These days, everyone seems to have space in the public sphere to voice their opinions. And now, even giants like Sony are bowing down to this fundamental right. On February 9th, the company put up a website that gives "a platform to some of the fiercest critics of the The Da Vinci Code." Which is interesting because the movie version of Dan Brown's controversial novel is a Sony Pictures production.

According to a New York Times article that announced the launch of The Da Vinci Challenge, the site "will post essays by about 45 Christian writers, scholars, and leaders of evangelical organizations who will pick apart the book's theological and historical claims about Christianity."

Clearly the studio is worried about offending religious groups with the movie (due to be released in May). Dan Brown's book has already suffered attacks by critics and Sony seems eager to temper their reaction to the film. Not for a moment do I believe that moving "towards a more educational and uplifting dialogue" (as claimed by Jim Kennedy, a Sony spokesman) is the reason for the website. I doubt the studio gives a damn about people's sensibilities. It's all about marketing. As John C. Green of the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life suggests, "Sony is saying, 'You guys are getting your say, so leave our movie alone.'" You said it, John!

That said, take a look at the website -- it's worth a quick tour. I've never bothered to read any critiques of the book, so going through the essays was mildly informative -- if only to get a glimpse at someone else's world view. Plus, the idea that they have a "Pastor's Corner" strikes me as bordering on cute! Besides, how often do you see a studio-sponsored movie website that's not devoted to promoting the new release, but to criticizing it. That's a first!