MALAYSIA – As the critics for ‘Da Vinci Code’ sweep across the world from the West to the East, Chinese Malaysian pastors held seminar to pinpoint the false messages behind the movie.

Gathering at the Lutheran Church in Kuala Lumpur Sunday evening, Christians across the denominational line listened to the explanation by the professor from Malaysia Bible Seminary Dr. Tann Hann Tzuu. Tann has attacked three particular points.

First of all, concerning the last supper, the author of Da Vinci Code claimed that the one standing next Jesus who does not have moustache is actually Mary Magdalene but not Apostle John and on the other side, Apostle Peter appeared to be complaining Jesus, "Why you love her more than you love us?" Tann pointed out that Apostle John is the most outstanding student among all the other apostles, so he is portrayed as younger in age and so he does not have moustache.

Tann further explained the real message behind the painting "Last Supper". All the disciples are quite distant from Jesus, which represents the loneliness of Jesus as he walked the path of cross. The twelve apostles appeared to divide into four 3-member groups, standing on the left and the right of Jesus. On the most right was Apostle Philip, who represented faith and purity, whereas on the left, in contrast, there was Judas the betrayer. Next to Judas was Apostle Peter because he was holding a sword on his hand.

According to Tann, Apostle Peter, Apostle John and Judas were in one group to highlight the three types of faith in the Lord at the critical moment of Jesus’ crucifixion. Apostle Peter has denied Jesus at the cross, but later he repented and returned to him, Apostle John has never abandoned his faith in the Lord, but Judas has betrayed Jesus with 30 silver coins.

Later Tann explained the historical background of the discovery of the Bible, arguing with the claim that the Bible is a product made by men.

By referring to the scripture, the divinity of Jesus has been clearly revealed, according to Tann. For example, Jesus has been called the son of God in many occasions and he has given the authority to forgive sins. It is very "ridiculous" for the author of Da Vinci Code has claimed that people voted to declare "Jesus is God" only 400 years after Jesus’ death, said Tann.

Once again, Tann stressed that Jesus has never married to anyone. Da Vinci Code suggested that all Jewish men must get married, but Tann said there are exceptional cases when people keep chastity for religious reasons.

[Editor’s note: Emily Wong reported from Malaysia for this article.]