[Rudey]

Sep. 16, 2004 15:29 | Updated Sep. 16, 2004 15:31

Lebanese authorities ban "The Da Vinci Code"
By ASSOCIATED PRESS


BEIRUT, Lebanon

Deeming its contents insulting to Christianity, Lebanese authorities have banned "The Da Vinci Code", a novel that has drawn harsh criticism - and millions of readers around the world - with its depiction of Christ marrying Mary Magdalene and fathering a child.

American author Dan Brown's fast-paced, globe-trotting thriller was pulled off shelves around Lebanon upon orders of the General Security Department this week, after the Catholic Information Center, which speaks for Lebanon's Catholic community, recommended that it be banned.

"We were asked for our opinion on the book and we gave it," Father Abdo Abu Kasm, who heads the center, told The Associated Press Thursday. "We cannot accept that anyone insult our dignity and beliefs ... Christianity is not about forgiveness to the point of insulting Jesus Christ."

-Rudey