“Why would a pagan emperor choose Christianity as the official religion?” In 325 A.D., he decided to unify Rome under a single religion. Constantine decided something had to be done. Christians and pagans began warring, and the conflict grew to such proportions that it threatened to rend Rome in two. Three centuries after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Christ's followers had multiplied exponentially. Unfortunately for him, a growing religious turmoil was gripping Rome. In Constantine's day, Rome's official religion was sun worship–the cult of Sol Invictus, or the Invincible Sun–and Constantine was its head priest. “He was a lifelong pagan who was baptized on his deathbed, too weak to protest. “I thought Constantine was a Christian,” Sophie said. “The fundamental irony of Christianity! The Bible, as we know it today, was collated by the pagan Roman emperor Constantine the Great.” “Who chose which gospels to include?” Sophie asked. “More than eighty gospels were considered for the New Testament, and yet only a relative few were chosen for inclusion–Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John among them. Understandably, His life was recorded by thousands of followers across the land.” Teabing paused to sip his tea and then placed the cup back on the mantel. As a descendant of the lines of King Solomon and King David, Jesus possessed a rightful claim to the throne of the King of the Jews. As the prophesied Messiah, Jesus toppled kings, inspired millions, and founded new philosophies. “Jesus Christ was a historical figure of staggering influence, perhaps the most enigmatic and inspirational leader the world has ever seen. History has never had a definitive version of the book.” Man created it as a historical record of tumultuous times, and it has evolved through countless translations, additions, and revisions. The Bible did not fall magically from the clouds. “And everything you need to know about the Bible can be summed up by the great canon doctor Martyn Percy.” Teabing cleared his throat and declared, “The Bible did not arrive by fax from heaven.” In fact, Da Vinci painted the true Grail, which I will show you momentarily, but first we must speak of the Bible.” Teabing smiled. “Leonardo's feelings about the Bible relate directly to the Holy Grail. “Here's another,” Teabing said, pointing to a different quote. Many have made a trade of delusions and false miracles, deceiving the stupid multitude. “I think you'll find this relevant to our discussion.” “From Da Vinci's notebook on polemics and speculation,” Teabing said, indicating one quote in particular. Does leigh die in the da vanci code series#Twisting the book to face Sophie, Teabing flipped open the heavy cover and pointed inside the rear cover to a series of quotations. Langdon went across the room, found a large art book, and brought it back, setting it down on the table between them. “Robert, would you mind? On the bottom shelf. Teabing's eyes turned mirthful as he motioned to the bookshelf across the room. “And Da Vinci's views on the New Testament?” Superb! Then you must be aware that Leonardo was one of the keepers of the secret of the Holy Grail. Teabing looked both startled and pleased. I was raised by a man who worshipped Leonardo da Vinci.” “To fully understand the Grail,” Teabing continued, “we must first understand the Bible. Sophie sensed a rising air of academic anticipation now in both of her male companions. “However… the far more relevant question is this: What is the Holy Grail?” I fear that is a question I may never answer.” He turned and looked directly at Sophie. “The Holy Grail,” Teabing said, his voice sermonic. Sir Leigh Teabing was beaming as he awkwardly paced before the open fire, his leg braces clicking on the stone hearth. Seated on the divan beside Langdon, Sophie drank her tea and ate a scone, feeling the welcome effects of caffeine and food.
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