matrix_71403

Posted: 7/11/03

Two Texas Baptist authors take aim

at faith connections in 'The Matrix'

By Kambry Bickings

Staff Writer

While some see in “The Matrix” disturbing patterns of violence and confusion, two Texas Baptist authors see instructive parallels to the Christian gospel.

In “The Gospel Reloaded,” Chris Seay and Greg Garrett urge readers to enter “The Matrix” in a different context, viewing the movie's theme as a spiritual allegory.

The blockbuster film, which now has a sequel called “The Matrix Reloaded,” is packed with dynamic action, death-defying special effects and profound questions about what in life is real and what is imaginary.

Characters leap across sky-scrapers, dodge death with seconds to spare and appear to live different lives in separate worlds.

In “The Gospel Reloaded,” Seay and Garrett examine how the themes and plot in the original film parallel the biblical story of salvation. Their intent, they said, is to help connect the unchurched with concepts of faith.

Garrett, associate professor of English at Baylor University, said more people will be exposed to spiritual ideas from watching “The Matrix” than from going to church.

“The reality is that for emerging generations, the theater has become the new sanctuary,” said Seay, pastor of Ecclesia, a Baptist church addressing the postmodern culture in Houston. “We have to ask how these directors have managed to usurp our authority as the primary storytellers. There is something for all of us to learn, whether we are pastors or professors or just people of faith.”

In the book, Seay and Garrett acknowledge: “This isn't the gospel according to Larry and Andy (Wachowski, the films' creators), but rather a popular culture artifact that explores religious and philosophical issues by creating a new pattern of myth.”

One of the strongest forms of comparisons is found in the main characters, Seay and Garrett contend. Morpheus, one of three main characters in the movie, can be viewed as symbolic of both God the Father and John the Baptist. He is portrayed as the protector and head, as well as the forerunner to the chosen one.

Neo, whom the film coins as “the one,” represents a Christ figure, according to Seay and Garrett. Neo is chosen and equipped, just as Jesus prepared for 30 years before entering his ministry, and then he is sent to redeem the world. In one of the movie's final scenes, Neo has been killed by his enemy, Agent Smith, but “resurrects” to defeat him in the end.

The third main character, Trinity, is a beautiful, fearless woman, who may symbolize the Holy Spirit of God himself, the authors contend. Trinity comes to Neo, telling him he is the chosen one. Just as the Holy Spirit often heralds events in the Scripture, Trinity also acts as a messenger to Neo, preparing him for the future.

Not only do the characters reveal biblical symbolism, but much of the theme development and plot points back to the Bible, Seay and Garrett write.

The world of “The Matrix,” the world humans live in, represents the destruction, calamity and hostility on Earth today, according to Seay and Garrett. The three main characters and their companions represent the world's Christians, who see the darkness and the prison of sin humans live in but cannot see, feel or smell.

“The Matrix” is a sort of Paradise Lost, according to Seay and Garrett. Just as Jesus redeemed the human race through salvation, Neo is the chosen one in the Matrix sent to rescue the human race, with Trinity and Morpheus aiding him along the way.

The authors acknowledge elements in the film may be disturbing to some traditional Christians, especially the levels of violence and the apparent references to other world religions.

However, violence also is a part of Scripture, Seay and Garrett note, pointing out that Jesus did not come only as the Prince of Peace but he also came with a two-edged sword. Scripture indicates God ultimately will defeat the enemy through spiritual warfare.

“The Gospel Reloaded” reminds its readers that when Jesus entered the temple being used as a marketplace, he was outraged, and he overthrew the tables and moneychangers.

“The action and violence of the film series may be the most effective way to draw in the crowds and communicate a spiritual message in a media-saturated world,” Garrett said.

With the proper perspective, viewers may be reminded of greater spiritual truths, the authors contend.

“The Matrix insists that we are part of a larger living story,” the book explains, “that miracles can happen, that individuals can play a part in their own redemption, that death is not the end.”