Two years ago a friend recommended to me a little book called The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Soon after, I got a copy from PowerBooks. It turned out to be one hell of a page-turner; I couldn't let go of the book after I had started reading it. I had my nose stuck in that book during my lunch period, in between classes, while commuting home from school, and well into the wee hours of the morning. The story was so engrossing that for a few days I touched neither the keyboard nor the remote control. I was so impressed that I sought out other books by Dan Brown. Within a few months I had finished Angels and Demons, Digital Fortress, and Deception Point.
Imagine my excitement when I found out that The Da Vinci Code was being turned into a movie.
It is only a few days before its worldwide premier, but if certain people and groups get their way, it may never be shown here in the Philippines. Various religious groups and personalities have denounced it as "blasphemy". An anti-pornography group has filed a case against the MTRCB for allowing the importation of the movie here. No less than the Executive Secretary of the President has called for the banning of the film. His words: "I think we should do everything not to allow it to be shown. I don’t see how we as a Catholic nation or as practicing Catholics would tolerate such a plot to be propagated in the name of freedom of expression."
Haaay... It's been a few years since the book came out so I assume that whoever is reading this has at least an inkling of what the book is all about. The Da Vinci Code is a work of fiction. Nothing more, nothing less. It did not happen. It is a story, a figment of the author's imagination. The idea that Jesus Christ was married and had a family with Mary Magdalene may have come from historical sources, but The Da Vinci Code only uses that idea to present an engrossing, fictional thriller.
But people say that it presents a danger to Christians, especially those who have "weak faith". According to them, the movie posits a lot of controversial ideas that would cause people to question their faith. To borrow a line from my Socio 10 professor; e ano ngayon? What's wrong with questioning something? Learning begins with questioning. Isn't this a good opportunity to let people learn more about their faith? Isn't this a good opportunity for the Church to educate those whose eyes are opened to new possibilities after watching the film?
People say that certain groups will be offended by the film. E ano ngayon? If they are offended by the film then they shouldn't watch it. Why should they drag those of us who do want to watch the film down with them? I remember an episode of South Park wherein everything about Christmas that was offensive to certain groups was banned. The town was left without a Christmas.
People say that being a Catholic nation the Philippines should not allow the showing of the film. So what about the Muslims, the Hindus, the Buddhists, and those who practice other religions? Are they not a part of this nation? Don't they have a say in this issue?
People may say whatever they want about the film. They may call it blasphemous and offensive, "an affront to the Catholic faith" or whatnot, but one thing is for sure, no one can ban it in this country.
Why?
Banning the film on religious grounds violates Article 3, Section 5 of the 1987 Constitution which states that "No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights."
So there. I have set my heart on watching the movie ever since I heard about it last year.
I WANT to watch the movie.
I don't care if it offends anyone; it does not offend ME.
I don't care if someone thinks it is dangerous; it does not threaten ME.
The government CANNOT dictate what the people can or cannot watch.
See you on May 18.
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