"We feel it is important to be able to open up a dialogue about faith that is positive, that looks at 'The Da Vinci Code' as a positive platform for discussion about faith and the roots of our faith," said David Kirkpatrick, president of Good News Holdings, a Christian evangelical company that is distributing the video Bible.
"Personally I think 'The Da Vinci Code' is a really good book, a great work of fiction, and it will be a huge success at the box office," said Kirkpatrick, who before being born again as a Christian three years ago was head of production at Paramount Pictures from 1989-93.
Produced by WatchWord Prods. of Sewickley, Pa., "The WatchWord Bible" features the complete New Testament in both onscreen text and narration. The videos also provide scenic footage of the original Holy Land locations where the Biblical stories take place."The WatchWord Bible" is being sold nationwide by about 140,000 Christian churches and evangelical men’s ministry, Promise Keepers, through Christian Copyright Licensing International. The DVD can also be purchased here here.
Churches keep up to half the $49.95 (27 pounds) selling price, Kirkpatrick said, noting that previously "The WatchWord Bible" has been marketed exclusively through infomercials for $275.
Controversy regarding “The Da Vinci Code” film starring Tom Hanks and its supposedly anti-Christian theories are growing as the opening date for "Code" draws closer. Meanwhile, main actor Hanks claims that the movie could help ministers increase their congregations by starting a debate that will encourage more people to attend church.
According to Kirkpatrick, he wouldn't go as far as to urge others to ‘boycott’ the movie, but said the "Code" book and the movie should come with a disclaimer, identifying it as a work of fiction.
