The Dulling Effect of Doubt

I have been reading one of the many critiques of the Da Vinci Code. I have been trying to understand why many Bible believers are concerned about the Dan Brown's best seller and the current movie version. I well aware that the book and the movie are full of error, and if we love the Lord, we should be concerned when he is misrepresented. But how necessary is it to take the time to correct these errors?

I am come to the conclusion that Brown's writings are dangerous and need to be countered. I think that they are dangerous for unbelievers, because additionally obstacles to their experiencing salvation. Also, there are various views of spirituality expressed by Brown that in and of themselves are harmful for people.

But perhaps the greatest danger is for believers themselves. While I don't think they will all of a sudden embrace Brown's view of Yeshua and history, what he does do is cast doubt on the authenticity and inerrancy of the Bible. Since most Bible believers have not taken the time to understand how the Bible came to be and why it can be trusted, Brown's statement about other Gospels and how the books of the Bible came to be accepted might cause people to be a little less confident in God's Book.

Does that mean people are going to automatically reject the Holy Scriptures? I don't think so. But a little bit of doubt may be just enough to render our faith ineffective.

Please note that I think questioning some of our preconceived notions about the Bible is a good thing. But that should lead to an honest and thorough examination of the facts. What Brown does is simply cast doubt on the Bible as we know it. If the Bible is the product of conspiracy and cover up, then how can we ever know the truth? The fact that his assertions have no historical basis, may make no difference to those who don’t know better.

Last week I quoted the verse from Hebrews 4:12 that refers to God's Word as being sharper than a two-edged sword. Doubt dulls the blade of God's Word. Doubt will prevent it from cutting through to our own hearts. Doubt will prevent us from using it effectively in the lives of others.

In order to withstand this attack on God's Truth, we must be secure in what we believe and why we believe it. We must not let doubt take hold. Therefore if you have not already done so, I suggest reading one of those Da Vinci Code critiques.