For a long time, author Dan Brown has said nothing about the critics a lot of (mostly religious) people have about the things that are presented as facts in the Da Vinci Code. On his website, he finally speaks out.

"The Da Vinci Code is a novel and therefore a work of fiction" Brown states. "While the book's characters and their actions are obviously not real, the artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals depicted in this novel all exist. For example, Leonardo Da Vinci's paintings, the Gnostic Gospels, Hieros Gamos, etc. These real elements are interpreted and debated by fictional characters."

"While it is my belief that some of the theories discussed by these characters may have merit, each individual reader must explore these characters' viewpoints and come to his or her own interpretations."

"My hope in writing this novel was that the story would serve as a catalyst and a springboard for people to discuss the important topics of faith, religion, and history."