I understand people have passion for subjects close to their heart. When a subject is criticized, some form of personal identification takes place with those close to the subject. This makes it seem as if the supporter of the subject is being criticized or attacked, which elicits a response on behalf of the supporter.
It’s the whole “transitive property” aspect – You criticize a topic, I believe and support said topic, ergo you criticize me.
I get it; I understand.
Roughly a week ago I raised the same question with Big Love. Some members of the Mormon community raised concerns about a sacred ceremony, saying a line had been crossed. With input from a blog reader, and with more thought on the subject, I can understand how one could, potentially, be offended.
Do I think that means the topic should be avoided? No.
What I have a problem understanding; however, is why some people get so upset with pure fiction – enter Dan Brown.
It was described as a “phantasmagorical cocktail of inventions”, a “masonic plot” and a “pot pourri of lies”. Now a nervous Vatican is braced for the sequel to The Da Vinci Code and the return of its nemesis, Dan Brown.
…
The film is to be released in Italy on May 13 and in Britain a day later, as Pope Benedict XVI finishes his tour of the Holy Land. A strong reaction is more likely because the antiDa Vinci campaign was led by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, then Archbishop of Genoa and now the Vatican’s Secretary of State – and as such the Pope’s right-hand man. Gianni Gennari, a leading theologian and a columnist for Avvenire, the newspaper of the Italian bishops, called on Catholics to boycott Angels & Demons, accusing the film-makers of “exploiting the Church to swell takings at the box office”. He said the film was part of a plot to undermine the credibility of the Church.
No, this is fiction… not an attempt to undermine the credibility of the Church. This is an expert weaving of fictional stories into a modern setting purely for the entertainment value.
Any credibility the Church had was long lost when the individuals who head the Church decided to cover up the years of child abuse by priests. If one has to spend time defending a work of fiction from another work of fiction, while ignoring the evils within his or her own belief system, I think that person’s priorities are a bit off.
But, hey, that’s just me.
Wandering Coyote wonders this same thing about The Da Vinci Code…
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