TAIPEI- The world’s renowned Chinese evangelist Rev. Stephen Tong has recently launched a worldwide seminar aiming to pinpoint the falsities of the controversial movie Da Vinci Code.

Specialized in Reformed Theology, Tong’s seminar was proved to be very popular among evangelical conservative Christians in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. Over a thousand of people gathered at the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Taipei, on Wednesday for the third seminar. Tong has sharply pointed out the challenge against Christianity by Da Vinci Code from theological, historical, philosophical and artistic viewpoints.

Tong condemned the author Dan Brown for using the famous paintings from Leonardo Da Vinci and his outstanding writing skills to the create story that is completely deviated from the truth. Brown claimed that Apostle John on the painting The Last Supper is actually Mary Magdalene as he appeared to be the only man without moustache. Brown then alleged that Jesus is married to Mary Magdalene.

Tong suggested that the painting has revealed in details how different each disciple of Jesus reacted before the death of Jesus, and it is supposed to be the key theme, rather than Brown’s explanation.

"The so-called ‘historical fact’ is made by him, and it is a groundless trick," warned Tong, adding that the hidden "code" Brown interpreted from the painting are just some very popular ways of artistic expression in that era.

Concerning one of the plots in Da Vinci Code that shows the death of the manager of Louvre, Tong condemned its hidden "anti-Christ" message. Tong emphasized that Christians should not be deceived, but they must clearly understand the motive behind those allegations.

According to Tong, the real motive of the book is to challenge the teaching of Christianity, Catholicism, the revelation of the Bible and the salvation of Christ Jesus. Then, from people, scene and the plot of Da Vinci Code, Tong attacked one by one and denied the standpoint of Dan Brown.

Brown is trying to overthrow the history of salvation, as what prophesized in the Book of I John, "the Antichrist would come". The Antichrist think that the flesh is evil, thus they do not believe in the salvation through the shedding of the blood of Christ. There are all Gnostic teachings.

Lastly, Tong concluded with the Bible verses from Matthew 5: 37, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." He urges all Christians to stand firm in their faith, to follow the truth and to respect the Holy Word.

Da Vinci Code seminar has been held in Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei. The next one will be held in Singapore on June 18.

[Editor’s note: Kevin Luk from Taipei reported for this article.]