This book has also inspired a great deal of controversy and groups such as the Catholic Church have spoken out against the book and the parts of it that they perceive as being blasphemous. Some of the London church locations like Temple Church (pictured) referred to in the book have come to dread the flood of visitors and their sometimes impertinent questions.

What is it about this book that has made it so popular but at the same time so hated? Author Dan Brown has been quite clear about how he has woven threads of fact into his fictional tale, but this explanation has failed to silence the never-ending debate that rages between his detractors and supporters.

Christian groups and the Catholic Church in particular have spoken out against The Da Vinci Code and what they see as an unflattering portrayal of the Church and its policies. Interestingly, this public display of disapproval may have given the book more publicity and a notoriety that actually encouraged more readers.

Dan Brown has stated repeatedly that his book is a combination of fact and fiction, and that he is not making any statements against any organization but rather is just trying to tell an interesting tale.

Although some people think The Da Vinci Code has damaged the image of the Catholic Church, others feel that the popularity of the book has sparked some much needed interest in and discussion about the history of the Church and topics of faith.

In an age where church attendance is at an all-time low and religious activity is frequently dismissed as rather superfluous to modern life, one would think that anything that gets people thinking and talking about religion would be welcome.

The book of The Da Vinci Code has captured people’s attention in a most unexpected way.

Temple Church

Address: Fleet Street, Holborn, London EC4Y 7BL

Telephone: 020 7427 5641

Photo courtesy: Matt From London

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