Introduction

The Matrix films touched millions of viewers not just because they had great state-of-the-art special effects, but also because the films breathed of a great story that made a statement about life, spirituality and our postmodern culture. This book taps into that story and explores these themes deeper.

Larry Wachowski, one of the directors of the Matrix Trilogy, said of the purpose behind the Matrix films, "We are interested in mythology, theology, and to a lesser extent, higher-level mathematics… All are ways human beings try to answer bigger questions, as well as the Big Question. If you’re going to do epic stories, you should concern yourself with those issues … We wanted to make people think, engage their minds a bit." 2

Matrix Reflections honors the purpose behind the Matrix films as it engages us, challenges us and bring us closer to the answers to the intrigue of the films and to the Big Question. It takes us to a place where we can reflect on spirituality, faith and the deeper meaning of life. It is a book designed to take us on a journey to encounter the truth in our lives. It allows us to choose for ourselves whether we want to take the blue pill or the red pill. It's totally up to the reader how deep down the rabbit hole he or she wants to go.

Wachowski said that mythology, theology, and higher-level mathematics are all "ways human beings try to answer the bigger questions." In this book the focus will be on Christian theology. There are many Christian allusions in the film that will be explored and discussed. Christian theology played a big part in the making of the Matrix films. Certainly it was not the only ingredient in making the film, but surely it was highly influential in the success of the film and is worthy of further examination.

The first film in the series, "The Matrix," grossed over $170 million in the United States alone and over $460 million worldwide.

There is no doubt that the films have generated a lot of philosophical and spiritual interest—as well as financial—from a postmodern culture that is clearly intrigued with the film. There are some major themes that many of us identify with. These themes include the QUESTION, the DECISION, the IDENTITY, the PURPOSE, the BATTLE, and the SAVIOR. These predominant themes in the films will be explored through a number of meditations.

It should be made clear that this book’s objective is not to interpret the directors’ intentions behind the Matrix films. It is to explore the theology behind the film and prompt us to think about how it applies to us as individuals. For this reason, the book has been laid out in a format that is conducive to contemplation and reflection. Every portion or part of the films that has to do with Christian theology will not be examined or studied. The focus is only on the parts that are most relevant to the purpose of this book.

The reflections (38 spiritual imperatives in all) can be read in any sequence, though it is recommend the first reading to be done in sequential order. Thereafter, the table of contents can help determine which pages may be most beneficial for you. The idea is to not read too many reflections at one time but to contemplate on the readings.

Another way this book can be read is with the study questions found at the end of each section. These can help the reader go deeper and reflect more on the readings. This page is designated as the red page because it challenges the reader to make a decision for truth. If you do not want to read them you can just skip past them.

The third way this book can be used is as a tool for a group discussion or Bible study. It can serve as a tool to explore the theological issues in the film and/or serve as a catalyst for the presentation of the Gospel. Feel free to use this in a small group setting or Sunday school class. You may want to have the participant(s) read one section a week and then go over the questions together in the group.

Enjoy, and prosper.