Reflections on Culture Clash

So, normally I wouldn't even bring up this topic, but I read something really interesting regarding The Da Vinci Code controversy today. According to BBC News, Muslims in Mumbai have joined with Roman Catholics in protesting the release of the movie in India. They believe that the movie insults one of their most honored prophets and should be banned. Muslim leaders in India have declared that the contentions presented in the book are blasphemous to both Muslims and Christians. Strange bed-fellows indeed.

Islam actually does have a uniquely exalted view of Jesus. He's accorded honors that other prophets, including Muhammad, are not. For example, Jesus is described as the "word" from God, Muslims believe he performed many miracles (check out surah 3.49 for a unique one), and they affirm the Virgin Birth. The rub is Christ's divinity, which Muslims vehemently reject as idolatry.

So, back to The Da Vinci Code, I haven't decided whether I'm going to see it. I remember the comparable controversy that surrounded The Passion of the Christ, and I had hoped that those who were against it would at least see it before they condemned it. Perhaps we, as Christians, should extend the same respect to this movie. Maybe it's a renter. What do you guys think?