AUBURN #- From almost the moment Dan Brown's novel “The Da Vinci Code” hit the shelves, it has been a source of much debate and discussion among literary critics, religious scholars and average readers.

And with the recent release of the movie, the discussion has only intensified.

To help answer some of the questions raised, the First United Methodist Church in Auburn hosted a discussion about the story and its critics.

The church's pastor, the Rev. LeRoy Kettinger, had intended to show “The Da Vinci Delusion,” a film dissecting some of the issues raised in “The Da Vinci Code,” Monday night but was unable to get a copy of the DVD.

So Kettinger took the opportunity to hold an informal discussion of the book, its merits and the historical context in which it is set.

“One of the big things I wanted to convey is that often we make the mistake of thinking that we in modern society are the only ones that were ever sophisticated,” he said.

“But the time of Jesus was a very sophisticated period of time. They didn't fly airplanes or talk on cell phones, but it was a time of great communication.

Kettinger said “The Da Vinci Delusion” is an interesting follow-up.

“It takes you to France and London and the Middle East,” Kettinger said. “It is very well produced with scholars that are Christian and Jewish and men and women and they are looking at the issues raised by the book and looking at what there is in history. It is very well done.

“I come from a literary criticism background,” Kettinger said. “There is a lot of criticism that can go from the book. If you like suspenseful mystery writing, it is a fine book. I think Dan Brown wrote a book to make money, that's why you write a book. But it does bring up the question of religious faith, a question for all people of all religions to look at.”

For some, questions of faith raised by the book are easy to reconcile.

“I've read the book, and I've seen the movie,” Ann Marie Nadge said. “It had no effect on me whatsoever. I still believe what I believe to be the truth. It was a work of fiction, but it does bring a lot questions. But I still believe what I believe.”

Kettinger said that since church parishioners knew that the intended documentary showing had been cancelled, he was encouraged to see some non-church members take an interest in this discussion.

“It is very gratifying to see other people come out,” Kettinger said. “It is nice to see them come here and ask questions and want to discuss these issues.

“The DVD raises its own questions. It tries to give a broad answer to the issues raised.”