Dear Editor: The motion picture version of the Da Vinci Code and the forthcoming Madonna Concert seem to be occupying the time of most religious groups.
The Rev. Raniero Cantalamessa, Pope Benedict’s personal priest, in referring to the Da Vinci Code, stated “Christ is being sold for 30 pieces of silver, this time by publishers and filmmakers” while the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Rowan Williams, denounced the book’s premise that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had children calling “the stuff of imagination.”
In denouncing Madonna, who hangs from the cross in a mock crucifixion during her forthcoming concert, Rev. Robert Carr of St. Benedict’s Church in Somerville, Massachusetts, claims that “she has become irrelevant in her desire to become provocative,” and Kiera McCaffrey, spokeswoman for the Catholic League for Civil and Religious Rights said, “This is Madonna. It’s pathetic.”
Instead of censuring the Da Vinci Code and Madonna as they usually do, these clerics and religious organizations have chosen to take what they seem to perceive as the high road in waging battle against the book, movie and Madonna. By deciding to dismiss the adversary, both Rev. Cantalamessa’s direct attack and Rev. Carr’s patronizing replies are being employed, each to no avail, for an attack on any kind merely generates additional publicity.
However, a more practical suggestion to these devout assemblies would be to completely ignore anyone who attempts to defame areas held sacred. If the church wishes to take the high road by not descending to the level of the foe, then it should say nothing, as if the author or the performer do not exist. But as soon as a condescending attitude is assumed in print, the purpose is usually defeated and the Da Vinci Code and Madonna gain what was always sought, public attention.
Howard Lawson