Are Christians being lead astray by "christian" books?

Question

Are books like the Davinci Code, and the left behind series replacing Biblical teachings?
Why is the hell of Dante's Inferno accept over the Bible's description?
Or, does god work through other books than the bible?

Answer 1

"The DaVinci Code" is a work of fiction, as is the "Inferno", and I haven't read any of the "Left Behind" books personally because I don't subscribe to LaHaye's Fundamentalist worldview as promoted in his other books (although the "Left Behind" series admittedly seems to be quite popular with many readers).

One has to use good judgment while reading. I see no harm in reading these books, or even non-Christian books. They're just books, after all. As a promoter of literacy, I'm glad to see people reading anything these days. Just use some common sense and don't get swept away by sensationalism.

Answer 2

Good question. I think the Bible should still be the ultimate standard with which we test all of these Christian books. The Bible is the only credible source we have to God's word as there's more evidence to back up the validity Bible than any other book. So when you ask yourself "is this a good Christian book?" you should first ask "did the author attempt to derive his conclusions from the Bible and did he succeed?"

I'm my humble opinion...

The Da vinchi Code = not even close, the book was written for the sole purpose of stirring controversy and reaping profit from it.

The Left Behind Series = I think they made an honest effort but I don't agree with every interpretation. I think it's good to view those books as a possible way prophecy could be fulfilled rather than THE way prophecy will be fulfilled.

Dante's Inferno = I think people overestimate this book's effect on modern Christian thought. Yes the 7 circles of Hell are cited often but are rarely taken literally to my experience. The book also illustrated Hell as an icy wasteland rather than the fiery pit imagined by many Christians today. Ultimately, like the left behind series I think the author of this book took what was in the Bible and then kind of let his imagination run wild with possibility. C.S. Lewis did something similar to this in his book "The Great Divorce". It's a very interesting read that I would recommend to anyone.

Answer 3

I'm afraid that many are studying about the Bible instead of just studying the Bible.

When you study books that are about the Bible, you get some man's ideas about what the bible says. It would be much better to go directly to the word of God and let the Bible answer all of your Bible questions. Search the Scriptures! (Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 2:15, John 5:39) The Bible has everything we need to know to be spiritually complete. (2 Peter 1:3, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Answer 4

I don't believe Da Vinci Code is a Christian book, it is an anti-Christian book, so I've not read it. The Left Behind series are Christian books based on biblical teachings, and I get my idea of hell from the Bible,maybe that's where Dante got his?

Answer 5

That's an excellent question. I guess I'd say that just because something calls itself "Christian" doesn't necessarily mean it follows true Christianity. A Christian professes to believe in the teachings of Christ. So a careful examination of the Scriptures and the principles Jesus taught should clue us in as to whether these other books teach exactly the same thing. Or are they the personal viewpoints of the author?

That's why people should be careful & selective w/ what they read, etc.

Answer 6

I do believe that God speaks to us in many ways and Christian books is one way. Books like the Da Vinci Code(a fictional novel), may lead people who are uncertain about their beliefs down the wrong road if they take it as fact. I don't believe any writings can take the place of teachings from the Bible, but there are some great devotional and inspirational books out there that can reinforce your faith and are another way to worship.

Answer 7

Joseph Smith become a Prophet, like Isaiah become a Prophet, or Moses become a Prophet. Therefor he become waiting to tell while and the place the Bible went amiss, or become mistranslated, over the loads of years from while the books interior the Bible have been initially written. Joseph Smith become no longer a blind scribe, or an uninspired Priest. Therefor, he retranslated the Bible, the two previous testomony and New testomony. And this e book is referred to as Joseph Smith's inspired Translation Of The Bible. To an surprising quantity, Joseph Smith's Translation, shows that the international's fairly some Bible translations, are many times ultimate. yet there is a few significant issues that have been taken out, and Joseph Smith therefor restored them, making use of concept from God, the form of concept in easy terms a Prophet, who can do miracles, could do.

Answer 8

OF CORSE NOT.
DaVinci code is a fictional story about fictional characters ...
Dante's book is also - very fictional . I cant imagine why would anybody use them as they use the Bible ... If they do - at least don't call them Christians.

Answer 9

I think the Lord can work through some books.

[Sidebar--The DaVinci Code is not one of them, imo]

But we must be careful not to take them over the Bible.

Kas

Answer 10

Most of the books you refer to are men's attempt to profit Not Prophet on Jesus Christ's death, burial and Resurrection.
The devil is a liar and the father of all lies.

In college, my Accounting Professor always said that "Figures do not lie but liars figure"

"Holy Scriptures" was found 2 times in 2 verses in the New Testament.

Romans 1:2 - (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

2 Timothy 3:15 - And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.