THE MYTHS and half-truths expounded in the book and the film of The Da Vinci Code were the subject of a lively question and answer session at Dundee Contemporary Arts last night.

A panel chaired by BBC presenter Jim Spence answered questions from the 200-strong audience.

The Rev David Robertson of St Peter’s Free Church contrasted the myths in the book with the factual basis for Christianity, professing that the Bible can be trusted to tell the truth.

Gordon Rutter, a lecturer and writer for the Fortean Times, put the agnostic slant by criticising facts not only in the book but also in the Bible. The Fortean Times and its readers believe there is a scientific solution to miracles and seemingly paranormal events.

The third panellist was Alistair McBay, Scottish representative of the National Secular Society, whose view is that the protests by the Roman Catholic Church about the book and film simply show that the church has lost touch with reality and wants to suppress all contradictions of its doctrines.

Mark Ellis of Logie and St John’s (Cross) Parish Church, which co-hosted the event with St Peter’s, said, “Certain Christian churches have told people not to see the film and not to read the book.

“However the Christian faith is not a fragile thing. Our idea is that people should make up their own minds by both reading the book and watching the film.

“None of the panellists believes the myths in the book, and no one really defended it or the film.

“However, although fiction, the book makes out that some elements of it are based on fact. We decided that this event was the best way to let people know the true story.

“We had a lively debate and exchange. It got the message over that our culture is being dumbed down and that people should think things through, including things in the Bible.”