Considering the Code

This weekend marks the release of the movie The DaVinci Code. So of course pundits everywhere are rehashing the fundamental premise of the book on which the movie is based, that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and produced offspring. With no real proof to base this theory on, there's little point in arguing its merits. Come to think of it, outside of the New Testament, there's virtually no proof that Jesus existed at all.

For me, The DaVinci Code provided a jumping off point to take a second look at what passes today for Christianity, and to compare that to what might have (or perhaps should have) been. Most biblical scholars do agree that during the first centuries after Christ there were many forms of Christianity with many varying beliefs. If you have an interest in pursuing this fascinating subject I would recommend, as a starting point, any of the fine books by Elaine Pagels or Bart Ehrlman, particularly Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospels of Thomas by Pagels, and Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why by Ehrlman.