Several months ago, I picked up Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code on the new fiction table at a local bookstore.  Its cover and title led me to believe it would be a work of art history.  Given my interest in the general subject, and in Leonardo in particular, I began thumbing through the volume.  It was quickly obvious that the writer intended something far different.

I read the book that night, and knew immediately that it would be controversial.  I write a daily on-line devotional, and dedicated a series to the novel.  Response far exceeded my expectations.  Even then, I did not know the book would remain so popular.  At this writing, it is still #1 on the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list.

Mr. Brown's earlier Angels and Demons has enjoyed a predictable resurgence in interest as well, climbing to #1 on the paperback fiction bestseller list.  The author's earlier Digital Fortress, a novel with no spiritual overtones whatever, is gaining popularity as well.  On his web site, Mr. Brown says he's hard at work on his next novel, centered in an investigation of the Masons.  The DaVinci Code is said to be the subject of an upcoming movie from Columbia Pictures as well; the rumor is that Ron Howard will direct.

Why is this book the subject of such controversy?  Why would a Baptist minister and former seminary professor take an interest in its claims from the perspective of historical facts?  Why should you care if the book is accurate or fictional?