"The Matrix" and Religion

In 1999, box office sales sky rocketed when the film ‘The Matrix ' was released. Filled with jaw dropping special effects and innovative kung-fu, the first film of ‘The Matrix ' trilogy was a must see for just about every teenage boy in the United States and many other countries as well. But it isn 't just explosions and fighting that made this film special. The plot is one that leaves the viewer pondering and dreaming about the film for days after watching it. It involves almost the entire human race enslaved by machines that have tapped into their minds and placed them in a virtual reality world that they think is reality. Meanwhile, the machines use the energy from the bodies of the humans they control to survive. Mankind 's only hope rests in the hands of one man. Sound like just another Sci-Fi film that would do horrible at the box-office? Guess again. Filled with intelligence and insight about questioning reality, the movie caught the attention of just about everybody. But perhaps the most talked about element of the film is its religious depictions and allusions. They are everywhere in the film, and hard to miss. But is The Matrix a religious film? What morals or lessons are the filmmakers, Larry and Andy Wachowski, trying to get across by using religious themes?

There is no denying that Christianity is symbolized in the film. In fact it would be difficult for any person familiar with Christian beliefs to overlook this, even on their first viewing. Christianity is one of the predominant religions in the United States, so it is not surprising that many discussions on the film relate to it. Many devout followers dismiss any idea that the film is not a Christian movie, and with good reason.

The main character of ‘The Matrix ', played by Keanu Reeves, is named Thomas Anderson. Many believe that this name may be an allusion to the bible 's Doubting Thomas. Also, the name Anderson is derived from the Greek word andras, meaning "man."

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