There is a lot of discussion about 'The Da Vinci Code' at the moment. If you have read the book or seen the film and are intrigued or shocked by its claims about Christianity, you can find out more in Manorbier soon.
The first part of a documentary in which experts help to separate the fact from the fiction in the novel will be shown at Emmanuel Gospel Church at 7.45 pm on Thursday June 15; the second part on June 22.
On Sunday, at the morning service, the pastor, Rev. Jonathan Fiddy, spoke about two gardens; two scenes of temptation.
The Garden of Eden was as perfect as the world was meant to be, but for Adam and Eve it wasn't enough to know the difference between good and evil, they wanted to experience it for themselves. It is human nature to want to try what you know is bad for you, and frequently things that give passing pleasure ultimately leave people in a real mess; Jonathan gave the example of drug abuse.
The Wilderness, where Jesus spent 40 days fasting, was a garden gone wrong, but the Bible says that here Jesus also had an encounter with Satan who tried to tempt him. Jesus, however, just kept living by the word of God and didn't listen to any lies.
Jonathan said that by taking on Jesus' nature - being 'born again' - Christians are able to break the inevitable cycle of doing wrong. They may still sin, but they are not sinners, they become saints.
Sunday services start at 10.15 am. All are welcome. For more information about the church, telephone 01834 871975.