Conversations to Crack Da Vinci Code

Bruce Fisk, Westmont religious studies professor, will separate fact from fiction in Dan Brown’s best-selling book, “The Da Vinci Code,” in a free lecture, “Breaking the Da Vinci Code,” in both Santa Barbara and Ventura.

Westmont Downtown will present his talk, Thursday, May 11, at 5:30 p.m., at the University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St.

Westmont in Ventura will also hear from Fisk, Thursday, May 18, at 4:30 p.m., at the Pierpont Inn, 550 Sanjon Road.

Brown’s “Da Vinci Code” has already sold 40 million copies worldwide since it was released three years ago. Sony Pictures is releasing a movie based on the book, starring Tom Hanks and directed by Ron Howard, May 19.

“‘The Da Vinci Code’ demonstrates vividly that people everywhere relish a good conspiracy, especially if it involves sex and the Roman Catholic Church,” says Fisk. “But the cult status of the book is due not to its merits as fiction but to its claims as nonfiction.”

Over the past three years, Fisk has given numerous media interviews and answered hundreds of questions about “The Da Vinci Code.”

“Dan Brown’s claim that the book contains secret, dangerous knowledge is, I believe, the principal reason for the book’s success,” says Fisk. “Readers like to feel like they know something others don’t. We like to gain access into secret chambers of hidden knowledge.”

Fisk has authored several books including “First Corinthians” (Interpretation Bible Studies) and “Do You Not Remember? Scripture, Story and Exegesis in the Rewritten Bible of Pseudo-Philo.”

Fisk earned his doctorate in New Testament at Duke University and joined the Westmont faculty seven years ago. He has also taught at Fuller Theological Seminary, Briercrest College and Seminary, Duke Divinity School and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Seating is limited. For more information, please call (805) 565-6051.