The spiritual 'Matrix' - Hit movie inspires religious dialogue

Houston Chronicle ^ | May 16, 2003 | TARA DOOLEY, Houston Chronicle Religion Writer

[George W. Bush]

So, is this better or worse than the Left Behind stuff?

I was surprised that pastors were making these remarks.

[aruanan]

"I think that is a marvelous achievement," said the Rev. Henry Straw, an ordained Methodist minister and Jungian analyst in Houston."We are talking about access. How many people read philosophy or theology? How many people hang out with professors who talk about deconstruction?

This is pretty informative.

[Prodigal Son]

Extra bonus points to the Freeper who can identify this author

Hmmm. Could it be... Mark Twain?

[Buggman]

So you're saying that Paul was giving the Greek pantheon theological status when he used the shrine "To An Unknown God" as a bridge to his audience?

[Pahuanui]

For it's ability to influence, I believe the Matrix inspired the Columbine killers ... they wore long trench coats and used multiple weapons on their death march. (I believe the movie came out pre-Columbine, but I could be wrong.)

That's a rather difficult contention to support. They had been planning the massacre for some time, and did it on April 20. The Matrix was released on March 31. They had already experienced other influences, decided to do what they did and planned it out well in advance of a movie that was only around less than a month before they acted.

If you recall, they had already been deemed the 'trench coat mafia' well in advance of The Matrix.

As for the symbolism, it seems quite clear that it's there; this seems more of a question of whether one is satisfied with the degree of authenticity to which it adheres to the original figure or archetype. That's why the term 'christ-like' and not 'christ' is used. Figures or themes in films don't have to be mirror images of those they're metaphors or allusions for.

[keri]

ping

[Allan]

So
then
what is Ultimate Reality?

Is it
"I experience"
?

No.

For even
I
is something
that is experienced.

[kanawa]

I'm impressed.

[Prodigal Son]

Google... ;-)

(I put an entire paragraph into the search box)

[JudgemAll]

The MAtrix is not about religion, despite its coloring language with religious inuendos. It is about philosophy, dialectics and who will decide what means what. The movie goes further in metameaning itself, by twisting religious terms into philosophical definitions that simply are false, while attempting to make the crowds believe that the definitions are religious.

The movie is all about presdigitation and criticizing religion as a presdigitizing language, end of story.

[WKB]

I'm probably just intolerant, though.

Nothing wrong with a little intoleRANT when you have THE TRUTH on your side!!

[kanawa]

Honest and resourceful. I'm still impressed. Tho' perhaps a tad less so. lol

[canalabamian]

If Christianity persists in speaking to people only in its own internal language, we won't be doing the Gospel any justice.

"So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isa 55:11)

While I understand your point that we, as Christians, must reach out, I believe that the Bible is suited to the task as is. Deviating (sp) from it only leaves room for error and misinterpretation. The Word provides the map for salvation, which can only be gained through accepting Jesus Christ, believing His virgin birth, real death and resurrection, and having faith that He will return again. The deceiver IS at work. We should be careful not to add or subtract from it. It is perfect and very capable of accomplishing His intended purpose.

[Treeless Branch]

Well considering the bible has numerous errors, other sources must be searched. Especially one's own inner holy spirit. That is why Jesus left.

For example, if the bible is perfect, how come 3 of the 4 gospels show Jesus carrying his cross while the does not?

If the bible is so perfect, do theology students only study it and nothing else?

Re the prodigal son story, he runs to his father. Does the bible tell you that at that time in history stately men like the prodigal never ran?

Don't be afraid, God is all whether you read books about it or not.

[Joy Angela]

re: sex scene

It had meaning as well. Very few of the people in Zion were real-believers, and when Morphious addressed the crowd, it was like Moses addressing his wayward people who later celebrated with the golden calf and gave in to pleasures.

The crowd didn't have the deep conviction of the main characters (Neo, Trinity ect) and were more into feelings instead of faith, thus the frenzied dancing and suggestive sexuality.

Meanwhile, Neo and Trinity who truly love each other, were not with the crowd, but in private.

I will admit, I had my eyes closed for much of this scene, but I was impressed that their lovemaking was "normal"- no weird stuff, or kinky acts.

After, they were like a married couple would be, vulnerable and comforting to each other.

This scene may have been a bit long for me, but it followed the theme of the movie.

I can truly say Matrix II is as good and even more profound than the first.

A Must-SEE for all Believers.