Book Review: Discussing the Da Vinci Code Curriculum Kit

May 7, 2006 Posted by Roger Overton

The Discussing the Da Vinci Code Curriculum Kit by
Lee Strobel and Gary Poole contains three items: a DVD, a group discussion
guide, and the book Exploring the Da Vinci Code by the same authors. In this
review I will cover the DVD and it’s discussion guide. The accompanying book
will be reviewed independently.

This curriculum was put together with “seekers” in mind.
“Since the primary audience for this guide is the not-yet-convinced seekers,
the ideal place to use Discussing the Da Vinci Code is within the context of
seeker groups.” (10) The emphasis is group discussion such that if the proposed
schedule is followed participants will spend about 17 minutes watching the DVD
and 43 minutes conversing per session.

The DVD and discussion guide are broken down into four
sessions in which Lee Strobel visits some of the historical locations utilized
in The Da Vinci Code and interviews contemporary scholars. In the first
session, the topic of historical analysis is discussed with historian Paul
Maier. The second session poses the question “Can we trust the four Gospels?”
to New Testament scholar Scot McKnight. Strobel interviews Kathy McReynolds in
session three about the role of women in Christianity and Jesus’ relationship
with Mary Magdalene. The final session deals with the divinity of Jesus with
scholar Mark Strauss.

Considering the proposed “seeker context,” the discussion
guide is very well done. It provides great questions for discussion while provided
many quotes from scholars, Dan Brown, and facts throughout the booklet. In the
back of the guide are several appendices that recommend further resources,
state the facts, and give arguments for the true identity of Jesus that is
affirmed by historic Christianity.

While it’s neat to see Lee Strobel “on location,” he doesn’t
really engage the sites he visits, so that seemed somewhat pointless. Strobel
is more known for his investigative journalist approach, which he applied well
on the DVD. He asks good questions that provoke good responses form the
reputable scholars.

The DVD also has some promotional trailers, which
could be shown to get people interested in joining the discussion group. The
graphics and navigation of the DVD are extremely well done. The DVD together
with the group discussion guide make Discussing the Da Vinci Code a thought provoking curriculum that
will be useful for seekers and curious Christians alike.