Christian Mythology in The Matrix

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Christian Mythology in The Matrix

Through the movie we see parallel’s of Neo and Christian Mythology. Temptation from Satan to Jesus and the temptation to Neo from the Agents, are some very profound similarities between the two personages.

In the beginning of the movie Thomas Anderson, or Neo, is arrested. The agents try to cut a bargain trading a new life for giving up Morpheus.

In the scene with the agents and Neo we have mythical symbolism that relates to biblical times. As Agent Smith lectures Thomas, he flips through a record of Thomas' crimes. Smith is like Satan, who will always be called the 'accuser'. (Revelation 12:9-12). Agent Smith tells Thomas three distinct lies during the interrogation scene. Satan is the 'father of lies' (John 8:44).

Lie #1: Agent Smith indicates that Thomas' illusionary Matrix life is reality – having a job, paying taxes, helping the landlady. In contrast, Smith tells Thomas that his other (hacker) life is "lived in computers", which is an interesting twist of words! In truth, it is Thomas' illusionary life in the Matrix - his job, taxes, and landlady – that is "lived in computers" that generate the Matrix simulation! The real life that Thomas will live as Neo outside the Matrix is NOT lived "in computers".

Satan's lie is a complete reversal of truth. He lies that this tangible earthly life is all there is, that it is substantial, and that the spiritual things are silly myth that we should stop seeking.

Lie #2: Smith says, "One of these lives [a life of lies inside the Matrix] has a [good] future, and one of them [a life of truth outside the Matrix] does not."

This is another direct reversal. Truth gives eternal life - a good future. Believing lies results in eternal death.

Lie #...

... middle of paper ...

... our focus. Are we looking at the blue pill, angry that God will punish sin? Instead, why don't we focus on the fact that God is generously offering to us a 'red pill', out of His compassion for our own good? That 'red pill' cost Christ everything He had. The God who wants you to be pure from sin and enjoy eternal freedom shed the blood of Christ on your behalf. Repentance is painful because we must swallow our pride. But our sin hurt Christ a lot more than it hurts us – it demanded His cruel, bloody death to take the penalty for it.

All it takes to be free is a simple act of faith – to humbly talk to God and receive the living Christ as Lord.

But I can only show you the Door – You have to walk through it! Jesus said, "I am the Door. If anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved." (John 10:9a).

Bibliography:

Holy Bible-King James Version

The Matrix

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