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The Da Vinci Code: A Biblical Response

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Manila Bans The Da Vinci Code

By Lucille Talusan and Jay Esteban
CBN News

CBN News -- MANILA, Philippines - The city of Manila has banned the showing of the movie The Da Vinci Code, as many Christians and Catholic faithfuls believe it is blasphemous.

The fictional movie claims, among other things, that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and that they had a daughter. This upsets Christians, especially the implication that the Bible is a hoax.

Mayor Lito Atienza of Manila imposed the city-wide implementation of the ban, based on the revised penal code that states that movies which offend any religion are prohibited from being shown. He said the movie maligns the very foundations of the Christian faith.

"Our young, especially today, could get influenced by such cavalier and light treatment of a very serious matter,” warned Atienza. “Faith is one of the most serious matters that we Filipinos consider, and I feel that many Filipinos feel violated the same way as we feel in Manila."

The mayor added that failure to comply with the ban will result in the closure of the offending movie theater. "We will not stop short of closing them down to show them our resolve that we will not allow such violation of our religious beliefs," he said.

There is also a pending restraining order on the showing of the movie, but this time in the whole country of the Philippines. Congressman Bienvenido Abante is awaiting the trial court's decision that will permanently ban not only the movie, but even the selling of Dan Brown's novel and future DVD releases of the movie.

Abante said, "Now, it might be fiction, but this is not the kind of fiction that is harmless -- this is harmful."

Despite the provocation that the movie is causing, most Christians are not disturbed with the release of The Da Vinci Code.

"Oh no, my faith is strong," said Marielle, a college student.

The ban on the controversial movie is most welcomed in this predominantly Christian country. Yet some people have already seen the movie in its brief opening during the weekend, and they say their faith in the word of God remains strong. It is not shaken by the lies or deception that the movie depicts.

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