'Jesus Decoded' site launched to counter claims in 'Da Vinci Code'

Published: 2006-03-09

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A new Web site sponsored by the U.S. bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign has been established to provide accurate information about the life of Jesus, the origins of Christianity and Catholic teaching to counter claims made in the best-selling novel "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown. The Web site, www.jesusdecoded.com, was launched March 9. A film version of the book is slated for nationwide release May 19. The site contains information that refutes claims made in the book about the nature of Jesus; his relationship with Mary Magdalene; the first four ecumenical councils of the early church and how they shaped today's teaching about Jesus; contemporaneous accounts of Jesus' life that were not selected for the New Testament; the role of women in the church throughout history; and the "Last Supper" paintings by Leonardo da Vinci and other artists of his era. The site also has production information on the CCC's "Jesus Decoded" TV special, including information on air dates and times in cities around the United States.

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