Jim Garlow

Interviews: A Summry

2007-01-31T10:18:00.001-08:00

Interviews: A Summary Statement
Summary of Da Vinci Code Interviews – May 27, 2006

I have tried to make a careful estimate of what has transpired during recent months.

It appears that I have done approximately 175 interviews (radio, television & print) regarding The Da Vinci Code during the last two years and two months.

But there are many others who have been involved in the attempt to expose error and reveal truth.

I suspect that there might have been as many as 1,000 people traveling and speaking – all debunking the theories, history and theology of The Da Vinci Code, at least 20 or so of them with reasonably high visibility.

There were nearly 200 books written against The Da Vinci Code, with approximately 20 of them gaining significant impact and visibility.

(Cracking Da Vinci’s Code [co-authored with Peter Jones] has 500,000 in print, and is likely the “leader of the pack.” The Da Vinci CodeBreaker [co-authored with Timothy Paul Jones and April Williams] has been out two months and is approaching the 100,000 mark.)

It would not surprise me if there were at least 50 people across America who appeared with regularity on radio shows, challenging The Da Vinci Code.

There were probably 10 of us who were involved on national television shows, challenging the errors of The Da Vinci Code.

I am not certain, but I think I am on five or more documentaries regarding The Da Vinci Code which were shown on the ABC television network, the PAX Network, the Discovery Network, the History Channel, the Sci-Fi Channel and a host of others. I would “guestimate” that there are probably 20 other people on these and other documentaries.

Did all this make a difference?

Yes. Even “secular” shows debunked The Da Vinci Code.

Considering that there are many who (even after two or three years of discussion about the book) still believe The Da Vinci Code to have historical merit, and considering the fact that the book has sold in excess of 40 million copies in 44 languages and is a global phenomenon, it was a formidable foe. But all of us together have made a difference.

Although I have a few scattered interviews left, I am now declining most Da Vinci Code related interviews. It has been an interesting journey that has allowed me to make the case for the divinity of Christ and the reliability of the New Testament in so many venues.

[Interview times listed below are Pacific Standard Time]

¬2004

April 8, 2004

8:00am-8:30am
Jan Mickelson, WHO LIVE
Des Moines, Iowa

April 15, 2004

8:15am
American Family Radio
Host: Tim Wildmon

9:00am
Pilgrim Radio Network
Carson City, NV
Host: Bill Feltner

3:00–4:00pm
KSLR
San Antonio, TX
Host: Adam McManus

4:00–5:00pm
KGFT
Colorado Springs, CO
Host: Bob Grant, Th.M.

April 16, 2004

2:10-2:45 pm
WTLN
Orlando, FL
Host: John Adams

April 23, 2004

4:20pm
CNN
Anderson Cooper 360 Show
(Live in New York)

April 27, 2004

New York Times
[front page article—same article printed in at least 9 other nationwide newspapers including the San Diego Tribune]

April 28, 2004

7:00am
NBC Today Show

8:10-8:20am
WEMI
Appleton, WI
Host: Patty Ulrich

11:00am
USA Radio Network
“Point of View”
Host: Kerby Anderson

3:00pm
CNBC
Show: Bull’s Eye

April 29, 2004

6:00pm
MSNBC
Deborah Norville
(also with Dr. Harold Attridge-Dean of Yale Divinity School, Dr. Karen King-Professor at Harvard and Erwin Lutzer-Pastor of Moody Bible Church in Chicago, IL)

April 30, 2004

10:00-11:00am
Fox News
Show: Dayside Show
Host: Linda Vester

May 2004

Torrance Daily Breeze (Newspaper)
Torrance, CA

May 1, 2004

Fox News
Show: After Hours
Host: Cal Thomas

May 2, 2004

CNN
Show: CNN Sunday
Host: Betty Nguyen

The Scotsman (Newspaper)
Scotland

London Daily Telegraph (Newspaper)
London, England

May 3, 2004

12:00–1:00pm
National Salem Radio Network
Program: Janet Parshall’s America
Host: Janet Parshall

May 4, 2004

Fox & Friends
Fox Network

KGTV (ABC Affiliate)
San Diego, CA
News Feature
(taped–aired on Monday, May 10, 2004 on 6pm news and Tuesday morning, May 11, 2004

May 12, 2004

9:30–10:00am
KFUO St. Louis
Host: Diane Summers, Living Jubilee

May 13, 2004

5:10–5:15am
WRMB
Boynton Beach, Florida
Hosts: Chris Wallace and Audrey Altman

7:10–8:10am
KHOW Denver
Host: Peter Boyle

9:15–9:45am
WRAF
TFC Radio Network
Tacoa Falls, Georgia
Host: Lillian Cash

May 16, 2004

4:00-5:00pm
KCBM-AM
Baltimore, MD
Host: Maggie Pascall

May 21, 2004

3:00–4:00pm
KRKS
Denver, CO
Host: Pastor Gino Geraci (Calvary Chapel, Denver, CO)

May 21, 2004
Website roundtable discussion posted on FaithfulReader.com featuring 11 people who had written books refuting Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code.

May 27, 2004

5:30–5:40am
Cable Radio Network
Host: Jack Roberts
Show: Cable Talk

8:15-8:30am
KTRS-AM
St. Louis, MO
Host: Wendy Weise and Kevin Slaton

4:30–5:00pm
KPDQ
Portland, OR
Host: Georgine Rice

6:10–6:30pm
KPRZ
San Diego, CA

May 28, 2004

6:10–6:20am
Eastern USA Network
Host: Al Lerner
Show: Daybreak USA

7:00–7:10am
KCMN-AM
Colorado Springs,CO
Host: Tron Simpson
Show: Tron in the Morning

May 31, 2004

People (Magazine)

June 2004

Christianity Today (Magazine)

June 10, 2004

6:35-6:45am
WTIC-AM
Hartford CT
Hosts: Ray and Diane
Show: Ray & Diane Show

June 11, 2004

6:20–6:30am
KNBR-AM
San Francisco, CA
Host: John London
Show: The Not Just Sports Show

June 14, 2004

8:30–8:40am
KLIK–AM
St. Louis, MO
Host: Warren Krech
Show: Daybreak

June 16, 2004

6:00–6:30am
KOLE/KRCM-AM
Beaumont ,TX
Hosts: Debbie Wylde & Dominic Brascia
Show: Morning Show

7:05–7:30am
KDKA-AM
Pittsburgh, PA
Host: Mike Pintek
Show: Mike Pintek Show

12:15–12:25pm
CJAD-AM
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Host: Ric Peterson
Show: World Today

June 22, 2004

8:30–8:55am PST
WREL-AM
Lexington, VA
Host: Jim Bresnahan
Show: On Line

June 23, 2004

6:10–6:35am
KLPW-AM
St. Louis, MO
Host: Karen Stratman & Greg Marshall

July 6, 2004

9:15-9:25am
KPRI-FM
San Diego, CA
Host: Madison

July 12, 2004

4:00-5:00pm
KRKS
Denver, CO
Host: Pastor Gino Geraci (Calvary Chapel, Denver, CO)

July 15, 2004

8:30–8:55am
WREL-AM
Lexington, VA
Host: Jim Bresnahan
Show: On Line

September 15, 2004

9:00–9:30am
KNBH - KHID (Public Radio 88)
Rio Grande, TX
Host: Professor David Phearson
Show: Society Under Fire

October 20, 2004

9:00am
Grizzly Adams Productions

November 3, 2004

9:00am
Topics Newspaper
The Noblesville Ledger
Noblesville, IN

¬2005

January 10, 2005

10:00-11:00am
CJIL TV “Miracle Channel” in Canada
On Cable and Satellite TV across Canada – Christian Station
Host: Paul Arthur

February 18, 2005

12:00 noon
KVOI
Tucson, AZ

March 16, 2005

2:00pm
CNN
Show: Anderson Cooper 360
(In response to Cardinal’s plea “Don’t Read ‘Da Vinci Code’”

¬2006

January 5, 2006

1:00pm
Charisma (Magazine)

March 6, 2006

8:30am
KROE
Sheridan, Wyoming
Host: Kim Love
Show: Public Pulse

March 16, 2006

9:00am
The Miami Herald (Newspaper)
Miami - Fort Lauderdale, FL

March 17, 2006

9:00am
Christian Science Monitor (Newspaper)

10:00am
KJAK
Lubbock TX

March 20, 2006

10:00am
The Toronto Star (Newspaper)
Toronto, ON

1:00pm
CIUT-FM
Show: “The Radical Reverend”
Toronto, Ontario

5:05pm
KGNW-AM
Show: “Live from Seattle”
Host: Thor Tolo

March 21, 2006

1:30pm
Louisiana Radio Network
Host: Don Grady

March 22, 2006

10:30am
KJYL-FM
Des Moines, IA
11:30am
USA Radio
Host: Charlie Butts

7:30pm
MSNBC
Show: Scarborough Country

March 25, 2006

10:15am
Host: Drew Marshall
Show: The Universe
Canada

March 28, 2006

1:00pm
WTLN/WHIM
Orlando, FL
Host: Allan Dempsey
Show: The Road Home

March 30, 2006

10:00am
WARV-AM
Providence, RI/New Bedford, MA
Host: Kevin Linagen

2:30pm
KNIS-FM
Pilgrim Radio Network
Carson City, NV - Reno, NV

3:00pm
KSOO Radio
Sioux Falls, SD

April 3, 2006

12:00 noon
KNKT
Albuquerque, NM

8:00pm
X Zone Radio
Ontario, Canada

April 4, 2006

6:40am
KJTY
Topeka, KS

8:00am
WMUZ
Detroit, MI
Host: Rhonda Hart

April 7, 2006

7:15am
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Family Net Radio
Show: Mornings with Scott & Lorri
Hosts: Lorri Allen and Scott JuVette

8:30am
KAKC-AM
Tulsa, OK
Host: Jeff Brucculeri

April 10, 2006

6:00am
KGAB
Clear Channel Radio Station
Cheyenne, WY
Hosts: Dave Chaffin and Amy Richards

9:00am
Word News (Connecting the Pulpit to the Press)

April 11, 2006

9:18-9:30am
WIMO
Winder, GA
Host: Jon Graham

12:30pm
American Family Radio
Host: Allie Martin

April 12, 2006

6:30am
KKEQ-FM
Salem Radio Network
Fargo, ND

April 13, 2006

7:50am
WLW
Cincinnati, OH
Show: Jim Scott Show

8:30am
WEMI/WEMY-FM
Appleton, WI

2:00-3:00pm
KBRT-AM
Los Angeles, CA

April 14, 2006

6:00am
CIUT-FM
Toronto, Ontario

8:00am
KFLQ
Albuquerque, NM
Host: Dan Rosecrans (Morning Drive Time Host)
Program: The Morning Show

9:00am
CKBZ-FM
Kaloops, British Columbia

April 17, 2006

5:40-6:00am
KJTY
Topeka, KS
Host: Dr. Jack Jacob and Carole Bridges
Show: Morning Magazine

8:15am
WEMI/WEMY/WGNV
Appleton/Green Bay, WI
Host: Paul Cameron

9:00am
KJSL
St. Louis, MO
Host: Bob Wells

10:00-10:30am
KCMS
Seattle-Tacoma, WA
Show: Scott & Sam in the Morning

11:00am
KFNW
Fargo, ND
Host: Laurie Lind

11:30am
CKGL-AM
Kitchener, Ontario
Host: Gary Doyle
Show: Gary Doyle Show

April 19, 2006

2:20pm
WKCT-AM
Bowling Green, KY
April 21, 2006

8:05-8:55am
Today's Issues on American Family Radio

The Courier Post (Newspaper)
Philadelphia, PA

Salina Journal (Newspaper)
Salina, KS

April 22, 2006

Salina Journal (Newspaper)
Salina, KS

11:15am
Christian Watercooler Radio

April 24, 2006

WIBQ-AM
Sarasota, FL
Host: Doug Miles of “Suncoast Magazine”

April 25, 2006
9:00am
WLJN/WLJW
Traverse City/Cadillac, MI

April 28, 2006

9:00am
WVNE
Boston, MA
Host: Randy Berkson
Show: Engaging Your World

May 1, 2006
8:45am
WBFJ
Winston-Salem,NC
Hosts: Darren, Tami and Verne
Show: Family Friendly Morning Show

May 3, 2006
9:00am
KJSL
St. Louis, MO
Host: Bob Wells

10:00am
KDUV
Fresno-Visalia, CA

May 4, 2006

1:30pm
WTWB
Lakeland, FL

2:00pm
Houston Chronicle (Newspaper)

4:00pm
KAGM
Albuquerque, NM
Host: Lee Logan

May 5, 2006

8:00-9:00am
Channel Z
The Zeph Report Radio Show with Zeph Daniel
[Carried on WWCR4 and on KU Satellite]

9:15am
The Billings Gazette (Newspaper)
Billings, MT

10:15am
KAHL-AM
San Antonio TX

1:45pm
Topeka Capital-Journal (Newspaper)
Topeka, KS

5:00-5:30pm
KBXL/KSPD
Boise, Idaho
Host: Matt Sligk
Program: Faith and Reason

May 8, 2006

11:00am
Host: Janet Folger
Program: Faith to Action
Midwest broadcast

6:00pm
Channel 10 News (ABC Affiliate)
San Diego, CA

Concordia Blade (Newspaper)

May 9, 2006

10:15am
New York Times (Newspaper)
New York, NY

3:15pm
Sacramento B (Newspaper)
Sacramento, CA

May 10, 2006

6:05-6:54am
KSAL
North Central Kansas
Host: Clark Sanders
Show: Friendly Fire

7:00am
KJIL
Salina, KS

9:00am
The Light RadioNetwork
Burlington, Vermont

10:10am
KDAZ
Albuquerque, NM

10:30am
Beliefnet.com

4:10pm
The Arizona Republic (Newspaper)
Phoenix

May 12, 2006

East County Californian (Newspaper)
East San Diego County

Salina Journal (Newspaper)
Salina, KS
(Covering upcoming talk on Thurs., May 11, 2006)

Article in Victorville, CA Newspaper
(Covering upcoming talk on Wed., May 17, 2006)

2:00-2:30pm
FamilyNet (Television)

6:00pm
NBC Nightly News w/Brian Williams - Taping
Airs Monday, May 15th

May 13, 2006

11:30am
Polish Daily News (Newspaper)
[Paper is out of New York – distributed across U.S. and Poland]

May 14, 2006

4:30am
CNN News
Program: Faces of Faith

7:15am
MSNBC
Live News of the Day

9:00am
ABC
Taped – part of Coral Ridge Ministries
San Diego, CA

9:30am
NBC Nightly News w/Brian Williams
Film crew taped portions of Sunday morning service

7:00pm
NBC & WB Local Stations
Taped portions played
San Diego, CA

10:00pm
Local San Diego WB station
Taped portions played

11:00pm
NBC
Taped portions played on local station
San Diego, CA

10:30-11:30pm
KGNW
Seattle, WA
Host: Bill Hogg

May 15, 2006

5:15am
Family Life Network
Co-Host: John Owens
Program: Morning Show
Via podcast: www.nuclearity.org
Or www.FamilyLife.com

6:05am
CHRI-FM
Ottawa, Ontario CAN
Host: Brock Tozer

7:05am
KAGM-FM
Albuquerque, NM
Hosts: Larry Ahrens and Dianne Anderson
Program: Wake Up New Mexico

8:00am
Life 100.3 FM
Waterloo, Ontario
Host: Woody Woodland

8:20-8:50am
WWIB-FM
Chippewa Falls/La Crosse/Eau Claire, WI

10:00-11:00am
CJIL TV “Miracle Channel”
[Cable and Satellite TV across Canada]
Host: Paul Arthur
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

11:15am
KTIS
St Paul, MN
Host: Kim Jeffries
Program: Real Life

11:50am
Winston-Salem Journal (Newspaper)
Winston Salem, NC

12:00 noon
WMSL
Bogart, GA
Host: Mitch Kimbrell

4:20pm
KRLA
Salem Radio Network
Program: Hugh Hewitt Show

May 16, 2006

5:15am
Family Life Network
Co-Host: John Owens
Program: Morning Show
Via podcast: www.nuclearity.org
Or www.FamilyLife.com

7:40am
UBC Canada
Host: Al Baker

May 17, 2006

8:40am
KYTT
Coos Bay, OR

9:00am
Grace FM (Canada)

9:30am
Reach-FM,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

12:00 noon
WHMX
Bangor, Maine
Host: Tim Collins
Program: Tim & Jolie in the Morning

1:15pm
Teen Forum (www.teenforumshow.com)
Host: Justin Turner

May 18, 2006

6:15am
KFMB Television (CBS Affiliate)
San Diego, CA

8:15am
KUSI-TV
San Diego, CA
Hosts: Susan Lennon and Dan Plante
Show: Good Morning San Diego

9:30am
KISW-FM
Show: B.J. Shea Morning Experience
Seattle - Tacoma, WA

11:30am
WMUZ
Detroit, MI
Host: Bob Dutko

12:00-1:00pm
The Michael Medved Show
Nationally Syndicated through SRN

1:30pm
WAZ (German Newspaper)

2:00pm
WONU - Shine.FM
Chicago, IL

May 19, 2006

5:40am
WOR
New York, NY
Hosts: Ed Walsh and Donna Hanover

May 21, 2006

6:06-6:29pm
KOGO-AM
San Diego, CA
Host: Steve Yuhas
Program: Steve Yuhas Show

May 22, 2006

11:40am
KGTV Television (ABC Affiliate)
San Diego, CA
Hosts: Bill Griffith and Lisa Lake

12:00 noon
KNKT Radio
Albuquerque, NM
Host: Peter Benson

1:05pm
KOGO-AM
San Diego, CA
Host: Mark Larson

1:30pm
WTWB
Lakeland, FL

2:00pm
WTRU Radio
Greensboro, NC
Host: Stu Epperson

2:45pm
WCKN-FM
Columbus, GA

5:00pm
KKLA
Los Angeles, CA
Host: Frank Pastore
Program: The Frank Pastore Show

7:00pm
X Zone Radio
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Host: Rob McConnell

May 23, 2006

6:40am
WVRV
St. Louis, MO
Hosts: Steve and DC

May 26, 2006

6:00am
KNCK/KCKS-FM
Concordia, Kansas

2:00pm
KKMS
Salem Communications
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
Program: KKMS Live!

May 27, 2006

9:00am
KMLB-AM
Monroe, LA
Host: Wiley Ezell
Program: We Talk Back

June 16, 2006

2:15pm
KJZA
Prescott AZ
Host: David McNabb
Show: Christian Corner Show

September 7, 2006

12:30-2:00pm
Faith Christian Fellowship
Host: Gary Devoe

Interviews: A Summry

2007-01-31T10:18:00.000-08:00

Interviews: May 15, 2006

2006-05-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

Da Vinci Code Interveiws – Monday, May 15, 2006

5:15am
10-15 min. (live)
Co-Host: John Owens
Program: Morning Show
Family Life Network – New York

6:05am PST
10 min. (live)
CHRI FM, 66,000 watts, Ottawa, Ontario CAN
Host: Brock Tozer
Contemporary Christian Music Station

7:05am
20 min. (live)
KAGM - FM 100,000 watts, mainstream talk station. Albuquerque, NM
Hosts: Larry Ahrens and Dianne Anderson.of "Wake Up New Mexico"

8:00am
10 min. (taped)
Life 100.3 FM
Interviewer: Woody Woodland
Waterloo, Ontario

8:20-8:50am
30 min. (live)
WWIB-FM
Organization Profile: WWIB-FM is a commercial station owned by Stewards of Sound Inc. The format of the station is Christian adult contemporary. WWIB-FM broadcasts to the
Chippewa Falls/La Crosse/Eau Claire, WI area at 103.7 FM.

10:00-11:00am
1 hour (live with call-ins)
CJIL TV “Miracle Channel” in Canada
On Cable and Satellite TV across Canada – Christian Station
Host: Paul Arthur
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1H 3Z3

11:15am
30 min. (live)
KTIS,100,000 Christian Talk, St Paul, MN
Host: Real Life with Kim Jeffries

11:50am
Winston-Salem Journa
Writer: Tim Clodfelter

12:00 noon
5 min. (taped)
WMSL Radio
Bogart, Georgia 30622
Host: Mitch Kimbrell, News Director

4:20pm
9 min. (live)
Hugh Hewitt Show
KRLA-Salem Radio Network

6:00pm
NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams
Lead in: brief clip of preaching
In story: brief clip of leading in prayer; brief interview statement
(taped on Friday night, May 12 and Sunday morning May 14, 2006)

The Da Vinci Code, Part 5: Dan Brown's Gift to the Church

2006-05-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

The Da Vinci Code, Part 5: Dan Brown's Gift to the Church
By Dr. Jim Garlow
April, 2006
Author of Cracking Da Vinci’s Code and The Da Vinci CodeBreaker

originally posted 04/25/2006 at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/commentaries/gifttothechurch.html

When I first heard about The Da Vinci Code a few years ago, I figured nobody would believe author Dan Brown's ridiculous claims—including the allegation that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and that they had a child. After all, I thought, it's just a novel. Pure fiction.
I was wrong.
The book has gone on to sell over 40 million copies, and is now poised to release as a major motion picture on May 19. And many people do believe the story; a recent poll showed that 17 percent of Canadians and 13 percent of Americans think its claims are true.
So, how should Christians respond to all of this, especially as the movie brings the Code to the fore of the cultural conversation?
We could opt to skip the movie, and if the Holy Spirit so directs you, that's a viable response.
We could boycott it with loud protests, but I think that would only drive ticket sales even higher. Another option is a "quasi protest" by going to another movie on opening weekend, trying to offset Da Vinci's box office—but I doubt this strategy will work well.
My personal advice: Go to the movie, but not with other believers. Go with unbelievers/seekers; the ensuing conversation could eventually lead them to faith in Christ. Christians, if they are strategic, will be in prime position to answer seekers' questions.
But that brings up my greatest concern: Are Christians prepared to answer questions about who Jesus is? Are we prepared to make the case for the reliability of the New Testament?
My desire for wanting Christians to "know the Code" is for more than merely evangelistic reasons. It's also a great opportunity to sharpen our own faith by deepening our biblical and historical understanding.
I'll even go so far as to say that Dan Brown and his novel—and now the movie—have done the church a great favor.
Open door for apologeticsIn any discussion of apologetics, 1 Peter 3:15 is often quoted, where we are to "be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." This verse is usually quoted with the emphasis on the ones receiving our "answer"—unbelievers. But I want to focus on the first part, about being prepared.
In 2004, Peter Jones and I coauthored Cracking Da Vinci's Code (Victor Books). After a live interview to discuss it on CNN, we ran into a national news anchor in the hallway who asked, "I do not mean to be indelicate or crass, but did Jesus have sex with Mary Magdalene?"
No evangelism class ever taught me that a discussion of Jesus' alleged sex life might be my "intro" to an unbeliever! I would have preferred something "tame" like, "What are the four spiritual laws?" But that's not what this anchorperson asked—and that's not likely what any of us will be asked by seekers when it comes to the Code.
This question—and others that might be asked—illustrates what I mean by Dan Brown's gift to the church: We now have a compelling reason to be prepared.
How will we prepare? We can't simply reply with, "Because the Bible says so." We cannot summarily dismiss the Code as something "of the devil," as I heard one believer do recently. We need more persuasive answers than that.
Learning how to decode Da VinciThe key issues regarding the Code don't concern art history or details of the life of Leonardo Da Vinci. (For the record, Da Vinci had no "code"; art historians are as frustrated with Dan Brown's misstatements as are Catholic and evangelical theologians.) The key issues are historical and theological in nature.
The Da Vinci Code claims that Jesus was not perceived as being divine until the 4th century, that his divinity was an "invention" by the Council of Nicea in 325, done for purely political reasons—and passing by only "a close vote." In fact, the vote was lopsided, probably 218-2. Nor was it a "declaration." It was an "affirmation" of a truth for which Christians had been willing to die for 300 years.
And then there is the Code's claim that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene. But there is not one shred of credible evidence that Jesus was married—not in the New Testament, not in the writings of the early church fathers, and not in the Gnostic Writings, with which Dan Brown is so enthralled.
Yet, the "marriage claim" will launch many believers into an examination of the Nag Hammadi texts, specifically the Gospel of Philip, which does not say, "Jesus kissed Marry often on the lips" as Dan Brown claims. It actually says "Jesus kissed Mary on the … "—and at that point the manuscript is torn. Was it "forehead"? Was it "cheek"? "Hand"? Looking at the text more closely, a Greek word meaning "fellowship" is used in the context, which has no sexualized "content" at all. In other words, the infamous kiss was a greeting, not unlike that which is used in the Middle East today.
What is this Gospel of Philip? Who wrote it? The "Philip" of the New Testament? No. Then who? And why is it not a part of our New Testament? The answers to these questions, and plenty of others, have been covered by many authors (see some of them here), but the answers are not my focus. My focus is the "process." Once again, we see that Dan Brown has blessed the church by agitating her into careful study.
There are likely thousands of Christians about to study the Gospel of Philip—along with the other Nag Hammadi discoveries—for the first time. The Gospel of Thomas will likely be discussed, as will the never-seen, never-discovered, elusive "Q" source. And what will be the result? If carefully examined, they will come to a much deeper appreciation of the authority and reliability of the New Testament.
Christians who previously took the 27 books of the New Testament for granted are about to learn how those books came together. The movie will state that Constantine, through the Council of Nicea, commissioned and financed a "new" Bible in the 4th century. Believers will be forced to examine Dan Brown's claim that Constantine made a "quick switch" of sorts, taking out the "original" Gospels, replacing them with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all done for purely political purposes.
Is this true? Of course not. The famous Council of Nicea never dealt with the issue of what should be in the New Testament.
The intrigue doesn't stop with textual analysis. Dan Brown claims that the church led a smear campaign against women—specifically defaming Mary Magdalene. True? No. But to come to that conclusion, you'll have to examine the confusion created by Gregory the Great in the 6th century, when he associated Mary Magdalene of Luke 8 with the unnamed sinful woman or prostitute of Luke 7. In the process, you'll discover the exalted role that Mary Magdalene held in the Bible—as the first witness of the Resurrection.
Readers and moviegoers will be shocked at Dan Brown's assertion that the church killed 5 million women during the Middle Ages—for being witches. Careful study will reveal it was not 5 million, but more like 50,000. Then they will discover that it was less the church than it was the government—and that approximately 20 percent of those killed were not women, but men. And they will learn that the church condemned the killings. But what is the value of this process? Not the facts themselves, but rather the confidence that will come from the process of becoming better informed about the history of the church—with its glory, and yes, with its sins and failures.
When Dan Brown states that the church demonized sex, they will know this not to be the case (with the exception of some unfortunate, and sub-Scriptural, writings by some of the early church fathers). Instead, Christians can reflect on the beauty of sexual expression found in the "one flesh" statements of Genesis, the loving imagery of the Song of Solomon, and the "undefiled" nature of the marriage bed in Hebrews.
In the end, it may be that what Dan Brown has revealed is not that we are not so much "short" on faith, as we are weak in church history. We don't really know "our story." But a novel and movie may help us all become better students.
Brown is helping to motivate the church to learn its story. And if it learns its story, it will be able to defend itself against not only The Da Vinci Code, but other attacks on Christianity.
Thank you, Dan Brown, for what you have done. You have helped us connect with ourselves—our church!
Dr. Jim Garlow, coauthor of the bestselling Cracking Da Vinci's Code (Victor Books, 2004) and The Da Vinci CodeBreaker (Bethany House, 2006), is senior pastor of Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego. He has also prepared a downloadable Bible study called "Preparing for Da Vinci," available at his website.
© Dr. Jim Garlow 2006, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved.

The Da Vinci Code, Part 4: Life After Da Vinci

2006-05-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

The Da Vinci Code, Part 4

Life After Da Vinci
By Dr. Jim Garlow
April, 2006
Author of Cracking Da Vinci’s Code and The Da Vinci CodeBreaker

Some day, in the not too distant future, we will have all forgotten about The Da Vinci Code book and movie. The Bible and the church of Jesus Christ will continue on. Due to the fact that I have written two books regarding The Da Vinci Code (co-authored Cracking Da Vinci’s Code with Peter Jones [Victor Books, 2004] and The Da Vinci CodeBreaker, a dictionary co-authored with Timothy Paul Jones and April Williams [Bethany House, 2006]), I have done approximately 15 national TV shows and several hundred radio and print journalism interviews. People Magazine quoted me as saying, in effect, “long after The Da Vinci Code is forgotten, the Bible will still be the most read book around the world.” And I still believe that.

However, Bible reading will regretfully not be the only thing around “post-Da Vinci.” What will life after Da Vinci be like? What will be the enduring issues that will outlive The Da Vinci Code book and movie? It is all too obvious.

The Da Vince Code “dumped” onto the popular culture terms and phrases that were previously only discussed in seminary and graduate school classrooms and hallways. Terms or phrases such as The Gospel of Philip or The Gospel of Thomas or the document Q or Nag Hammadi Library or The Gnostic Gospels – all were limited to discussion in educational centers. Now these words are thrown around by the water cooler at work, or over a latte at Starbucks, and by people who have no knowledge of their meaning except what Dan Brown has told them about it.

The “permission” to regard the Bible as suspect is not new. It is old. But Dan Brown has made it widespread considering (as of latest figures) that 42 million books have sold in 43 languages, and a blockbuster movie is around the corner.

Elaine Pagels (of Princeton) long predated Dan Brown’s writings with The Gnostic Gospels, as have many other less academic authors. So the attacks on the Bible are not new. But the “breadth” of these attacks is new.

Examples needed? Look at the bestseller lists. Michael Baigent (who sued Dan Brown for plagiarism and lost) is touting his new book The Jesus Papers, which on the cover makes this claim: “Exposing the Greatest Cover-Up in History.” Baigent claims that Jesus resurrection was staged.

The back cover of The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury has this revealing quote: “It has served us well, this myth of Christ.”

Javier Sierra’s The Secret Supper has some similarities to the Dan Brown myth that Leonardo’s famous Last Supper contains “a baffling – and blasphemous – message…” And the figures in the painting? They are, Sierra maintains, well know heretics. So goes the claim.

And then there is the movie, The God Who Wasn’t There. Back cover of the DVD case reads as follows: “This taboo-shattering documentary… irreverently lays out the case that Jesus Christ never existed. Hold on to your faith. It’s in for a bumpy ride.”

Add to these, academician Bart Ehrman’s Misquoting Jesus, subtitled The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why. In the first chapter, Ehrman leaves no doubt that he has abandoned his evangelical past since the Bible is only a “human” book.

With all these books and movies, will you have trouble holding onto your faith? I hope not. But what about your family members, friends and coworkers?

In those cases where people do lose their faith, the problem may not be merely “weak faith.” The problem may be a weak understanding of church history. If everyone knew church history, no one would take The Da Vinci Code seriously. And that is the heart of the problem. They don’t. And possibly you don’t either. So what are you going to do about it? The answer is simple. Do your homework.

How do we prepare for The Da Vinci Code, or more importantly The Da Vinci Code “aftermath?” What will be the enduring issues during and after “Hurricane Da Vinci?” And what is your strategy for dealing with these issues?

May I propose a “Four-Phase Strategy” for the immediate timeframe? First, read Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. Obtain books and tapes which explain the truth about the key issues. (May I recommend my two books?)

Secondly, form a study group with some believers. Read the books that can prepare you how to answer the questions that The Da Vinci Code raises. My website (www.jimgarlow.com) has a downloadable study, a “game plan,” so that you can learn the six things that every believer should know before they go to the movie. You should know how to refute Dan Brown’s portrayal of: (1) the church’s understanding of females, (2) the church’s understanding of sexuality, (3) Jesus, (4) the church, (5) the New Testament, (6) God.

Thirdly, go to the movie with an unbeliever. Do not go with other believers. (Note: If you sense that you should not go to the movie, then don’t. I feel led by God to go – so long as I go with unbelievers.)

Fourth, throw a “Da Vinci Code Party.” What should you do at that party? Cover the exact same topics you covered in the second step – the six things that are misrepresented in The Da Vinci Code.

So far we’ve been talking about the timeframe around the movie’s release. What about the future? Here comes some good news. If you will spend some time studying such things as the evidences for the divinity of Christ and the authenticity of the New Testament now, then you will be ready for the ongoing onslaught of attacks upon the Scripture.

It is at this point that we owe a debt of gratitude to Dan Brown. He has caused the church to study harder, to learn more and thus, be able to defend itself better. I once wrote an article entitled Dan Brown’s Gift to the Church. What is the gift? That we learned our story better – much better!

The Da Vinci Code will pass away. The book will soon be sitting on shelves gathering dust. The movie will have run its course.

But more attacks will come. And (this is the good news), we (the church) will defend the truth better. We will be more calm, more confident, less argumentative, more winsome and more compelling. Why? Because we went through “Hurricane Da Vinci,” and not only survived, but thrived. Yes, Church, there is life after Da Vinci.

The Da Vinci Code, Part 3: How a Book and a Movie Helped the Church

2006-05-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

The Da Vinci Code, Part 3

How a Book and a Movie Helped the Church
By Dr. Jim Garlow
April, 2006
Author of Cracking Da Vinci’s Code and The Da Vinci CodeBreaker

By now you have heard a great deal about the upcoming movie based on the bestselling book The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. As the movie approaches, there will be many discussions regarding the truly Christian response to this movie.

One obvious response, don’t go. If the Holy Spirit so direct you, then follow it.

Another response, boycott it with loud protests. There are times to do this, but I doubt this is the time. Any boisterous objections on this one will likely drive ticket sales even higher than projected. Be assured, this movie will be big – very big – at the box office.

A third option is to do a “quasi protest” by going to another movie that first weekend – in an attempt to offset the success of The Da Vinci Code. Believe it or not, this is what some are advocating. I doubt this strategy will work well.

My personal advice (just in case your asking) is, as I said in last month’s article, go to the movie. (For the record, I rarely – very rarely – go to a movie.) The evangelistic potential surrounding this movie is great. In fact, it is too great to miss.

However, do not go to the movie with other believers. Go with unbelievers – or to be more politically correct, seekers – so that when they (and you) walk out of the theatre together, the conversation begins that could lead them eventually to a dynamic faith in Christ.

I do not want to overstate the evangelistic potential of the opening weekend of this movie. I do not expect enormous numbers of unbelievers to suddenly become believers after seeing The Da Vinci Code movie and beginning conversations with believers. But here is what I do expect: conversations to begin – believer with seeker – in ways that are “pre-evangelistic.” Followers of Jesus, if they are strategic, will be positioned so that can be asked about Jesus and about the New Testament – more than they ever have.

But it is exactly at this point that I have some of my greatest concerns. Here is the “kicker.” Are believers prepared to answer questions about who Jesus is – and why we see Him as being divine? Are believers prepared to make the case for the reliability of the New Testament?

Most believers are busy just “living life.” They are good workers, busy with soccer games, paying their bills, mowing their lawns, working out in fitness centers, attending worship services and Bible Studies and a host of other great expenditures of time. So why should they – given their overextended schedules – read a book that attacks the divinity of Jesus and the reliability of the New Testament? And why should they go to a movie that does the same? You’re are expecting me to say – so that they can witness to their friends and neighbors after the movie, as I have suggested above. That is only part of the answer. It is precisely at this point that Dan Brown and his novel The Da Vinci Code have done the church a great favor.

Before any believer can go to the movie, then witness effectively to a seeker, the believer must first know the truth about the issues the book and the movie raise. This means some study. This means growing. This means learning.

This book and movie have thrown believers into a situation where they cannot simply say, “because the Bible says so.” We cannot summarily dismiss, as I heard one believer do recently, “well, The Da Vinci Code is ‘of the devil.’” It may well be “of the devil,” but we will have to have a more compelling answer than that, if our skeptical co-workers are ever going to meet Jesus through us.

What do we need to know? There are six things we need to know about The Da Vinci Code. I will mention only two. (The remaining ones are available in a downloadable Bible study called “Preparing for Da Vinci” at www.jimgarlow.com )

Here are the two most important things we must know before we attend the movie with a seeker:

First, we must know how to refute The Da Vinci Code’s claim that Jesus was not perceived as being divine until the 4th century. Brown would have us believe that the idea of Jesus divinity was an “invention” by the attenders of the Council of Nicea in 325, done for purely political reasons – and passing my only a close vote.

Hand in hand with that is the claim that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene. Candidly, if Jesus had been married it would not have altered his theological significance. But the fact is, truth matters. There is not one shred of credible evidence that Jesus was married – not in the New Testament, not in the writings of the Early Church Fathers (after the New Testament) and not in the Gnostic Writings, with which Dan Brown is so enthralled.

Secondly, we must know how the New Testament came together. The Da Vinci Code tells us that Constantine, through the Council of Nicea, commissioned and financed a “new” Bible in the 4th century. He did a quick switch of sorts, taking out the “original” gospels, replacing them with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all done for purely political purposes.

Is this true? Of course not. The famous Council of Nicea never dealt with the issue of what should be in the New Testament. However, as believers, we need to know that. (For full discussions on these and other issues, see my two books: Cracking Da Vinci’s Code [Victor Books] and a newly released dictionary, The Da Vinci CodeBreaker [Bethany House])

In reality, it may be that what Dan Brown has revealed – and this is his great gift to the church – is not that we are not so much “short” on faith, as we are weak in church history. We don’t really know “our story.” And that is tragic because it is a glorious story.

Some people do not realize that something significant happened between 100AD (the close of the New Testament) and 1980. The fact is – much happened! And Dan Brown is helping the church (I hope) to learn its story. Because if it learns its story, it will be able to easily defend itself against not only The Da Vinci Code, but similar books that are attacking Christianity, and others yet to be written.

So, thank you, Dan Brown (just in case you are reading this) for nudging us all to know the spectacular story of the Christian faith!

The Da Vinci Code, Part 2: How to Prepare for a Hurricane

2006-05-15T07:38:00.000-07:00

The Da Vinci Code, Part 2

How to Prepare for a Hurricane
By Dr. Jim Garlow
March, 2006
Author of Cracking Da Vinci’s Code and The Da Vinci CodeBreaker

One lady who was rescued during Hurricane Katrina expressed anger, during her nationally televised interview, that she had not taken the warnings seriously. A new type of hurricane has come – not Katrina – but a hurricane named The Da Vinci Code, in the form of a book and a movie.

The Da Vinci Code book and the movie have offered the church a spectacular evangelistic opportunity, if…if…if the church is equipped. 1 Peter 3:15 states, “…be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect….” We have such an opportunity.

Rarely, if ever, have people asked so many questions about the divinity of Christ or the reliability of the New Testament in the way they have due to a novel and the movie. Church, this is our moment. Let us be prepared!

But the obvious question is how do we prepare? What do we do between now and May 19th ( the release date for The Da Vinci Code movie). Allow me to make the case for a 4 Phase strategy for each local church to follow – from now till May 19.

Phase 1: The Resource Phase
During the first week of April, I recommend that every believer read Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, if you have not already read it. Why read a book that attacks our Bible and our Jesus? The answer is simple. We are “missionaries.” All of us, as believers, have “missionary visas.” Missionaries have to learn the language of the pagans. The pagans are not obligated to learn the language of the missionaries.

The Da Vinci Code, though we may not like it, is the “language” of millions of unbelievers. I have spoken about The Da Vinci Code all over the nation. When I reference the book, I ask how many have read it. My admittedly unscientific survey reveals that only about 3% of evangelical believers have read the book. Yet the unbelieving broader culture seems nearly obsessed with Dan Brown’s writings.

Admittedly most of us don’t have time to read books that attack the core of what we believe. Yet this book’s popularity – and the upcoming movie – have made it the “language” of the broader culture. And we must speak their language. So get Dan Brown’s book and read it.

The second part of Phase 1, the “Resource Phase,” is equipping yourself with resources that help you respond to Dan Brown’s attacks. I have co-authored two books on the topic: Cracking Da Vinci’s Code (Cook Communications, Victor, 2004, co-authored with Peter Jones) and The Da Vinci CodeBreaker, (Bethany House, 2006, co-authored with Timothy Paul Jones and April Williams):
Cracking Da Vinci’s Code outlines the six key things every believer should know between now and the movie release.
The Da Vinci CodeBreaker is a dictionary of over 500 Da Vinci Code terms, so that as one reads Dan Brown’s book or sees the movie, you can simply look up the term and get the correct definition. Due to the fact that Dan Brown attacks the authority of the New Testament so aggressively, The Da Vinci CodeBreaker contains many terms and definitions to help one understand the reliability of the Bible.

In addition to the two books mentioned above, there are two superb, professionally recorded DVD’s to assist believers in answering the charges of The Da Vinci Code.
The Da Vinci Code Deception (Grizzley Adams Productions, Colorado)
Exposing the Da Vinci Code (ATI Productions, Los Angeles).
These well done DVD’s feature special menus with tours of some of the well known Da Vinci Code locations. (for info on ordering, go to www.jimgarlow.com)

Phase 2: The Preparation Phase
In getting ready for the release of the movie, Phase 2 is the “Preparation Phase” (last half of April / first half of May). Organize a four week Bible study using the resources mentioned above. (A free copy of the 4 week Bible Study can be obtained by going to www.jimgarlow.com or www.skylinechurch.org or calling 619.660.5000.)

Phase 3: Movie Phase
Phase 3 is the “Movie Phase.” Go to the movie - but do not go with other believers; go with unbelievers. This will give you an opportunity to begin discussing the key issues that the movie covers.

Do we like to support Hollywood, especially when it is a movie that will likely attack our faith? No, we don’t. However, the evangelistic opportunities that will flow out of this movie make the price of a movie ticket worth it.

(One disclaimer: I have not seen the movie, nor do I know how it will be rated. That one unknown means that discretionary believers will need to determine if they can attend it – once more is known about its contents. At the time of this writing, not much is know about how the movie will handle the more inappropriate portions of the book.)

Phase 4: The Discovery Phase
Phase 4 is the “Discovery Phase.” Invite unbelievers to participate with you in “Da Vinci Code Parties.” What is a “Da Vinci Code Party?” It is a four week investigative study, in which you walk through the exact same contents and topics that you covered in Phase 2 above. In other words, you will lead a group of unchurched persons in a discussion regarding the 6 key issues of The Da Vinci Code book and movie. What are those six key issues? I will cover them next month in Part 3 of this three part series of articles.

If you can only host a “Da Vinci Code Party” for one week rather than four, that can still be a very meaningful time. If you only have times to address two themes, discuss (1) the divinity of Christ and (2) the reliability of the New Testament.

Free Da Vinci Code Training: The 6 Key Things To Know Before May 19th:
May I invite all pastors and Christian leaders to a special Da Vinci Code training offered free on Wednesday, April 19th at 9:30am at Skyline Church, 11330 Campo Road (Highway 94 & Jamacha) in La Mesa (619.660.5000 or www.skylinechurch.org ). In addition, Skyline is offering a training for all laypersons on Monday night, May 8th at 7pm. To register for either of these, call 619.660.5000.

A hurricane is coming. It is called The Da Vinci Code movie. Be prepared.

The Da Vinci Code, Part 1: Fact, Fiction or "Fact-ion"

2006-05-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

The Da Vinci Code, Part 1

Fact, Fiction or “Fact-ion”
By Dr. Jim Garlow
Feb. 2006
Author of Cracking Da Vinci’s Code and The Da Vinci CodeBreaker

Priscilla greeted me with a sense of urgency that morning. I knew something was wrong. “My brother-in-law has just read a book attacking the Bible and Jesus, and he believes the book.” “What book?” I asked. “The Da Vinci Code,” she exclaimed, continuing, “And furthermore it claims that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and that they had a child.” I had never heard of the book, though it was just starting to be felt by the novel reading public. “If it’s a novel, don’t worry about it. No one will ever believe it!” I was wrong.

This novel exploded around the world – selling well over 40 million copies in 43 languages, resulting in a major motion picture. More than merely a best seller, The Da Vinci Code became the No. 1 bestselling adult fiction novel of all time.

In the next few weeks following my conversation with Priscilla, I encountered more people who had friends and family that believed the historical and theological concepts in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. They reported to me that these people were willing to abandon their Christian faith in favor of the core themes of a novel.

Unexpectantly a call came from a publisher, asking me to author a book responding to The Da Vinci Code. At first I declined, but then agreed – if Peter Jones (professor at Westminster Theological Seminary in Escondido) would co-author the book with me. He agreed.

Within a couple weeks, Peter, Jeff (editor) and I met in a hotel room for two days – outlining the key issues to be addressed. A few weeks later, Cracking Da Vinci’s Code (Cook Communications, 2004) was on the shelves.

What happened next was something neither Peter nor I had anticipated. Suddenly Peter and I were off to New York City for interviews at CNN and Fox. A front page article on the New York Times opened doors to every major national news outlet in the nation – more than a dozen national TV appearances, on NBC, MSNBC, CNN, Fox, etc, - along with countless radio interviews, and interviews with national magazines and several foreign newspapers. Meanwhile our book became #17 on the New York Times Bestseller List – Paperback –Nonfiction.

While this response indicated the desire to know more about Dan Brown’s claims in The Da Vinci Code, the book signings were more revealing. As I was signing the book, the recipient would lean over and say, “I am getting this book for my…” And then they would say, for my son or daughter, or mother, or nephew or niece, or “someone.” The next phrase was one that I heard hundreds of times: “he (or she) believes The Da Vinci Code.” That explanation became so predictable, as they explained that their relative or friend believed Dan Brown’s claims – whether historical or theological. These book signings only confirmed that which had caused us to write the book in the first place.

Radio interviews confirmed the same thing. When talk show hosts opened the lines for questions, once again callers predictably referred to those who believed Dan Brown’s book. One radio talk show host began chiding me, “why on earth did you write a book against a novel?” After he asked it a third time, almost mockingly, I asked him, “have you read Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code?” Hesitantly, he admitted he had not. That accounted for the fact that he could not understand why I (and others) were writing against a novel.

Dan Brown’s writing style mixes fact (very little of this) with fiction (much) in such a way that the uninitiated cannot distinguish the two. I call this style of writing “fact-ion.” After I was interviewed by Linda Vester on Fox’s DaySide Show, the guest with an opposing view scoffed at the idea that people could not sort out fact from fiction. Linda Vester, wanting to see which one of us was right, turned to her studio audience and asked, “how many of you have read The Da Vinci Code? Many hands were raised. She looked at the woman near her and asked, “could you tell the difference between fact and fiction when you read it?” “Absolutely not,” the woman forcefully responded. My point exactly.

As you read The Da Vinci Code and as you watch the upcoming movie, remember, it is fiction. There is virtually no factual basis – at all. Don’t confuse fact with fiction.

2006-05-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

Gifs from God2: Interviews, March-mid May 2006

By now you know that I value and treasure opportunities to speak for Christ. Below is a partial list of those opportunities during a part of 2006.

Da Vinci Code related TV, Radio & Print Journalism Interviews: March 6-May 14, 2006

Monday, March 6, 2006
8:30am
KROE Radio, Sheridan, Wyoming

Thursday, March 16, 2006
9:00am PST
Miami Herald / Newspaper
Miami - Ft Lauderdale, Florida

Friday, March 17, 2006
9:00am
Christian Science Monitor Newspaper

10:00am
KJAK Radio, Lubbock TX

Monday, March 20, 2006
10:00am PST
Toronto Star, Toronto Canada

1:00pm
University of Toronto Ontario
.
5:05pm
Seattle Washington; Christian Radio

Tuesday, March 21, 2006
12:30-1:00pm PST
Janet Parshall Show

1:30pm
Louisiana Radio Network

Wednesday, March 22, 2006
10:30am
KJYL-FM
Des Moines, IA

11:30am
USA Radio

7:30pm
MSNBC
Scarborough Country - live

Saturday, March 25, 2006
10:15am PST
Show: The Universe / Canadian audience

March 28, 2006
1:00pm
WTLN/WHIM
Orlando, FL.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
10:00am
WARV-AM
Providence, RI/New Beford, MA (51)

2:30pm PST
KNIS-FM/Pilgrim Radio Network
Carson City, Nevada

3:00pm
KSOO Radio
Sioux Falls, SD

Monday, April 3, 2006
12:00 noon
KNKT Radio
Albuquerque, NM

8:00pm
X Zone Radio
Ontario, Canada
Thursday, April 4, 2006
8:00am PST
WMUZ Radio
Detroit, MI

6:40am PST
KJTY Radio
Topeka, KS

April 7, 2006
7:15am
SIRIUS Radio
Dallas, TX

8:30am
KAKC
Tulsa, OK

Monday, April 10, 2006
6amKGAB Radio
Cheyenne, WY 9:00am
Word News (Connecting the Pulpit to the Press)

Tuesday, April 11, 2006
9:18-9:30am PST
WIMO
Winder, GA

12:30pm PST
American Family Radio (Allie Martin)

Wednesday, April 12, 2006
6:30am PST
KKEQ Radio/Salem Radio Network
Fargo, ND

Thursday, April 13, 2006
7:50am
WLW Radio
Cincinnati, OK
Jim Scott Show
8:30am
WEMI/WEMY
Green Bay - Appleton, WI

10:50am
WLW Radio
Jim Scott Show
Cincinnati, OH

2:00-3:00pm PST
KBRT-AM’s “Christian Radio Magazine” (ABC Radio Network; Talk America Radio Network; Westwood One Radio Network; Premiere Radio Network; Radio America)
Los Angeles, CA

Friday, April 14, 2006
6:00am
CIUT 89.5 FM
Toronto, Ontario, Western

8:00am
KFLQ
Albuquerque NM

9:00am
CKBZ
British Columbia, Canada
.
Monday, April 17, 2006
5:40am-6am
KJTY
Topeka, KS

8:15am
WEMI/WEMY/WGNV
Appleton/Green Bay, WI

9:00am PST
KJSL
St. Louis, MO

10:00-10:30am
KCMS
Seattle-Tacoma, WA

11:00am
KFNW
Fargo, ND

11:30am
CKGL
Kitchener, Ontario

Wednesday, April 19, 2006
2:20pm
WKCT
Bowling Green, KY

Friday, April 21, 2006
8:05-8:55am PST
Today's Issues on American Family Radio

Salina Journal Newspaper
Salina, KS

The Courier-Post
Philadelphia, PA

Saturday, April 22, 2006
11:15am
Christian Watercooler Internet Radio

Monday, April 24, 2006
8:05am
WIBQ AM
Sarasota, FL
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
9:00am
WLJN/WLJW
Traverse City/Cadillac, MI

Friday, April 28, 2006
9am
WVNE Radio
"Engaging Your World"
Boston, MA

Monday, May 1, 2006
8:45 am
“Family Friendly Morning Show” - WBFJ
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Wednesday, May 3, 2006
9am PST
KJSL
St. Louis, MO

10:00am
KDUV Radio
Visalia, CA

Thursday, May 4, 2006
1:30pm PST
WTWB
Lakeland, FL

Houston Chronicle Newspaper
Houston Texas

4:00pm
KAGM
Albuquerque, NM

Friday, May 5, 2006
8:00-9:00am
WWCR4, KU Satelite

The Billings Gazette
Billings, MT

10:15am
KAHL
San Antonio TX

1pm PST
KBJS
Jacksonville, TX

Topeka Capital-Journal Newspaper
Topeka, KS

5:00-5:30pm
KBXL/KSPD Radio
Faith and Reason Show
Boise, Idaho

Monday, May 8, 2006
11:00am
Faith to Action
Midwest broadcast

Concordia Blade-Empire newspaper
Concordia, KS
(by email)

6:00pm
Channel 10 News: San Diego

Tuesday, May 9, 2006
New York Times
New York, New York

Sacramento Bee Newspaper
Sacramento CA

Wednesday, May 10, 2006
6:05
KSAL Radio
North central Kansas

7:00am
KJIL Radio
Salina KS

8:00am
KNCK Radio
Concordia, KS

9:00am
The Light Radio Network (91.5 The Light or 90.9 The Wave)
Burlington, Vermont

10:10am
KDAZ
Albuquerque, NM

10:30am
Beliefnet.com

4:10pm
The Arizona Republic Newspaper
Phoenix, AZ

Thursday, May 11, 2006

On page A14 of
New York Times
New York City

DayStar Television Network
Dallas based – 80 stations
Taped 1pm – for airing following week

Friday, May 12, 2006

Article in Salina Journal
Salina, Kansas
Covering talk on Thurs. night, May 11, 2006

Article in Victorville, CA paper
Covering upcoming talk – Wed. May 17, 2006

East County Californian Newspaper
East San Diego County, CA

2:00pm taped; for airing next week across nation
FamilyNet (television)
Fort Worth, TX

7:00pm taping
NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams
To be aired Monday night, May 15, 2006

Saturday, May 13, 2006
11:30am
Polish Daily News
Ethnic paper - New York City – will be distributed across country and Poland
Reporter: Zbigniew Basara

Sunday, May 14, 2006
4:30am
CNN News
Faces of Faith.
Live – San Diego studio

7am
MSBNC
Live – San Diego studio

9am
ABC San Diego station
Taped – part of Coral Ridge Ministries
Across the nation at different times

9:30am
NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams
Film crew taped Sun. morn service

7pm taped for NBC & WB local San Diego stations

10pm News
taped portions played
local San Diego WB station

11pm News
taped portions played
local San Diego NBC station

10:30pm
KGNW
Seattle, WA

Gifts from God: Interviews of April-June 2004

2006-05-15T05:37:00.000-07:00

GIFTS FROM GOD
Interviews of April-June 2004

Each of us are given special opportunities which we are to steward for Christ. One of God's gifts to me came in the form of interview opportunities. Here is the story from a three month period in 2004.

“DA VINCI CODE” INTERVIEWS – Print, TV, Website, Radio: April-June 2004

My coauthor, Peter Jones and I were given a brief opportunity to share on many media outlets due to our 2004 book Cracking Da Vinci’s Code - a response to Dan Brown's book, The Da Vinci Code.

During this time, our book, Cracking Da Vinci’s Code, made:
#17 on New York Times Bestseller List, Paperback, Nonfiction
#96 on USA TODAY Top 150 Bestseller List (on this list 5 weeks)
#4 in WalMart stores (behind 2 books by Rick Warren & 1 book by Tim LaHaye)

As we went from interview to interview, we had one goal: to share the authenticity of the New Testament and the reality of the divinity of Christ.

Here is what has transpired in April-May-June of 2004:

PRINT JOURNALISM

1. New York Times front page article - Tuesday, April 27, 2004; article on page A1, continuing on page a20; picture of Jim & Peter on page A20

2. This article was in at least 9 other newspapers - including San Diego Union Tribune (same day)

3. The Scotsmen (Newspaper) – quoting Jim Garlow – Sun. May 2, 2004

4. London Daily Telegraph - interviewed Jim Garlow - Sun, May 2, 2004

5. People Magazine - interviewed Jim Garlow - Friday, May 31, 2004 issue (came out May 21, 2004), p. 57.

6. Christianity Today – June 2004 edition (came out May 20, 2004), p. 57.

6. Several smaller papers

NATIONAL TELEVISION (all times are Pacific Times)

1. Friday, April 23, 2004, 4:20pm - CNN - Anderson Cooper 360 Show - both Jim and Peter were in New York City, live, at CNN studios

2. Tuesday, April 27, 7:30pm - Joe Scarborough - MSNBC -Scarborough Country - Peter Jones only

3. Wednesday, April 28, 7am - NBC Today Show - Jim Garlow only, taped

4. Wednesday, April 28, 3pm - CNBC - Bull's Eye Show - Jim on, live

5. Thursday, April 29, 6pm - Deborah Norville - MSNBC -TV - Jim was on for 45 minutes, live - with Dr. Harold Attridge (Dean of Yale Divinity School), Dr. Karen King (Professor at Harvard) and Erwin Lutzer (Pastor of Moody Bible Church in Chicago).

6. Friday, April 30, 10-11am - Fox News - Linda Vester - Dayside Show; Jim was on.

7. Saturday, May 1, 2004, 8pm Fox News - Cal Thomas - After Hours, Jim and Peter on; this was taped when Peter and Jim were in New York City, Friday, April 23.

8. Sunday, May 2, 2004, 1:15pm - CNN – CNN Sunday with Betty Nguyen- Jim and Peter on.

9. Tuesday, May 4, 2004 - Fox & Friends, Fox Network - Jim and Peter on

10. San Diego, Ch. 10, ABC affiliate - KGBT-TV – did a news feature; taping Jim and Peter on Tuesday, May 4, 2004...aired Monday, May 10, 2004 on 6pm news and again Tuesday morning, May 11, 2004.

11. CNN – (date not recalled) – called on when Vatican official called for boycott of The Da Vinci Code; live from San Diego.

WEBSITE INTERVIEWS
1. A “roundtable discussion” was posted on Friday, May 21, 2004 on FaithfulReader.com featuring 11 persons who had written books refuting Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code.

RADIO INTERVIEWS

1. Many, many radio interviews – some of them were Christian stations; some were secular stations; some were only one station at a time; some were networks representing 200+ stations; Jim & Peter split these up - as there were so many; on occasion they did them together; example: taping Monday, May 1, noon - Janet Parshall - Salem Radio Network - Jim & Peter on 1 hour, a very large network of radio stations

2. Some examples of those that have occurred and some yet upcoming:

Wednesday, MAY 12

9:30am – 10:00 am
KFUO St. Louis
Christian Station
Host: Diane Summers, Living Jubilee
(Operated by Lutheran Hour Ministries – Reaches 6 states on 6 stations in Midwest)
(Garlow only)

Thursday, MAY 13

5:10am – 5:15am (5 min. interview)
WRMB Boynton Beach, Florida
Moody Radio 89.3 FM
Hosts: Chris Wallace and Audrey Altman
(Garlow only)

7:10am – 8:10am
KHOW Denver (Secular Station)
Host: Peter Boyle
(Garlow & Jones)

9:15am – 9:45am
WRAF Tacoa Falls, Georgia
TFC Radio Network
(Garlow only)
Host: Lillian Cash

Sunday, MAY 16

4:00pm-5:00pm
KCBM-AM Baltimore, MD
Secular Station/Christian host
1 hour LIVE w/ call-ins
Host: Maggie Pascall

Friday, MAY 21

11:15am – 12:00pm
KFLQ Albuquerque 91.5FM (Family Life Communications Network)
(Not on Da Vinci Code, but on Christians Response to Islam book)
Program: Mid-day Café with Dan Rosecrans
(Garlow only)

3:00pm – 4:00pm
KRKS Denver (Christian Station)
Producer: Gina
Host: Pastor Gino Geraci (Pastor, Calvary Chapel, Denver)
(Garlow only)

Thursday, MAY 27

4:30pm – 5:00pm
KPDQ Portland, OR
[100,000 watt station and has 10 translators through OR and WA]
Christian Station
Host: Georgine Rice
(Garlow only)

Friday, MAY 28

7:00am – 7:10am
KCMN-AM Colorado Springs CO
Host: Tron Simpson
Show: Tron in the Morning
(Garlow only)

Monday, JUNE 14

11:50am-12:00pm

WDRC Hartford CT
Mary Jones Show (Live)
Host: Mary Jones
Producer: Dave Thatcher
(Garlow only)

World News Article

2006-05-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

Da Vinci Article in World News

"Ab-normal" = Vibrant Christianity

2006-03-27T23:14:00.000-08:00

Forty one year old Abdul Rahman barely escaped being killed in Kabul, Afghanistan. His crime? He converted from Islam to Christianity (16 years ago).

The reason they are going to let him off? Authorities thing he is insane. They are going to have him evaluated.

Authorities in Afghanistant want to "find out if he is normal or not." (San Diego Union Tribune, Mon.,March 27, 2006, p. A12) I could save them a lot of time. They are going to find out that he is NOT normal. How do I know? Because he is a Christian. And Christians are not made to be "normal." We are inherently "abnormal."

Just think how we began - so long ago - on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). We were so rowdy then, people thought we were drunk. Almost arrested! For being drunk and disorderly! What a way to begin - as the church.

Bluntly put, Christians - that is TRUE Christians - have more fun, are rowdier, laugh louder and laugh more often. We live and love life. Why? Because Someone said He would bring us Abundant Life. And we believed Him. So He did.

We quickly discerned the difference between happiness and joy. We can't always be "happy." But we can always have joy. Now that is not "normal." And we could list dozens of other examples of our "ab-normality."

Abdul Rohman has been following Jesus for 16 years. So I assure you he is not "normal." Nor are any of my acquaintances in this country who call Jesus their Lord.

"Normal" is boring. "Normal" is of this world. "Normal" is S-E-L-F centered. "Normal" is walking in truckloads of crummy, self destructive habits (often referred to as "sin") that really messes life up - royally! Admittedly "normal" living is oftentimes easier than "abnormal" living - but who, in their right mind, wants it?

I don't want to be "normal." And I try my best to help others not be "normal." "Normal!" What a pathetic way to live!

So, give me "ab-normal." That is what I like! "Ab-normal" is being like Jesus. At least trying to be like Jesus. Help us all to be "ab-normal."

Abdul - way to go! You are one of us - you "ab-normal" dude, you!

"Skyline Icon" & The Next Generation

2006-03-24T22:43:00.000-08:00

Tonight Skyline Church hosted its first (and I hope not its last) "Skyline Icon." It was a talent competition, a take-off of American Idol.

There were eight finalists - ranging in age from 15 to 24. They were exceptional! It was a fabulous evening! Clay gave us incredible leadership. Nick's videos were totally professional. Rachel's (only 16 years of age) emceeing was unbelievable. Brian keep the audio and tracs humming behind the scene. (And there were no "put-downs" from a Simon-type.)

And then there were the eight finalists. From their opening, well choreographed song together, through the video cameos, to the solos, it was one spectacular evening of entertainment and talent.

Some of them really rocked! Others went for the ballad type sound. Some - a little country. Another tried a Mariah Carey song - and sounded every bit as good. One went for the classic "His Eye is On The Sparrow" and had the crowd spellbound.

I sat there praising God for eight phenomenally talented youth and young adults. I cannot tell you how proud I was. The "show" far exceeded my already high expectations. The talent was captivating. Their passion for Christ was superbly evident.

But most of all - it encouraged me. I saw the church of today - but the leaders of the next generation. And in the years ahead - when it will be time for my generation to step aside from our visible roles - it will be a joy to see people like these eight "taking the helm" and leading us all. I had a glimpse of the future - and I liked what I saw.

Gifts and Oppotunities

2006-03-22T23:03:00.000-08:00

Tonight I was a guest on the national TV show Scarborough Country on MSNBC with host Joe Scarborough. I was responding to The Da Vinci Code book (by Dan Brown), but more specificially to the upcoming Da Vinci Code movie (directed by Ron Howard) to be released May 19th.

It is my 13th or 14th, or possibly 15th time on a national [secular] TV show, discussing The Da Vinci Code. I have had the privilege of bieng on NBC, MSNBC, FOX, CNN and CNBC. In addition, over the last 8 or so years, I have done hundreds (maybe 300-400 or more - I am not sure how many) radio interviews.

Most of the radio interviews have been on Christian stations. Some have been on secular stations. Some of the stations are small - in limited markets. Some are in the largest metropolitan areas, such as New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. Others are on networks of up to 250 stations covering most of the United States.

I have approached every single interview with the same mindset: "this is a WONDERFUL privilege that I have been given. I have a small amount of influence. It is not much. But I have been given some. I will treat it carefully. I have the privilege of 'stewarding' [key word = 'stewarding'] this influence."

A "steward" is a person who has something that does not below to him/her. The "steward" is to have oversight of an item, for the one who owns it.

What is the application, you ask. My influence, your influence is a gift from God. We have it for such a short time - and then it is gone. We grow old, pass away, and someone else is given influence. This gift (influence) is NOT ours. It is God's. Thus we must "steward" it. We must treat it with such respect.

Back to the point: tonight I was on Scarborough Country on MSNBC at approximate 7:30pm Pacific Standard Time. And as I went on the air, I thought, "what a privilege I have been given." And so I prayed: "Lord, this influence is yours. It is not mine. I am 'stewarding' it to the best of my ability. It is not about me. It is all about you. Thank you for entrusting to me such a spectacular gift. I treasure it. I treat it with upmost respect. Help me not to bring embarassment to you in any way. I pray that when I am done with this interview in a few moments that people will think more highly of this Jesus I serve. Amen."

My interviews, like so much of life, are "treasures." Treasures to be valued, treated with great respect. It is easy, after doing a national TV prime time interview, to become careless in attitude towards an interview on a tiny radio station in some unknown town. But I refuse to do that. I treat them with respect. Because influence, whether on a national prime time TV show, or on a midday radio show in a town of 1,500, is a wonderful gift.

Thank you Lord for the special treasures of life - in whatever form they come.

Wealth

2006-03-21T22:45:00.000-08:00

Last night I officially became a blogger. As you know, I was shamed into it by my older son. But as he read my blog, rather than saying, "way to go, Dad," he exclaimed "Dad, blogs are supposed to be SHORT!" And that was the first evaluation that I heard regarding the new world of blogging that I had just entered. So tonite, I make it shorter. I will discuss my personal wealth.

I am wealthy. I will not hide it. I cannot. I am wealthy. Very wealthy. How much wealth do I have. Lots!

Today, I "counted" my wealth - while sitting around the dinner table. We were celebrating the birthday of my son in law. My family was there. I looked at them. I thought, "I am so fortunate. I have what many people do not have. The 'wealth' of rich family relationships. I am very fortunate...very 'wealthy.'"

I have the wealth of relationships - with a wife that has loved me for three and one half decades now. And she continues to love me. I have a married daughter that truly loves me. A son in law that is as close as if he were my son. A married son that is so supportive. A daughter in law that is as close as if she were my biological daughter. A younger son that unabashedly hugs his dad. A younger daughter who wants me with her when she stands in front of the mirror and sings as if she is competing on American Idol. Three grandsons, who give me slobbery kisses. And on and on the family goes.

I have heard that some of the world's FINANCIALLY wealthiest persons are devoid of meaningful family relationships. They can have their billions. I will keep my wealth. For you see, I am a truly "wealthy" man.

Time Heals

2006-03-20T23:13:00.000-08:00

I am doing my first blog. Not by choice. But by coercion. I am a pastor. I have a dozen or so wonderful pastors working with me. I have more than a dozen members on my church board.

One of my pastors emailed me today and wrote, "when are you going to blog!" Another one emailed me and said, in effect, "I'd like you to see how we function in the 21st century." A member of my church board emailed me today - asking for the XX time, "when are you going to start blogging?" But the ultimate coercion was my son -- my own son! He blogs. And supposedly someone reads it. (His wife? My mother? Not sure who.) And you know what he wrote? That I (his wonderful father) had been put ON PROBATION for not blogging -- and I only have 10 days to get my act together! My own son! He did not tell me privately. He announced it to the whole world (all of whom surely read his blog).

So - I am now, as of March the 20th in the year of our Lord 2006, at 11:16pm Pacific Standard Time, officially a "blogger." (Do I hear applause?)

So what am I going to say. I am convinced that most bloggers say very little. They simply pride themselves in saying SOMETHING. Content is considered unimportant. "Content-free" blogging is as "in" and chique as low calorie foods. Therefore, I shall try, contrarian as I am, to have at least SOME content. So what will my content, the title of this first blog be? The long awaited answer? "Time Heals."

How do I know? I saw it tonight. I attended the World Baseball Classic finals - tonight, right here in San Diego. In fact I just arrived at home from the game.

I attended the game with my youngest son, my oldest son (the one who put me on probation for not blogging; in fact, he ruined the 5th inning of the game by chosing that moment to inform me that I was on the "non-blogging" probation), my daughter in law, and my son in law.

How does a final game of a World Baseball Classic prove that time heals?

Japan defeated Cuba in the final game. What is amazing is that either country is so welcome in our country -- and in our city.

San Diego was, as usual, a wonderful host. But lets roll the clock back - 6 decades. San Diego's downtown - or at least the area north of it - was totally covered in a massive (multiple miles long) camoflauge drape. Why? Fear of Japanese bombers. And within my lifetime (very early years), a man name Fidel took control of Cuba - and brought feared Communism within 90 miles of our shores.

Yet both teams - one from a country with whom we were at war, and one from a country whom we still distrust - came to play a game - baseball. American's (along with many Japanese and Cubans) cheered, ate peanuts and hotdogs and sang during the 7th inning stretch, as if nothing had ever happened.

Why? Becuase time heals. My uncles fought in WWII. They would have been shocked as young servicemen if they could have seen 6 decades into the future. Japan? In America? Playing baseball?

And Cuba? Still Communistic! Playing baseball. In America. It happened. Because time does heal.

And - if you add in one more very important ingredient, the Holy Spirit, healing happens faster and goes deeper.

Want real healing? Give it time. Then add it that special touch from God Himself - and real, authentic healing can and will occur.

Even if it is your own son you have to forgive - for putting you on probation for not blogging, which, in turn, makes you stay at your computer at 11:35pm at night - so you can get off of probation!

Time + the Holy Spirit (and in my case, doing the blogging) = healing.