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Last Updated: Tuesday, 16 August 2005, 16:36 GMT 17:36 UK
Head-to-head: Da Vinci Code filming
Dan Brown
Dan Brown wrote the Da Vinci Code
A nun is protesting outside Lincoln Cathedral over the filming of the movie of controversial bestselling book the Da Vinci Code.

The Dean of Lincoln, the Very Reverend Alec Knight, allowed the filmmakers into Lincoln Cathedral.

Sister Mary Michael, who is protesting, believes the Dean was wrong.

Here we present their opposing views.

THE DEAN OF LINCOLN

It's fiction. It's been attacked as blasphemous because it argues the notion that Jesus' humanity included an element of sexuality.

Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral is acting as Westminster Cathedral for the film
My view is that the book isn't blasphemous, it doesn't denigrate God in any way, but it is speculative, far fetched and heretical.

It has clearly touched the public imagination, and the Church needs to open up a debate about it rather than throw one's hands up and walk away from it.

It does need to be taken seriously - what is it that has attracted so much attention?

I think the Church ought to grasp the opportunity that such an event gives it to come out and tell the truth.

We should say, `let's have a look at the facts, let's examine the evidence'.

The evidence is not conclusive either way, but much more in favour of Jesus being a celibate.

I think God speaks to human beings in all sorts of ways. He speaks through material things as well as through directly spiritual things.

SISTER MARY MICHAEL

Jesus spoke the truth, especially at the Last Supper when he said: 'This is my body, this is my blood'.

A nun and her friend kneel outside Lincoln Cathedral
Sister Mary believes the church was wrong to accept money

I think that the Bishop and Dean and the Church should stand up for the truth.

They have a muddled view which they are implying is acceptable because they are allowing it (the filming) in the cathedral.

I think that he is quibbling with words and any rationalist can do it.

I can understand why people are reading it, I know it is a fiction and probably a brilliant book, but this is not about love, this is a mystery.

It is not the truth and the truth would be far more beneficial.

The Church should not be accepting money for something that is not a true story. They should be praying more, and then the money would come in.

To a believer, any believer, what is happening is blasphemous.




SEE ALSO:
Nun stages Da Vinci Code protest
16 Aug 05 |  Lincolnshire
Bell stops tolling for Hanks film
14 Aug 05 |  Lincolnshire
Hollywood movie role for chapel
26 Jul 05 |  Scotland
Da Vinci Code wins top book award
20 Apr 05 |  Entertainment


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