A Born Again Christian Upon Reading The Da Vinci Code

[TheNinthDr]

I'm sorry, I just honestly don't get this song. What's the point of it? How is it supposed to be thought-provoking?

Jesus still totally loves you even if he had sex at one point?

Born Again Christianity is so empty that incorporating Gospels of vastly differing philosophy with the canonical ones won't significantly change their faith?

Polar bears rocking out are so awesome we should take all opportunities to showcase them?

Really love the rest of the album, but I just don't get this one.

[PeetaPettigrew]

I have no religion (although I was raised christian) and I find this song amazing! :D

[CarolynTheSlayer]

Even if you're not born again, are you a Christian, Matt? Or you Lauren?

[susan050948]

I'm throwing this one out there. If we had not ever taken you and your brother to church, you would never would have experienced Charlie in your life -- a man that is still involved with you and your friends of your childhood. He has been a treasure in our lives in the good times and the horrific.  Isn't he the pastor that is going to marry you?

[thewhompingwillows]

@susan050948 Hi Mom! Not sure what Charlie has to do with this. This video isn't meant to be anti-Christian or anti-church. It's a fictional song about a Christian who reads The Da Vinci Code and the book changes his views on religion. Obviously if Charlie is marrying us, I still have a lot of respect for the church and the influence it had on my life. :)

[Dougandthefunnies]

Why's everyone hatin' on the square pupils? Didn't anyone watch Invader Zim?? ;)

[UsingATelescope]

*following along with animation story* Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Bears playing guitar.... Wait what?!

[blessedbyacurse]

Being Christian, it might be a bad sign that my thoughts were centered around those crazy square pupils and the singing bears.

[ihearttheplanet]

Its a shame that sop many people are "confused" by this, when its a really interesting and good song

[emmfan09]

do like. :)

[firnantok]

Great song and great video! :)

[feasible]

Can I talk about how the awesome guitar solo? 'cause the guitar solo was awesome. And I love the melodies and harmonies.

[loonypants1]

the square pupils scare me. :S

[erni414]

On a completely different but related note (because this made me think about the da vinci code again), from my Christian point of view, I remember enjoying the read, and thinking about how close to the mark and the point of the Story the author got, and yet how badly he missed the mark. Jesus did have a Bride; it just wasn't Mary Magdalene, it was you and me.

[MsDesignDiva]

@erni414 exactly what I was thinking too. Jesus bride was the church, and the people in the church are the church. The church (a good church at least) isn't just about the building or location, heck it could be run out of a high school gym, my church was for years until we got our new building. The people are the church.

[erni414]

@MsDesignDiva Love this! In fact, the church I attend right now meets in a middle school auditorium, and I love it! So true that it's the people that define the Church; it's about community and relationship- with each other, and with christ

[MsDesignDiva]

@erni414 yep, and it's so true, one of the best churches I ever went to (I was only there for about 9 months since it was when I was a bible school student at Capernwray) was a church in a really small town. the church itself was so small it was held in the front lobby area of a high school, the group was too small to even go in a gym. Only about 40-50 people but because the group was so small everyone was really close and welcoming. Just goes to show the church is the people not the location.

[ItTakesII]

This is a great concept for a song, I really don't understand the confusion in the comments ... music isn't all about real events/real views of the songwriter. Anyway, lovely song!

-Julian

[richardpatrick32123]

What a lovely song and beautiful animation. It would be a much better world if people could reconcile their beliefs with fact as simply as in this video, instead of shooting people.

Thanks guys, I loved it!

[imnotuniqueimmonique]

This was so great! I am still dying about the cubs.

[Jenniemae]

I guess this is what I get for being raised Wiccan. I'm confused. I'm pretty sure a born again Christian's take on Da Vinci Code would be pessimistic and angry, not accepting. This is pretty much the message I got from reading the book. I dunno #kanyeshrug I guess the "born again Christian" part confuses me the most. I know quite a few born again Christians and they hate the Da Vinci Code and say that it's full of lies, even though they have never read it.

[thewhompingwillows]

@Jenniemae Well. It would be unfair to assume how someone would respond to something based on their religion. But yes, I'd be willing to guess that 99.99999999% of born agains were not happy with Da Vinci Code. That said, this song does not claim to represent every born again Christian. This song is a work of fiction about a particular born again Christian, one whose beliefs were actually altered by the book. It's a strange proposition, of course, but that's what this song is about. :)

[mattiejpwn]

You two never fail to be awesome! The song is great and I love the animation :)

[lonck]

That's terrific! What wonderful remake, and such a good video.! Great job, folks.

[Nunac0]

I'm so confused.. O.o

[applebritta]

Well, I think you got the placement of the nails right, so that's good.

[escibs]

It's been a while since I read the book, and I don't know much at all about born-again Christianity, so I'll freely admit I don't totally understand this song. But I do like the song. It sounds very different to your other stuff, but it's great to hear another side of you.

[JuleeBess]

I love the whole album it's fantastic :D and this video is great!

[LordHamsterTron]

Wait...I thought Morgan Freeman was God...

[TakeMe03]

Well I liked it. That's pretty much all that matters. :p

[kaitlinprit]

I'm a Christian, but don't find this offensive. It describes a storyline from a book, I mean, look at the title. It says the Da Vinci Code, NOT the bible. It's all good fun guys :-)

[allison2811]

this is cute. but really weird for some reason

[erni414]

cute song, but i disagree with about every theological statement in it. Basically everything after Jesus is worthy of his love I would argue about. And I would hope a born again christian would have better sense? Think it's more the perspective of a social christian (does that make any sense- someone who has grown up kind of around christianity but really doesn't know anything about it) after reading da vinci code.

[CryssyandNathan]

This is Cryssy, commenting from mine and Nathans channels cause I'm too lazy to log out and back in again. Ha.

I love the new guitar solo. I also giggled hysterically at the Bambi. I really like all of Doug's animations.

And I say this to all who are apparently offended. It's youtube. There's a lot more offensive videos out there.

[PrettyGreenGoat]

I gotta admit, I'm a little confused by this...

[DeepDarkDisire]

confused, i had to check who im subscribed to...

[KatherineWeasley]

Wow! I wasn't too sure how I'd feel about this, but I actually really REALLY love it! Such cute animation, and the song is really awesome. I don't find it offensive at all, and that is coming from someone who attended private school her whole life up until starting college.

Great job, Matt and Lauren!

[thephantombutterfly6]

i'll say this- i don't like it, but i'm not offended by it. and yes, those bears are adorable =)

the main problem i have with the Da Vinci Code isn't the suggestion that Jesus was married, but using that suggestion to somehow try to prove that that makes him not the Son of God and Savior, while using it as an excuse to worship Mary Magdalene. really didn't make sense to me. personally i don't believe Jesus ever married, but i also don't believe it's anything to start a holy war over.

[MaddyCloudDrops]

awww! the bears are so cute!

[numbersandnotes]

OMG THOSE BEARS ARE SO ADORABLE!!!! Also, I like this song. And the video was amazing.

[KellyisEverywhere]

Nice animations!

[annelieseB]

I don't see how this is from the perspective of a born-again Christian. Other than that it is pretty good. The animation in particular is pretty cool.

[AudreyBarbaraSanders]

Yeah, I don't think I like this one...

[mollyllom]

Wait. This is an old Jena Campaign song, Matt! Nice re-do!

[thewhompingwillows]

@mollyllom Indeed! :D Thank you!

[sabxzilla]

love this song, it was awesome at ragnawrock and i love the animations! :)

[missxrojas]

So cool! The animation is brilliant, and a great song too :D

[hangingwithNadine]

I love this. The animation is extremely well done and just amazing.

[tiicklemyfancy]

This is amazing.

[mixtapebang]

I find this.... really, really Christian themed despite The Da Vinci Code stuff. It makes me just a little uncomfortable...

[thewhompingwillows]

@mixtapebang It makes us a bit uncomfortable, and we wrote it. haha

[itsmebethanyy]

if you're not a born again Christian..then why do you say it's written by one? just wondering

[armouredbearcub]

@itsmebethanyy Written from the perspective of one. Kind of like I'm not actually the Whomping Willow, but I often write songs from the Whomping Willow's perspective. :)

[itsmebethanyy]

@armouredbearcub okay, thanks for explaining..i guess i had a blonde moment ;)

[Diamondelight92]

@armouredbearcub YOU'RE NOT ACTUALLY THE WHOMPING WILLOW?!?! My dreams are crushed!

[ConfettiJessie]

@Diamondelight92 He's an armoured bear.

[SmartieLove]

@armouredbearcub Shit, you aren't the Whomping Willow?!

[eruanna317]

Great animation and a nice song, if a bit bewildering. Obviously, the thing Born Again Christians (B.A.C.s) were all up in arms about was the depiction of their non-sexual Savior in a relationship with a woman. But beyond that, the whole "Hare Krishna" chant (lovely, but... huh??) felt out of left field, and "we are worthy of his love," while beautiful, is not a really B.A.C. sentiment. Their idea is that we aren't worthy but he loves us anyway. Sorry! Don't mean to be critical, just confused.

[erni414]

@eruanna317 feeling the same thing there- "we are worthy of his love" just isn't a christian statement; that's the whole point; jesus had to come and die because we AREN'T worthy. it's more of a "da vanci code christian" idea than an actual christian idea. or something. it's not christian, and it's not anything else, it's just confusing. but the song and animation are nice, even if every single thing about it is confusing.

[thewhompingwillows]

@erni414 Well, the point is that the book changed the narrator's beliefs a bit. The third verse represents a summary of the narrator's beliefs AFTER reading the book, not before. The narrator's beliefs have changed to an extent that "born again" is no longer accurate. That's basically what the song is about.

[thewhompingwillows]

@erni414 Also, there are some denominations of Christianity that don't view humanity as unworthy. There is a wide, wide range of interpretations of the Bible within the umbrella of Christianity. That's part of what makes this song confusing.

[erni414]

@thewhompingwillows it's an interesting look at the kind of mix-match jumbled beliefs many people develop when they glean from many different sources with no real true study and evaluation of merit. and you're completely right about different interpretations, it's just not what i consider the gospel message. but i love that you guys put out stuff just to be confusing- i appreciate the hilarity (and implied statement) in that.

[thewhompingwillows]

@erni414 You just hit the nail on the head. If I say more it'll ruin the mystery of the song/video, but... yup! :)

[erni414]

@thewhompingwillows you saying actually makes me like this song better! hah! :)

[colorguardgurl24]

this was lovely :) I mean as a Christian, it's not exactly what I believe lol (obviously) but its nice to see a video that can poke fun at certain religions or certain views without completely bashing it.

[sharkie59]

AWESOME video guys! : )

<3

(PS I'm Christian and don't see what would be offensive about this, for what it's worth)

[AccioAmberLynn]

wut

[rebeccawesome]

Confused Jew. Is this offensive to Christians? Because neither my friend (also a Jew) nor I can understand the purpose this video is trying to achieve. To us it comes off as a highly Christian video, but knowing very little about the NT or the Da Vinci Code we could be wrong. Could someone explain?

[wrocksnob]

@rebeccawesome Traditional Christian theology states that Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life, and that included never having sex, never wanting to have sex, never getting married, never jacking off, anything like that. Dan Brown asserts in the Da Vinci Code that Jesus married Mary Magdalene (NOT to be confused with his mom), which could be a big deal for theology if 1. You gave a toss about such extraneous bits of theology, and 2. Dan Brown wasn't full of BS. #itsafictionalbook #yo #word

[rebeccawesome]

@wrocksnob Okay, I understand how this could be offensive to Christians now, but I still don't get the point of this video.

[eragonlover1]

I don't find this offensive, nor would I if I was Christian. I just find it entertaining, and the animation is adorable.

[JustJAINE]

I love it! My favorite part is most definitely the bear cubs. So cute! <3

[wrocksnob]

Also, I think I woulda rather had a Peeing in the Bottle animated music video. And I really wanted a thumbs-up from Jesus. Also, boo Western!Jesus, though I like God's smirk. Still, while I like that you didn't pull punches on the crucifixion, I can still see how some would be upset by something being portrayed in what would be percieved as a light or even mocking manner.

Ooh! And nice touch on the sign with the roman/hebrew/...greek?

[thewhompingwillows]

@wrocksnob If you listen to the words underlying the crucifixion scene, you'll know that this song was written with great respect for Christians and their faith. However, I do admit that the juxtaposition of that scene with cute bearcubs is confusing. This is where art comes into play. Sometimes I like art to be confusing. Also, this song is called A Born Again Christian..., not EVERY Born Again Christian... :) Thanks for the feedback, dude!

[wrocksnob]

@thewhompingwillows Oh, I completely agree that the lyrics are completely and totally respectful, and while I personally enjoy the odd humour to be gained from the bearcubs happily strumming various stringed instruments while Christ is being crucified, I also can completely understand some being offended by it. Also, re: the title - nothing in the song screams "born again Christian" rather than "any other type of Christian". Still, not sure why I'm complaining about a lack of vitriol...

[thewhompingwillows]

@wrocksnob Also, I'm not a born again Christian, so really my entire perspective is very likely to be inaccurate. haha

[potterfanatic08]

i loved the song!!

[mainstdancer08]

very good job

[wrocksnob]

1. As a Christian, I can say that this song isn't offensive at all. However, I can safely say that this is NOT the reaction that you can expect from most born again Christians, and honestly, if you reverse your theological beliefs based entirely on a fictional book written by DAN BROWN, you got other problems.

2. However, I can see some rejecting to (and just being confused by) images like 3:13.

3. I love how random the instrumental polar bear interlude will seem to muggles.

4. GG, Doujace

[notamuggle11]

I don't find this offensive at all, really, even though I'm a Christian. It's obvious that you guys were just using aspects of the Da Vinci Code in a song, you weren't trying to insult people. It's a really cute, well-animated video. :)

[SpindipRob]

LOVE the Hare Krishna's. Excellent touch.

[KatrinaPolson]

Is this only funny if you've read The Da Vinci Code? Because this is really offensive. Don't want to be "that commenter," but yeah. And I'm sure I'll get a bunch of thumbs-downs.

[thewhompingwillows]

@KatrinaPolson We'd be really shocked if nobody was offended by this, and we appreciate your expressing your opinion. :) Please know that we have no disrespect for Christians whatsoever, as we were both raised by Christian families and attended church and everything. This song is purely conceptual.

[CanIFrenchTheLlama]

@KatrinaPolson Hey, sorry to be "that replier" but would you mind explaining what is offensive about this exactly? I swear I'm not challenging your belief or anything like that, I'm just wondering what about it rubs you the wrong way.

[KatrinaPolson]

@CanIFrenchTheLlama Just that Jesus had a sexual relationship with someone and had a baby. It is offensive because he did not. And it's the book that claims this, not Lauren or Matt. And I KNOW that it's Fiction - it just annoys me. The book, not the song. The song just references the book - sorry I said that. I vented my opinion toward the song when it's meant for the book.

[CryssyandNathan]

@KatrinaPolson Prove that Jesus didn't have sexual relationships and a family. You can't. Just like no one can prove that he did.

[CanIFrenchTheLlama]

@KatrinaPolson Oh that's interesting, I didn't actually know that it was considered offensive to believe Jesus had a sexual relationship with someone. Sorry for bombarding you with questions, but could you explain - is it the fact that Mary Magdalene was thought to be promiscuous or is it just that he supposedly had sex at all (was Jesus meant to be a virgin?) that is offensive?

[cateematthews]

@KatrinaPolson I don't think its main goal is to be funny - in a lot of ways, it's a celebration of the Christian faith, and the love and the story that is professed by it. There are some joke-y moments, but I don't think think they're meant offensively, or even that they're inappropriate, and the song ends not with a one-liner, but the world, loved by God . As for the the Da Vinci Code - the Da Vinci code's premise is that Jesus had a bloodline through his in-book wife, Mary Magdalene,

[cateematthews]

@KatrinaPolson which could be seen to a challenge to the Church, or blasphemous - or it could be taken as an acknowledgedly fictional extrapolation of God and Jesus' love for us, as it is here in the song. Besides, just look at how adorable those bears are : p

[ecrivantlune]

It's just... and... THE LAUREN BEAR HAS THE SAME PURPLE UKE. OMG.

I just... <333

[penguin112493]

An awesome video :)

And I love Doug's animation!

[accgirl01]

Great Video! The bear cub versions of you guys are so cute! 

[onenerdyhipster]

this is really adorable. Happy ukulele and guitar playing bears are pretty awesome.

[jsredrose]

The bears are the cutest, by far.

[gryffindorsbleedred]

Really cute video. This is one of my favorite songs, by the way.

[AccioCrr]

Awesome video:) I think the two bearcubs, along with Lauren's All-you-need-is-love uke, are the cutest thing I have ever seen.

[FosDoNuT]

XD Such a great video!!!

[FrankyTheKat]

I <3 you guys.