Inside Look @ The Matrix

by

Mike & Amy Nappa

The three Matrix movies (The Matrix, The Matrix: Reloaded, and The Matrix: Revolutions) have stunned audience with their incredible special effects and complicated plots. In fact these three films collectively grossed over a billion dollars worldwide, making them one of most successful movie trilogies ever. Yet people aren’t just talking about the dazzling effects and stylized content—they’re drawn to the philosophical messages of the movies as well.

The Christian images here are clear. The hero, played by Keanu Reeves, is named Neo, which means "new," is an anagram for "one," and Reeves’ character is often referred to as "The One." He’s the fulfillment of prophecies, he returns to life after being killed, and he can bring others back to life too. Neo has been freed from the Matrix, where his life energy was used to support a world of machines. In the Matrix all is an illusion, and most of humanity is trapped there. Neo is Jesus Christ—he’s come to save the world.

But the allegory doesn’t stop there. Laurence Fishburne plays Morpheus (who was the Greek god of dreams), a Moses or John the Baptist-like prophet who believes in the prophecies and inspires others to follow Neo. Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) is a powerful Satan with the ability to overtake the minds and bodies of others, turning them into his slaves. The elusive Architect who created the entire Matrix program is a heartless God. Both the mysterious Oracle and Trinity, Neo’s devoted love interest, could be interpreted as metaphors for the Holy Spirit. And viewers? We’re all the disciples drawn to the message and wanting more.

Yet this saturation of spiritual images does not lead to Christianity. Instead, the writing and directing team of brothers Andy and Larry Wachowski has created a movie filled with a mixture of philosophies. Their blend includes Gnosticism, Buddhism, existentialism, and yes, a bit of Christianity. So while Christians can view the movies and gladly call out, "Hey! They’re referring to Jesus!" at some plot points, there’s such a mumbo jumbo of beliefs that the movies may be more confusing than helpful to those not strong in their faith.

Besides being dazzling entertainment, the Matrix movies address the longings of humanity to understand the meaning of our lives. Why are we here? What’s our purpose? Are there choices to be made in our cosmic universe, or are we just pawns in a greater game? Hungry souls long to understand. The Matrix doesn’t point viewers to Christ, but it does open doors for Christians to lead the way.

"These aren’t just movies you watch. [These movies] call us to seek and find—to ask of our own lives what’s real and what’s a mirage."

—Greg Garrett, co-author of The Gospel Reloaded

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"In a culture that is often thought to have lost interest in religion, The Matrix shows how compelling it can be."

—Steven Tomkins, BBC News

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—Daniel Fierman, Entertainment Weekly

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" One might well argue that popular films like The Matrix and Star Wars carry more influence among young adults than the traditional religious myths of our culture."

—James L. Ford, Wake Forest University

Use these questions to spark family discussion about The Matrix movies:

---The Matrix movies and several other films in the past few years (such as Vanilla Sky and The Truman Show) have promoted the idea that our world is an illusion. Why do you think people are drawn to this philosophy?

---As you watch the Matrix films, what different religious influences can you identify? How are Christian truths twisted in these movies?

---While Neo has been sent to "save" people, the concepts of sin, forgiveness, and grace are not represented in the Matrix movies. Why are these elements so important to Christianity? What difference would these elements make if they were introduced to the movie plots?

[SIDEBAR]

---Exodus by Andy Hunter (Sparrow).

If you like the music of the Matrix movies, pop Exodus into your CD player. Andy Hunter whisks listeners away with top quality electronic/techno/rave music, yet he obviously seeks to worship God through his music and lyrics. Messages are short, strong, and simple, such as "Show me your glory" (from the song "Show") or "Born to worship" (from the song "Go"). Hunter’s music can be heard in a Matrix trailer and on the Matrix video games, as well as other movie and television soundtracks.

---The Gospel Reloaded: Exploring Spirituality and Faith in the Matrix by Chris Seay and Greg Garrett (Piñon Press)

For those who want to dig deeper into the spiritual themes presented by the Matrix movies, pick up a copy of The Gospel Reloaded. Authors Seay (pastor of Ecclesia, a progressive Christian church in Texas) and Garrett (a Pulitzer-Prize nominated author) study these films for the deeper, hidden meanings. These author don’t turn away when culture and religion clash, and instead they delve into the themes of rebirth, fate, and free will, turning The Matrix into a retelling of the Gospel. This book also identifies messages in the movies that come from other religions to help readers sort out the truth.

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[BIO LINE] Mike & Amy Nappa are renowned cultural commentators, best-selling and award-winning authors, and creators of the Internet magazine for families, www.FamilyFans.com