The Gospel Reloaded: Exploring Spirituality and Faith in The Matrix

by Chris Seay, Greg Garrett

The world has changed. The Gospel Reloaded rushes headlong into The Matrix, exploring the trilogy's intricate details, religious undertones, and eclectic philosophies. These aren't movies you just "watch." They are postmodern epics, full of meaning and metaphor--deserving of serious inquiry and contemplation. Get inside the collective minds of the Wachowski brothers. See how even the minute details--from Neo's name to Thomas Anderson's room number--yield secrets to better understand the film. The movies call us to seek and find. Read how the themes of The Matrix call you to your own spiritual revelation. Ask of your own life: what's real and what's a mirage? Then you'll discover just how deep this rabbit hole really goes.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Church

173 pages, Paperback

Published June 15, 2003

Reviews

[Eric Mesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my second time reading this book. I got it back when I was getting a bunch of similar books - I have Gospel According to the Simpsons and Philosophy of Seinfeld books as well. For this particular one, I didn't enjoy the format as much as I remembered enjoying it the first time around. At first the chapters just follow one another, building up on the previous chapters. Then they become somewhat more self-sufficient. What I enjoyed most was remembering about the Gnostic Gospels and how much the Wachowskis really put into these movies.

I know nothing about the authors of this book, but if they still believe what they believed back when they wrot ethe book, boy does it make me nostalgic for a more rational Christian rather than the Culture Wars version that seems to more often make the news, talk shows, etc. The author talks of climate change, of class imbalances, and so many other things that are so much more Christ-like than what you hear spouted all the time on TV. I think if more Christians were like him, I'd probably still go to church. But I just can't stand how much it's all become an us vs them situation that discourages using your God-given powers of thinking.

[P.A. Pursley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I, as well as most of the world, is fascinated by The Matrix movies. I read another book by Al Larson and Greg Boyd called "Escaping the Matrix: Setting Your Mind Free to Experience Real Life In Christ." It changed my life. I found this book while searching for other Matrix books.

The author, Chris Seay, does a very good job of finding all the spiritual aspects of the movies. I truly enjoyed reading it and the new things it showed me in the films. I look forward to watching the movies again with new eyes. I also look forward to reading some more works by Chris Seay.

If you liked the Matrix trilogy, this book is a must!

[Gary Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christians and others who enjoyed "The Matrix Trilogy" will love this book.

Those who wish to take a different and fresh look at spirituality and their spiritual growth, also will find many interesting perspectives in this book.

I enjoyed it thoroughly and I hope you do as well!

Blessings all!

[Eunsung · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been sort of obsessed with seeing spirituality and themes broken down in comics and stories. i really like the coauthor of this book, who wrote a beautiful book on comic books and spirituality.

[Lindsay Robbins]

A fun and insightful view of parallels between the characters and storyline of the Matrix with those of Myth and biblical stories. Although who the hell uses *the Message* as their preferred version of the Bible? Could have done without the subtle preachy elements- an analysis of biblical story against the Matrix can be done without it.

[Joeri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well found links with theology and here and there philosophy.

With one mistake on Plato's: that there is a world of idea and forms. No, there is world of ideal Forms or Ideas and then there is our empirical reality that is in constant flux, whereas the world of Ideas/Forms is stable, perfect and eternal.

[Marc · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun romp through the Christian and other symbolism that exists in the Matrix movies (I still only prefer the first, but I digress). There's a lot to mine in these movies, and the Wachowskis loaded their movies with all sorts of hidden gems. While some of the explanations in the book are a bit light, but there is plenty in here to spark my interest and send one down rabbit holes.

[Daniel Brockhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author starts out strong but toward the end the book begins to feel to drawn out. additionally, while the author does speak of other faiths and philosophies very briefly, it would have benefited more-so to stretch them out and lessen the obvious Christian bias. Yes, lots of Christian imagery but would have been interesting to know a bit more from other faiths.

[Danny Bennett · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book because there is a lot in the matrix movies that relate to religion and philosophy. However, Garrett did not point out anything in the book that I hadn't already picked up on. Book was a huge let down.

[Wes F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting points made from the "Matrix" triology with regards to faith and spiritual life and Christianity; quite a few symbols/images used in the "Matrix" come directly out of the Bible & Christianity.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book goes into quite a bit of detail on some of the religious symbolism that is in the Matrix movies. It isn't a very long book and was a fairly quick read. I did find myself interested in re-watching the Matrix to see some of what the author pointed out.

[milton · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic commentary on issues of faith laced in the matrix and how they, like scripture, are applicable to life.

[Stephen Weaver]

haven't seen the movies yet... haha

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awesome fresh look into the gospels with a twist of Hollywood action to awaken the mind.