By: Craig Rippy


Yep, I read it. I enjoyed the rapid pace, the chase, and the intensity. I even considered the theme interesting. But, it didn't derail my faith. "The Da Vinci Code," like many other books or movies has appeal as an action adventure with a suspenseful storyline. That kind of story captures me for the entire read or viewing.

The "Gospel of Judas" is the latest find. Isn't it cool that an old document has been found? I've found about as much reliable information about the "Gospel of Judas" that's been released to the public and tried to digest it. Archeologists, Anthropologists, and other Historians must be excited about the find and the ability to study it. Has the "Gospel of Judas" weakened my faith in the Bible? No.

A thousand years from now the great science fiction movies, "V" or "Independence Day" may be found in some old vault. People will believe that aliens had invaded earth a thousand years earlier and used people for tasty morsels. As you know, the movies have the "Earthlings" finally defeating the alien forces. With the remake of the movie in the year 2990, billions of "Earthlings" will be inspired to defeat any future invasion force from space.

The truth is, I believe in conspiracies. Lee Harvey Oswald? Come on. The whole thing was bigger than him. John Wilkes Booth? Another President that had a plethora of people and organizations that wanted him dead. Judas Iscariot? Lets not forget the Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, King Herod, and Governor Pilate. Yet the greatest conspirator was God. I have the proof of God's conspiratorial plan and so do you. It's found in 1 Peter 1:20, "He (Jesus) was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake." The conspiracy was for our good, but it still was a strategy of God.

The Devil is a conspirator as well. He is the "father of lies, and a murderer from the beginning" (John 8:44). Was Dan Brown or the original author of the "Gospel of Judas" developing a strategy to derail the faith of all Christians? The answer to that question must be told by the authors. Were they attempting to cause their readers to question the accuracy of the Bible? Again, Dan Brown and the other

author must answer that question. Are agnostics and atheists using these works to discredit Christianity? I have my opinion, but still each of the people in these groups must answer the question themselves.

I do know that Satan desires to derail the Christian's faith, bring the Inspired Word of God under undue scrutiny, and discredit Christianity. Satan is not going to win this battle. All he will accomplish is to stumble into God's grand scheme of redemption. The scheme of redemption isn't complete. From before creation the Godhead has implemented a plan of redemption. In the garden God told Satan, I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel (Gen. 3:15 NKJV). The Devil must have been listening intently when God spoke to Abram about a promised seed (Gen. 22:18). Later, the Apostle Paul clearly revealed to the Galatians who the seed was, The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ (Gal. 3:16 - NIV).

The Knights Templar, ancient pages of literature, or some grassy knoll aren't enough to intimidate my faith. My faith is built upon thousands of corresponding ancient manuscripts, and the Apostles, elders, priests, evangelists, and even councils of the last 2000 years. My faith is built upon the consistency of more than 1,500 years of writings from Moses to the Apostle John. My faith is built upon the intricacies of life and nature. But, ultimately, my faith is built upon the message of Jesus Christ and the experience of Him reigning in my heart.

Yep, I believe in conspiracies. The God of truth has a plan for you. Lucifer has a plan against you. Which do you choose?