The Matrix - A Modern Gnostic Myth

Apart from the obvious philosophical themes of "The Matrix" many people have suggested religious ties in the movie. When asked about these the directors (who also wrote the script) said that most religious references are intentional. So we now know that the film intends to be a religious allegory, but for which religion is uncertain. It has been suggested  that it might be based on the orthodox story of Jesus in the New Testament because of neo's return from death at the end of the movie. However, it seems that Christian Gnosticism can provide a better explanation for the characters. Buddhism has also been suggested and when we look at films like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" or even the Star Wars movies we can see people gaining special powers because of concentration and understanding. However, unlike in these movies the characters in the matrix are allegorical for bodisatvas, who delay entry into Nirvana (which could be represented by Zion) so that they may spread enlightenment to others. However Gnosticism manages to fit better into the movie since it combines aspects of the both western and eastern religions. (Even though the original gnostics would, most likely, have known nothing of eastern religions such as Buddhism).

The characters of the Matrix as deities

Morpheus - The True God

Although, for the most part Morpheus is not supposed to be God, he is meant to represent him in many different ways. He is seen as an authorative figure for all the other characters and is the person that Neo is looking for when he is attempting to escape the Matrix. When Trinity says "you are looking for him" and claims "it's the question that drives us", she means that the need to find God is because of the need to understand our place and purpose in the world.

Also: John The Baptist

Though not quite a mentor to Jesus, John The Baptist is said to have prepared the way for Jesus' coming. This is very similar to Morpheus' character in the film. However, Jesus does not go all guns blazing to save John the Baptist's life like Neo does for Morpheus.

Trinity - Sophia, The Holy Spirit

Gnosticism believes in the holy spirit as being the 'female aspect' of God. This part of God is an individual much like Jesus is. Much like the original God she can create things through thoughts alone, however she wishes to create something when she has not had permission and when the thought becomes manifest she finds she has created a corrupt material deity. She seperates this deity from the others because she is ashamed of it. It is from her that Eve comes who is the spiritual aspect of mankind.

Also: Mary Magdelene?

See more characters

It has been suggested by orthodox Christians trying to piece together the Matrix as a parody of the Christ story that Trinity represents Mary Magdelene. However, this seems wrong since Trinity is often seen as having more authority than Neo. Although, interestingly enough, she never has more authority than Morpheus....

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