Expert: Fr. Michael - 7/6/2004

Question
Greetings from Texas!
I have no doubt that you are familiar with the book, Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Baigent, Leigh and Lincoln. Recently, I received this book as a gift as the gift giver knows that I have more than a passing interest in the early days of the Church. The basic claims are that evidence exists that indicates Jesus did not die on the cross and that he and Mary Magdelene produced a bloodline that still exists and that the Knights Templar and/or similar groups (Priory of Sion) have held the Papacy at ransom to keep these facts from coming to light since these facts could destroy the Modern Christian world. In short, what is your opinion of the assertions in this book? The authors claim that, not only are these things possible, but probable. Obviously, this question opens a possible thread that could delve into many aspects of Western cultural development, but your initial thoughts are appreciated.

Skeptically yours,
Scott

Answer
Shades of the DaVinci Code!  There are too many of these pot-boilers nowadays to keep track of.  Anything that goes contrary to the orthodox seems to titillate the modernistic mind.  I remember reading in the 1960s "The Passover Plot," in which it was contented that Our Lord drugged himself on the vinegar and woke up in the tomb.  What a piece of trash!

From that point on I decided not to waste any time on this nonsense, but to drink from the wisdom of Sacred Scripture and the Church Fathers.  That will give you a lot better idea of the early Church than some modern trickster's attempt to dupe people into fables in order to make money on book royalties.  The more outlandish the story, the more royalties.