Sony Pictures' decision, announced today, to sponsor a web site devoted to various varieties of Christian theological and intellectual critique of its soon-to-be-released film version of The Da Vinci Code is remarkably clever. Although somewhat akin to tobacco companies sponsoring ads warning of the dangers of cigarettes, this is a far smarter move politically, artistically, and from a marketing point of view. In one sweep, Sony diffuses much of the type of theological critique that has hounded The Da Vinci Code as a novel. Sony is able to keep the "artistic integrity" of their film, without bowing to every pressure group and religious lobbying interest. But at the same time, Sony can say, hey, we're not anti-Christian--look, we're giving the critics a huge forum to tell their side of the story. And of course it should all work to turn potential boycotters of the movie into filmgoers who then join the discussion on the www.thedavincichallenge.com web site. I have one piece of advice for Sony: there are groups other than Christian critics who have a lot to say critically--as well as to add to the conversation--about The Da Vinci Code. So open up the critical commentaries to everyone else who has something important to say! You don't have to believe The Da Vinci Code is blasphemous in order to have an interesting critique of it.