The Greatest Story Ever Sold: My Journey Back to "The Da Vinci Code" and the Search for the Holy Grail

Twenty years after my last encounter with Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, this past week I found myself gravitating back into its pages, only to be gripped once again by the relentless pursuit of truth embedded within its narrative. But wait, I lie—I have since watched the film version more than a couple of times...and anyone who has ever endured a film with me would immediately know what I'm talking about.

The Da Vinci Code, as it did back in 2004, leaves me questioning the very foundations and fabric of Christianity, exposing what I now believe to be the greatest swindle in human history.

The Enigmatic Plot
At its core, The Da Vinci Code follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon and DCPJ cryptologist Sophie Neveu as they unravel a web of secrets hidden in plain sight. The murder of the Louvre's curator, Jacques Saunière, sets off a chain of events leading them through a labyrinth of art, history, and religious iconography. The trail they follow suggests that the Christian Church has perpetuated a monumental deceit regarding the life of Jesus Christ and the role of Mary Magdalene.

The Suppressed Truth: Mary Magdalene
One of the most controversial claims in Brown’s book is the idea that Mary Magdalene was not merely a follower of Jesus but his wife and the mother of his child. This theory (though not original—see Holy Blood, Holy Grail, another all-time favourite) challenges the very bedrock of Christian doctrine. According to the book, the Church has systematically suppressed this truth to maintain its power and control over the faithful.

Quoting now directly from The Da Vinci Code, we find the argument compellingly laid out by Sir Leigh Teabing, a British Grail historian:

"Behold," Teabing said, "the greatest cover-up in human history. Not only was Jesus Christ married, but He was a father" (Brown, 2003)

This claim finds some resonance in historical documents and Gnostic texts, such as the Gospel of Philip, which refers to Mary Magdalene as Jesus's companion, a term often translated to mean 'spouse' in ancient contexts.

The Holy Grail: Symbol of the Sacred Feminine
In Brown's narrative, (and in many others before him, notably Henry Lincoln, Michael Baigent, and Richard Leigh in Holy Blood, Holy Grail) the Holy Grail is not a chalice as has been assumed for millennia but a metaphor for Mary Magdalene herself, the bearer of Jesus's bloodline. This reinterpretation of the Grail myth suggests that the true 'holy blood' has been preserved through a lineage that the Church (unsuccessfully) sought to erase from history.

Brown weaves this notion through the fabric of his plot, connecting it to well-known artistic works and historical artifacts. Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" is central to this argument, where the figure to Jesus's right, traditionally thought to be John the Apostle, is suggested to be Mary Magdalene. This interpretation flips centuries of accepted religious art on its head, challenging us to see beyond what we've been taught.

The Priory of Sion: Guardians of the Grail
A secret society, the Priory of Sion, is portrayed as the guardian of this sacred truth. Founded in 1099, according to the book, the Priory has included some of history's most illustrious figures, including Leonardo da Vinci and Sir Isaac Newton. Their mission: to protect the secret of Mary Magdalene and her descendants from the grasp of the Holy Catholic Church.

While the existence of the Priory of Sion has been widely debunked by historians, Brown's depiction raises valid questions about the lengths to which powerful institutions will go to protect their interests. The real power of The Da Vinci Code lies in its ability to provoke thought and encourage scepticism.

The Council of Nicaea: Shaping a Narrative
One of the pivotal moments in the book, and indeed in Christian history, is the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE. Convened by Emperor Constantine (apparently a lifelong pagan, and only converted to Christianity on his deathbed, too weak to protest), this council aimed to unify Christianity under a single doctrine. It was here that Jesus's divinity was established, almost 400 years after his death, a decision not without its detractors and political motivations. Turns out, Jesus was deified by acclamation, and a very close vote at that. Over the years, even long before I began my own Grail quest, I had and have often relayed this singular fact to many, only to be greeted with looks of perfidy often reserved for the devil himself.

Brown suggests that the concept of Jesus as divine was a strategic move to consolidate Constantine's power. Again, this is corroborated by a plethora of historical evidence. By deifying Jesus, the Church could exert unparalleled control over the masses, effectively becoming a conduit for state power. Notably, no one could "go to heaven" except by the acquiescence of the Church. This convergence of church and state interests marks, in my view, the beginning of the grand deception.

The Power of Symbolism and Art
Throughout The Da Vinci Code, Brown emphasises the role of symbolism in preserving and concealing truths. The use of art, cryptic messages, and religious iconography plays a crucial role in both the story and in real history. Art, as Brown demonstrates, is not just for aesthetic appreciation but a powerful tool for communication and subversion.

Consider the Fibonacci sequence, the anagram puzzles, and the cryptic poems left by Saunière. These elements serve as both plot devices and metaphors for the hidden truths within Christianity. They remind us that the surface is often deceptive, and deeper investigation is necessary to uncover reality.

The Impact of The Da Vinci Code
Reflecting on my re-reading of The Da Vinci Code, I am struck by its enduring relevance. The questions it raises about historical accuracy, religious authority, and institutional power are as pressing today as they were two decades ago. While the book is a work of fiction, its ability to spark debate and encourage critical thinking is undeniable.

In light of Brown's revelations, I find myself again questioning the very nature of belief and truth as I did 20 years ago and have been doing every day since. If the foundations of Christianity are indeed built on manipulated narratives and power plays, what does that mean for the millions of believers who have shaped their lives around the world's greatest hoax?

A Call for Scepticism
The Da Vinci Code challenges us to look beyond accepted narratives and seek out hidden truths. It suggests that what we often accept as historical fact may be nothing more than a carefully constructed story, designed to serve the interests of the powerful. After all, as Napoleon said, speaking through Sir Leigh, "What is history, but a fable agreed upon?"

And so, as I close The Da Vinci Code once more and prop it back on the shelf (or, more accurately, carousel...this time I'm using Kindle Fire), hopefully not for another 20 years, I am reminded of the importance of scepticism and the relentless pursuit of truth.

In an age where information is simultaneously abundant and manipulated, Brown's tale serves as a powerful reminder: question everything, seek out the facts, and never underestimate the lengths to which both people and institutions will go to preserve their power. The greatest story ever told, it turns out, is actually the greatest lie ever sold.