Many of these books tell either a new story, a different story or offer a different opinion of a story in the bible. Remember that when the First Council of Nicaea was held in 325 A.D. the Roman Church clerics were compiling a book of scripture that reinforced their singularly narrow view of Christianity. This view had to be easy to understand and to teach. Equally, it could not be ambiguous and left to interpretation. It would be the role of the Church to establish doctrine, including the personalities and teachings of Jesus and his disciples.

The Knights Templar

Many believe that the order of the Knights Templar was established solely for the purpose of looting Solomon's Temple. This theory is controversial and is not accepted by Philip Gardiner. But recently I watched a program that stated that the Knights Templar were actually the descendants of Jews massacred by the Romans in the second rebellion of 132-135 A.D. This led to the destruction of the second temple of Solomon and the denial of entry of the Jews to Jerusalem.

These knights apparently had knowledge passed down for a thousand years of where the treasure of Solomon was buried. I don't know if they found knowledge, the Holy Grail or a great treasure, but it was certainly was worth the risk because in only a few generations they became the wealthiest order in the Roman Church.

In the beginning of Gardiner's article he asks the question, "for whom does the grail serve?" In conclusion to this article I will give him and you the answer; the grail serves the king, because the king and the land are one! It is ironic that regardless of what side of the argument you are on the Holy Grail and the Holy Blood support the king and the bloodline. And that is exactly why The Da Vinci Code is important - it causes debate.

With special thanks to Robert Morningstar for his contributions to this article.

Bibliography:

1.Legenda Aurea (published in Genoa in 1275) crystalinks.com
2. Baignent, M., Leigh, R., Lincoln, H., "Holy Blood, Holy Grail." Published by Delacorte Press, 1 Dag Hammarsjold Plaza, New York, N.Y. 10017
3. Suares, Carlo, "The Cipher of Genesis." English translation published by Robinson & Watkins, London, American Publication by Shamballah Publications, published 1970. Bantam Edition published April 1973. Quotations above are from the Bantam Edition.
4. Abid (p. 15)
5. Abid (p. 17)

Related Links:
• Leonardo da Vinci's Adoration
• The 'Da Vinci Code' Trial
• Vatican appoints Da Vinci debunker
• Mysterious Temple Mount artifact
• Book claims Jesus faked his death
• First Knights Templar Discovered