ELCA Publisher Offers 'The Passion,' 'DaVinci Code' Resources

Chicago (ELCA)-JB — Augsburg Fortress, the Minneapolis-based publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has developed discussion guides for "The Passion of the Christ," a popular film produced by Mel Gibson, and for "The DaVinci Code," a popular book written by Dan Brown.

The discussion guide for "The Passion" is available now, and the guide for "The DaVinci Code" will be available no later than March 15, said Beth A. Lewis, president and chief executive officer, Augsburg Fortress. Both are available for purchase at www.augsburgfortress.org/upfordiscussion on the publisher's Web site.

The resources were created in response to "many requests for resources with a Lutheran perspective to help individuals, small groups and congregations explore the faith issues and questions raised" in both the film and book, Lewis said.

Each discussion guide is four pages and downloadable in reproducible form. The guides can easily be used in forums, book clubs, Sunday School classes and Bible study groups, Lewis said.

"The Passion of the Christ" discussion guide was written by the Rev. Craig R. Koester, professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., one of eight ELCA seminaries. The guide is meant to help viewers discuss their reactions to the motion picture and to the main characters and how they are portrayed in the film and in Scripture texts, Lewis said. The guide also includes suggestions on how to reflect on Jesus' suffering and death and their meaning in today's world, she said.

Matthew L. Skinner's study guide on "The DaVinci Code" explores the making and meaning of the New Testament 'canon,' other early Christian texts and movements, and women leaders in first-century churches, Lewis said. Skinner is assistant professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary.

Both resources may be photocopied for use within the purchaser's congregation or small group, Lewis added.