INK & BLOOD EXHIBIT BREAKS \u201cTHE DA VINCI CODE\u201d AT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM \u201cThe Da Vinci Code\u201d on its first page contends that accounts of historical documents in the book are true.\u00a0 Referenced documents include the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Gnostic Gospels (sometimes called the \u201cLost Gospels\u201d) and the New Testament.\u00a0 The exhibit, which includes authentic Dead Sea Scroll fragments\u2014considered the greatest archeological discovery of the last century by most scholars\u2014and a fragment of the Gospel of St. John\u2014one of less than 50 fragments of the New Testament in existence before the 4th century\u2014are on display at the exhibition and discussed in detail in terms of their history, significance, and now as they relate to \u201cThe Da Vinci Code.\u201d With nearly one-hundred artifacts in total which examine the formation of the Bible over thousands of years, people are encouraged to do as the movie trailers are suggesting, \u201cSeek the Truth.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cThese new additions to the Ink & Blood exhibit include eight additional panels and seven new stops on the exhibit\u2019s audio tour with accurate, scholarly information that specifically assist patrons to \u2018break the code\u2019 of the wildly popular, best-selling work of fiction, The Da Vinci Code,\u201d added Salazar.\u00a0 <\/p>\n The exhibition now also addresses the novel\u2019s story that fourth century Roman emperor, Constantine I, made the mortal Jesus divine and selected the books of the Bible.\u00a0 Other topics explored are the Priory of Sion, Da Vinci\u2019s famous painting, \u201cThe Last Supper\u201d, and the accuracy of Biblical texts maintained over thousands of years.\u00a0 \u201cThere are many misconceptions about the history of the Bible.\u00a0 \u2018The Da Vinci Code\u2019 is creating an awareness of some of these misconceptions as well as adding others,\u201d said Dr. William H. Noah, founder and chief curator of Ink & Blood: Sacred Treasures of the Bible.\u00a0 \u201cThe exhibition already provides a comprehensive history of the Bible, but we wanted to expand the exhibit to give visitors the opportunity to review the historical facts, view the priceless artifacts, and decide for themselves.\u201d <\/p>\n As an added incentive, the Florida International Museum is discounting tickets to the lowest price available for all visitors through April 30, 2006.\u00a0\u00a0 Adult tickets with audio tour have been discounted $7 each to just $14.\u00a0\u00a0 Senior tickets with audio tour are also discounted to $14.<\/p>\n The Florida International Museum and Ink & Blood<\/em> are not affiliated with Dan Brown or Doubleday.\u00a0 The Da Vinci Code is copyright 2003 Dan Brown. <\/p>\n Ink & Blood<\/em> is an unprecedented exhibit that includes 100 Hebrew, Greek and Latin manuscripts and related artifacts.\u00a0 Those pieces together tell a unique story; \u00adthe complete history of the Bible, with an emphasis on the Bible in English version. The exhibition also contains material relevant to students of English literature, Spanish and Hebrew as well as American and European history, art and archaeology. Some of the other authentic artifacts include a 15th Century Wycliffe New Testament\u2014the first translation of the Bible into English, first editions of the King James Bible, and 500-year-old pages from Gutenberg\u2019s Bible, the most famous and valuable book ever printed. <\/p>\n FIM hours for this special exhibition: Monday \u2013 Saturday 9 am \u2013 6 pm; Sunday 12 noon \u2013 6 pm; last admission at 5 p.m. (Closed Easter). The final week of the exhibit, May 8th through May 14th, the hours will be extended until 8:00 pm Monday \u2013 Saturday and Sunday until 6:00 pm.\u00a0 Tickets and more information about the Ink & Blood exhibit can be found by calling toll-free 1-877-332-4253 or by going online to http:\/\/tickets.inkandblood.com<\/a>.\u00a0 To learn more about the Florida International Museum visit www.floridamuseum.org<\/a>. <\/p>\n The Florida International Museum is a non-profit educational institution supported, in part,\u00a0 <\/p>\n Related facts and quotes about Spirituality in America: <\/p>\n 83% of Americans identify themselves as Christian. <\/p>\n ABCNEWS\/Beliefnet Poll, 7\/18\/01<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.abcnews.go.com\/sections\/us\/DailyNews\/beliefnet_poll_010718.html<\/a><\/p>\n \n So it is in the midst of this environment of confusion that this blockbuster movie will offer attractive heretical propositions. Entering theaters essentially as biblical illiterates, millions of adults are vulnerable to the seductive religious arguments it will propose. <\/p>\n Exerpts from \u201cChristians and the Da Vinci Code\u201d by George Barna, The Barna Group<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.barna.org\/FlexPage.aspx?Page=Perspective&PerspectiveID=4<\/a><\/p>\n \n Poll results: Full story: \n The State of the Church: 2005, The Barna Group <\/p>\n
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St. Petersburg, FL (April 6, 2006) As people of the Christian faith around the world draw battle lines for the upcoming release of the motion picture \u201cThe Da Vinci Code,\u201d the Florida International Museum is hosting the most comprehensive exhibition on the Bible in the world with recent additions to specifically address the historical foundations in the novel from an academic perspective. \u201cWe invite patrons to come and see the exhibit, then see the movie,\u201d says Craig Salazar, Ink & Blood<\/em> Chief Operating Officer.\u00a0 \u201cPeople need to decide for themselves what is true and what is fiction.\u00a0 We believe that Ink & Blood<\/em> will help people \u2018break the code\u2019 and learn the historical facts.\u201d <\/p>\n
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by the Florida Arts Council, State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs and Institute of Museum & Library Services.\u00a0 Other major sponsors include Starbucks, Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Borders, Clear Channel Outdoors and Carlton Fields and\u00a0
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Raymond James & Associates.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
53% of a national sample of adults who have read The DaVinci Code\u00a0 from cover to cover stated that the book had been helpful in their \u201cpersonal spiritual growth and understanding.\u201d \u2026 <\/p>\n
23% of poll respondents in an ongoing poll at BeliefNet.com, a multi-faith e-community website, believe that Jesus was married to Mary Magdelene.\u00a0 28% believe Jesus was married but not necessarily to Mary Magelene.<\/p>\n
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http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/polls\/poll_vote.asp?pollID=955&voteType=result<\/a><\/p>\n
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http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/story\/127\/story_12776_1.html<\/a>
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45% of adults read the Bible during a typical week, not including when they are at church. <\/p>\n