Ecstasy of Saint Theresa by Bernini

I first learned about this work of art when I read Angels and Demons and the Da Vinci Code. The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa by Bernini is a sculpture made out of marble that is displayed at the Santa Maria de la Vittoria Chapel in Rome. It was created by Giovanni Bernini during the Baroque period. An image of an angel and St. Theresa was sculpted. Above them are rays of light that are said to be the light of the holy ghost. The art is said to depict St. Theresa experiencing bliss or divine joy. This is because of transverberation or a point of contact between earth and heaven. This sculpture is said to be about a moment of time where God intruded St. Theresa's soul. I don't know what exactly that means. I'm guessing that St. Theresa felt God's presence in this moment or something like that.

However, critics think otherwise. They say that St. Theresa is experiencing lust-related happiness and fulfillment in this picture. I remember that I read the same opinion somewhere in the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. Furthermore, in Dan Brown's novel, he said that St. Theresa and Jesus Christ had a relationship. Being a Roman Catholic, I don't know how to react. Even if Dan Brown's books are fictional, it did shake the faith of some Catholics that I know. I don't want to blindly believe Dan Brown and critics of Bernini's Ecstacy of St. Theresa. But the Church had it's propagandas before. They teach things like sicknesses are caused by sinfulness which science has debunked by providing scientific explanations regarding sicknesses. They introduced the concept of "indulhensya". They tell their followers that if they have relatives that are priests then they will be saved. I hate to say this but it's hard to believe the Church sometimes. I don't want to pass a judgment yet on this issue. I haven't formed my opinion on the issue yet.