were often painted with a feminine look. Just ask an art expert. Looks more refutation points relating to the painting, but you can do a google yourself.

4. Was Constantine responsible for the view that Jesus is God?
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According to Brown, Jesus establishment as the Son of God was officially proposed at the Council of Nicaea. Before that, Jesus was viewed as a mortal prophet, a great and powerful man but a man nonetheless.

Let's take a look at Constantine. He was baptised just prior to his death. And that is true. But it was not because he was forced to do so and could not resist, it was because there was a misguided belief in in his day that they should delay baptism until the very last moment to try to assure that all sins of his life would be cleansed. That aside, Constantine was a 4th Century Roman emperor who confessed a life changing experience(when he became a Christian) that caused him to reverse persecution against Christians.

Let's now focus on the Council of Nicaea. The objective of the council was to help church leaders develop consensus about the doctrine of Christ. It was convened because an aged presbyter named Arius denied the full deity of Christ by reasoning that Jesus camed into this world in physical form. He must be changeable, unlike God, His Father.

Arius views stirred controversy among other church leaders who were convinced that both the Old and New Testaments showed that the Messiah, Jesus came into the world fully divine.

The idea that Jesus was God did not came from Constantine. Hundreds of years before Jesus came into the world, the Old Testament had hundreds of prophetic messages that foretold the coming of Jesus.

This view of Jesus as God was later taught by apostles who were eyewitnesses to all that Jesus said and did. (Think Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul of which most of the scriptures in the New Testament were authored by). And these scriptures were dated before AD 70. Also, in AD 150, 185 the divinity of Christ was widely accepted by Church fathers. So you see, before the council of Nicaea, Jesus was already regarded as God.

So you see, the council did not seek to change the identity of Jesus from man to God as He was God all along. It seeked to be an advocate for reconcillation and agreement among members. It also commissioned the Bible. Which leads us to the next section, how did the Bible come about and were valid documents that should have been in the bible destroyed?

5. How did the Bible come about and were valid documents that should have been in the bible destroyed?
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The source of the allegations that Jesus is a mere man who had a child with Mary Magdalene is a collection of ancient Gnostic gospels found at Nag Hammadi, Egypt, in 1945. The secret book of James and the Gospel of Thomas were just 2 of these documents. Gnostics claimed to have 'secret knowledge' that was necessary to know the truth about God. DVC regards these gnostics as the lost books of the bible.

There are many reasons why the gnostic gospels were not included in the bible. Early church leaders found concensus in determining ancient Christian documents were sacred by the following basic conditions:

1) Was it written by an apostle of Christ or someone who had direct contact with the apostles?
2) Did the writings receive wide acceptance as being consistent with the teachings of Christ and the Apostles?
3) Did they bear the mark and effect of Spiritual power and truth?

None of the gnostics measure up to the New Testament standard of reliable documents.
1) It was written between AD 200-300, and did not have consistent and reliable eyewitnesses as authors.
2) It reflected worldview that is foreign to both Old and New Testaments.


Conclusion
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So there you have it, the major points that i wanted to bring across that i felt was emphasized most in the DVC movie. All the controversies, debates, arguments surrounding DVC might leave one utterly confused and not knowing what to believe. But the message in the bible is very simple. That there is a God who created the world including man. But man sinned which caused us to be separated from God. Therefore, God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross so that whoever believeth in Him would have their sins are washed away and have everlasting life. Amen.

Cheers and regards,

Jason

p.s. feel free to forward this around. Much of the material is gain from all over but i too lazy to list down the references. Also please don't hestitate to contact me to discuss further =)

First 2 wks at CS, now in Reservist

Job 33: 14 For God does speak—now one way, now another—
though man may not perceive it.

Hello. Having done my first 2 wks at CS, i am now in reservist. Staying out tonite which means that i can do a blog entry now. haha

First 2 wks at CS is training, familiarising, learning how to make code changes mainly. Not very interesting ya...well i guess its like dat, we can't ask for exciting stuff to come by our way always. But hope that i can really cope with my work and make my team mates appreciate my ability.

Currently in reservist. A bit sian, facing back to army life, a big cultural change, dealing with different people, different kinds of stress. But i think its really good exposure and from it, good can come out of it. I just have to extract the goodness out of it. Well, 3 more days to go only, chop chop, should be finished in a split second and then of coz back to CS =).

Cheers, Jason

Da Vinci Code :: Please discern fact from fiction

Just too many facts fused with fiction that one unaware of the truths might believe and mistake it for real. In short, the story is blasphemy. The riddles and encryption puzzles are ok. Story is gripping and exciting. Story telling is top notch. But not the content in the secrecy of the book.

Jesus is the Son of God, who came to this world as a man, and died on the cross for our sins that whoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have eternal ever-lasting life FULLSTOP.

Feel free to contact me ya, for discussions abt the book/movie. Discern fact from fiction. =)

Cheers,
Jason

drip by drip till the cup overflows

^{Proverbs 2: 5} Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

2nd day of work. Went over to The Signature at CBP. For those unaware, CBP (Changi Business Park) is like a mini silicon valley. Nice futuristic looking buildings and fountains all over, just like silicon valley in the movies lol.
Got to know more of the people whom i went training with. Training gonna last a wk.

Got back home at 7, decided to give my aunt a call and ask how's cousin doing. Not so good. Failed 2 of her exams.

But dear, I believe one day, your eyes, heart and mind will just "open". It is then that you finally realize the things that you gotta do in life. One half being studying hard, working hard to achieve your dreams. The other half, being character building of which God comes in and influences so greatly. I will pray for you both everyday, for that day to come. Not a sudden coming, but drip by drip till the cup overflows.

Back from KL/Genting trip :: Start work

Matt 14:16"Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. 17"Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20These are what make a man 'unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean.' "

Back from KL/Genting trip with Stan, Ong and Boon my JC buddies. It was fun! All guy group, mischeivous, loud, noisy, rude, hahaha....and of coz fun. Genting sure changed alot.
Well, holidays are over. And today i just had my first day of work.

May God preserve me in this job.

Jay Chou piano

A message of encouragement from 1 Corinthians

<sup>A message of encouragement from 1 Corinthians.

1 Cor chapter 4
2</sup> Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. ³ I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. ⁴ My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. ⁵ Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of people's hearts. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

Remind myself.

Sun May 7th 2006

As usual, went to pick Cherie up early in the morning and after that zoomed to church. Gave Sun sch lesson in ppt. It realli enchances my teaching and i findi it a good tool to use. Well, "teaching to change lives" tells us to make us of the best available tools to teach. And these tools are not restricted to ppt, paper, or anything we associate with teaching, it can be something totally outrageous u know, let your creativity flow.

So, taught about Acts 17, going on 18. For more info about the materials taught, you might wanna email me. I could send you my slides. =) Pray that God will give me the strength to persevere in teaching though i will be working soon. Teaching realli forces me to think in depth about the Word which is lacking in non-teaching bros/sis. Its not just a skim the surface thing but to dwell into it,
O.I.A, Observe,Interpret,Application.

Pr. LL spoke about the 10 commandments, Honouring one's father and mother. After that we all went to lunch together which was in a reasonably good restaurant. And so embarrassing that pr. LL footed the bill! Tried to snatch it from her, but... ;p

Spent the rest of the day fetching Cat's family and spending time with her. Time nowadays seems so precious. Its really hard to find time together. One thing is the travelling distance i cannot deny. While it can onli be solved by...


Fetched her home...played DOTA. heheh DOTA!!!

Dear Singapore has her set of Ministers

Yup. Election results are out and parliament has been decided. The past one week has really been an eye-opener one for me. Why? Its the first time i am voting and because of this, i feel really concerned that i have to listen attentively to what the parties have to say and from that, make a decision. Its realyy my first elections when i wait eagerly for the morning papers to arrive and read up on all the juicy political news.

Some of my friends share the exact same sentiments as me. This weeks a pity is not gonna come by again for another 5 years. =( Well, it all felt good. The crowded rallies, juicy political news, arrows fired at one another... the mood was realli there. It was indeed election fever.

My experiences at the rally were a mixed. Crowded, muddy ground, Uncles everywhere, but the mood was quite uplifting, like a malaysia cup final like dat. Everytime a speaker said someting, people all cheered. And yes, there were almost 10 times more people at opp. rallies than at P rallies. Well, all good things have to come to an end. I support our PM. He realli leaves a lasting impression on me, articulate, kind, brave, friendly, smart... really deserves to be a PM and just because of nepotism. Well, dun wanna go too much into that. Jat...Next Entry!

finally signed my contract

Thank God, finally signed my contract. Looking forward to work. =) (for now...)
Did medical checkup, some administrative stuff, and yea..all set to start work!

The Case for a Creator :: Theory of evolution

Currently reading a book titled "The case for a creator". Planned to give it to a friend, but the contents are just too interesting that i cannot resist and had to pick it up and read for myself. Indeed, the book's fascinating. Here's a short summary from me.

The book presents the case for a creator, which would be God. From until where i have read now, its current theme is in disproving Darwinism. which is the theory of Evolution. While actually using the word disprove is not really correct too since Darwinism has not been proved too but let's just bear with the language.

Why would disproving Darwinism point to a creator? Suppose Darwinism is true, then there would not be a need for a creator. There is simply no need for guidance and design in the evolution of living things. It simply takes away the need for a creator. Of course one can say that Darwinism and a creator could come in hand in hand, ie perhaps Darwin theory is indeed a tool used by a creator for the creation of this world. However, the chaotic and messiness involved in Darwinism simply refutes this. And remember here, we are assuming that Darwinism is true. The book goes on to list down strong evidential points that Darwinism is not supported.

Just by the no. of sheer counter egs, Darwinism is already disproved. The stands used in the book are indeed convincing. The book is really an interesting read. Perhaps i would give a book review in YF. =) Welcome all to engage in lively and friendly comment.

Election fever

In case you are unaware, blogs commenting on the political scene have to be registered. But i doubt many of such blogs actually do tt. And anyway, i am not commenting on any political issue. The battle of the war of words is really quite intriguing/entertaining. All the different parties, the different characters, different strategies, so exciting. So much so that Cat is calling me an uncle for being so interested in politics.

Btw, exams are over. NLP was a killer. Hope that i can just pass and grad, so as not to break the clause of not graduating! But for now, enjoy life first for these 2 wks and then start work.

Mayday! Went to church early in the morning for a course on Philosophy and how it impacts post-modernism and the Church. Speaker was really good and full of resources.

Philosophy:
Today's students are much too centered around being technically inclined. A whole vacuum of knowledge in philosophy is created. Philosophy in short is the love for knowledge. Its really describing people, thinking in depth abt a subject, always passionate to question and not take things at surface.

Finished exams = graduate?

Just finished exams. Haiz, probably most difficult paper in my 4 years. Now can only hope that i get at least a 'D' grade so i can graduate. Coz if not...no more CS =..(

Received this mail from Pr. Lingli, wish to share it with all. =)

Cute cartoon about faith and the cross hope you enjoy

http://www.donghaeng.net/english/faith.htm

http://www.donghaeng.net/english/cross.htm

Random photos

Thought that i should show some photos and improve my lousy blogspot photo placing.


Grandparents with my beloved cousins. Both are in melbourne now though.
Cat's fav nephew. Nicholas. Quite blur and naughty. Need to learn to pee standing up.

That's me and that's my gf. Taken during her cousin's wedding where we the sister and bros.

=D

Read the Bible in a year

I know that i have been in church for 10 over years now. But i have to admit something. That i have never completed the bible. I mean its ok with the Historical books, but once i come to Psalms, Minor Prophets, Leviticus etc. i really can't absorb anything. Could be that my environment is not conducive enough. So for those having the same problem as me, here's a good website that helps you read the bible in a year.
Read the Bible in a year.
Its really good, provides for convenient/easy reading and monitors your progress. So let's encourage each other and embark on this "impossible journey" ya. =)

Also thank God that Cat's got her new job. Now for her to tender resignation. Gonna start on June 5th. For me, i am starting on the 15th May. So, really new phase for both of us. Hehe...erm...look around for HDB flats???

The 99th post

Er...placing of photo didn't turn out too well. But, nevertheless, its Cat's two fav. niece and nephew. =)

wow, this is gonna be my 99th post! Didn't know i blog that much. (neither do u right? =) )
Well, many of them are crap ones. Well i am improving on it.

Included a tag it board. So please post! At least i can know who is reading my sacred contents. Hahaha. Currently studying for tomorrow's business law paper. After that will be Natural lang. processing paper on sat. And then, its free free! Potentially going genting/KL and of coz, 1 day after that will be the start of my new phase of life! Life at CS.

Well, contract included a clause that i have to pass my exams, ie graduate. So, though highly unlikely, i do have a stress that i might fail. So, better study. Hehe, the HR whom called me is a fellow intern whom i knew last year, easier to get info. from her liao.

Great that Cat is on her way to negotiating a new job. Hope all goes well for her. If all goes smoothly, we gonna have our second job advancement together. =) Realli gotta give thanks.

Jason Bourne is way cool....

Gotta so go catch Bourne Supremacy. Action, intelligence, whatever, it has it.

Starting work on the 15th May. Whilst the free time before that, do know whether is there a chance to go tour not. Just too many constraints. But i do not mind not going anywhere. Just slack in Singapore also can. =)

Well, a list of to-do things to remind me,
1. Set up meeting for YF
2. YF last meeting minutes
3. return library mag

Oh...gotta ensure that i pass my 2 remaining modules and grad! Today when to retrieve my student feedback. For those unaware, i taught programming methodology last sem to a grp of year 1s. It was very fulfilling, and definitely a good experience. Just wanna put some comments by them here =)

What are the teacher's strengths?
1. careness
2. I like the way Jason teaches us the tutorial and actually he helped us understand a lot about the basic concept of object-oriented programming.
3. Very approachable. Able to level himself up with people of different programming strengths.
4. Helpful and very ready to give advice. Has good knowledge on the module.
5. A very solid and dedicated teacher focused on imparting knowledge and a love of the field. Observes students carefully and renders close assitance when necessary, making sure no student in the class is left behind. Always very humble and approachable. Works hard behind the scenes.

What improvements would you suggest to the teacher?
1. More tutorial questions please. Make us do homework.
2. Keep up the good work!
3. Could try to give more exercises.


Glad that my students found me useful =). I hope this goes the same for my Sunday sch class. "Teaching to change lives"

Well, some teaching tips that i can remember off hand that might be useful,
1. Maximum involvement causes maximum learning
2. A teacher should continously grow as he teaches too.
3. F.A.T. Faithful, Available, Teachable.
4. Makes use of all available aids to teach
5. Take a genuine interest in students.

For more, read "Teaching to change lives" by Howard Hendricks.

Godliness is not a means to financial gain

As many of us are stepping into a different milestone of our lives, ie working, where we are concerned more earning money, I just want to emphasize and make clear that believing in God will NOT make you rich. There are just too many messages out there that proclaim that if you serve more, you get more blessings. I quote from the bible and you decide yourself.

1 Timothy 6:3-10 The love of money

³ If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴ they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions ⁵ and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹ Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

I rejected Barclays

Sleepy but thought that i could squeeze in an entry. Just came back from prayer meeting. Also was abit late as Cat, her mum and I had supper. Well, it was more for Cat as she had not eaten her dinner. Aniways, she can enjoy coz its her birthday!

How did we celebrate it? Church frens and us went to PS swensens and had dinner followed by coffee at Starbucks. Had nice photo taking session and chat. =) Thanks for all the presents to Cat!

Today, well Barclays called early in the morning 9am but i was out for a run. Called them back and turned out that they wanted me to go for a video conf. interview with someone from London. Haiz, was expecting an offer, but since i really feel indebted to CS boss liao i knew the decision was to reject Barclays, veri well knowing that they pay higher. But really, pay isn't everything right? God has really shown me enough grace and blessings. Really a lot.

Come Sunday, "as for me and household, we will serve the Lord" =D

And oh...for all my frens who dun have mood to study, u r not alone... hahahaha
Gambatte! Getsuga tenshou

On my way to landing my dream job

Yep yep. Met up with boss and his ka-kia but nevertheless both my big boss. Told me about the employment packages, and boss was really nice and gracious, allowing me the choice of when to start work, negotiating salary and so on. Really must work hard to prove myself worthy man!

Both of them and i also had a great chat. They shared upon their journeys in their careers, lessons learned, gave my advice on how i should advance my career, and many other invaluable advice. Boss treated of coz, and i happily went home. Now to eagerly await the contract signing.

Today was HYP presentation. Went quite well with the first evaluator, but second i was abit too complacent and not focused. But it went pretty well too. However, i got stumped by some questions asked. Dunno good or bad, but another colleague of mine from TLI help ellaborated some of the motivations. Anyway i felt that it was good, as compared to relationships between pple, i view it definitely more impt and treasured than grades. Was just so touched that he came down and supported me, even though he's not my direct sup. Really can click with him.

Stayed back in lab and tried to finish up NLP. Quite cool. =D