On Sunday, a middle school youth named Brandi asked me if I thought she was mature enough to read Angels and Demons, the Dan Brown book that is the basis for the controversial new sequel to The Da Vinci Code movie, starring Tom Hanks. My first thought was “Is anyone mature enough to read that?” But then, I’ve read it, and I actually enjoyed it a lot-just like I enjoyed the Da Vinci Code. Between the media interviews and the blogs surrounding the release of the movie, everyone from religious leaders to celebrities has an opinion about the content of the movie, and whether or not it is bashing Christianity and/or the Catholic religion. I haven’t seen the movie yet, so won’t weigh in on that, but I have read the book a few times. It’s a well written, suspenseful novel. Period. And if it’s read as such, I think Brandi, and most other people, are mature enough to handle it. If it’s read to find out accurate historical information about Catholicism or who Jesus was, then it’s not something to which you should turn. But if you’re looking for an easy way to start a conversation with your teenager, neighbor, or friend about your faith, and what truth is, it could be a great starting point. Just read or watch carefully, and check your Bible to see what God says before you buy into anything! Tricia Hamilton Youth and Children's Minister Light of the World Lutheran Church