Just finished the book and highly recommend it. The theories put forth in it are of course supported by lots of evidence that, even if it has some holes in it, are wildly entertaining and compelling. The history of the Knights Templar, The Prior de Sion, the Holy Grail, and all the fascinating historical characters that were definitely linked to the whole mystery are a wonderful read. Prior to reading the "Da Vinci Code" I had read the book by the author that recently sued Dan Brown and lost "Holy Blood, Holy Grail". Fascinating view into the history and evidence that drives the theories. Even if the primary concept put forth that Jesus was human, married to Mary Magdalene, and responsible for a royal blood line that exists to this day is not true, the book offers a fascinating look into the early machinations and and often evil political intrigue of the Roman Catholic Church and the groups that were part of its opposition.

Here's my question to you. Let's say that concrete evidence were uncovered that proved the hypothesis set forth in Brown's book or the books that he used to formulate his theories and story. What would be the effect on our modern society?

Obviously, from my atheist philosophy, one would think that I'd be all for exposing the truth at the first opportunity and dashing credibility of the Catholics and all of Christendom. However, I'm not sure, from a global perspective that would be a good idea. With the drop in the power of the Christian church, what would the other major worldwide religions do? Would the Islamic extremists use the opportunity to consolidate their own power with their ability to set back and scream "I told you so"? Would all those empty-headed masses that require a structured Christian environment to figure out ethics (that they ought to simply derive from common sense) think the green light was on for them to treat their neighbors even worse than they do?

I don't have an answer for this and it almost makes me believe the theories even more. If truly extraordinary men of forward and analytical vision have truly been keepers of a secret of this power in a closed society over the millenia, maybe it explains why they never have released the information. Maybe they asked themselves the same questions and decided that the world simply was too immature and reactionary to have their basic foundations questioned. Who knows? No matter what the answer though, it's a fascinating study and highly entertaining.

I welcome other's thoughts on this.

Art