The Matrix of Faith

There are a number of ways to watch a movie. Most of the time I like to sit and “absorb” the entertainment. While such an attitude towards movie-going might be our default mode, that is not the only way to watch a movie. Movies do not simply or only provide “entertainment value.” They are pieces of artwork, products of a culture. Movies embody values, ideals, philosophies, and even theological perspectives. Like every stroke from an artist's brush, every moment and visual image of a movie is “intended” or purposeful. The director chooses what to include and discards other material. There might be more than “meets the eye” in any particular film.

In addition, movies can evoke emotion, reflection, and a variety of interpretive responses from its audience. Audiences bring life-experiences and various perspectives to a movie that can be opened up and vitalized by the dramatic visualizations of a movie. Movies can stir our voices to our own deepest concerns and convictions.

In the middle of the 20th century, theologian Paul Tillich provided a framework for doing a “theology of culture.” Tillich thought that everything produced by a culture had a “religious substance.” As a result, the theologian could excavate this underlying religiousness and shed a light on it. In other words, the theologian could analyze a work of art--movie, book, play, etc--and discover a religious dimension. This religiousness could then be assessed on the basis of its adequacy for the human situation. In other words, the theologian could determine the “theological value” of the underlying religious substance of a work of art.

The movie “The Matrix” lends itself to a variety of interpretive frameworks. One can look for obvious allusions and subtle narrative similarities with the Christian faith tradition. This can be a stimulating exercise in religious trivia. But one might also consider the “deeper” theological voice of the entire movie to determine its “religious substance.” This is a theology of film, a way of considering the “theological value” of a work of art. It asks the question: “what is of ultimate concern?”

So I want to suggest that “The Matrix” tells a story that is not just a story. It is a narrative competing for our understanding. What is real? Is reality good? What is the highest good? What is wrong with humanity? What is the answer?

The Matrix just might give us some suggestions for these questions which are, in a Tillichian sense, always-already-present religious questions (present in any work of art).

So what should we look for? Reality. What is “real” in the Matrix? Why is the “real” different from the "not-real"? What is wrong with everyday human being-in-the-world? What do we need? Is this good?

Now, from the side of faith, do these suggestions from the Matrix align or detour from the trajectory of faith in the Christian tradition? Hmmm.... heavy thinking.... enjoy!