A biblical historian examines the history of the early Christian church that forms the background for "The Da Vinci Code," pointing out inaccuracies in the novel and providing an introduction to biblical scholarship.

The Emperor Constantine, the New Testament, and the other Gospels. The role of Constantine in early Christianity -- The discoveries of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi Library -- The other Gospels -- Constantine and the formation of the New Testament canon -- Jesus and Mary Magdalene. The historical sources for Jesus -- The historical Jesus of our sources -- Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and marriage -- The feminine in early Christianity.