An Investigation of Matrixism

The first newspaper article to mentioned Matrixism was "When Movies Inspire a Religion" by Manny Frishberg. This article was published in the Jewish Transcript News out of Seattle, Washington, USA:

When Movies Inspire a Religion

Kabbalah is making a comeback — big time. The ancient and enigmatic writings of Jewish mysticism not only has Madonna, the one-time Material Girl, headed down a spiritual path, but has helped sell thousands of pieces of red yarn for $27.95 each over the Internet.

At the same time, a recently erected Web site trumpets the founding of “Matrixism,” a new religion based on the spiritual revelations contained in the Wachowski brothers’ trio of Matrix movies. Matrix joins the Star Wars sextet of films in spawning a religious movement from its spiritual gloss. In both Britain and Australia, groups have sought to file for official recognition for a religious movement based on George Lucas’s concepts of the Light Side, the Dark Side and the Force.

Liturgical references abound in The Matrix, including names like Trinity and Zion. There is a baptism and a betrayal. In spite of the Christian trappings, it lacks any idea of sin or repentance. In their place, however, is an Eastern meditative concept of liberation from illusion — more Buddhist than Christian. On some Web blogs, reader-commentators have even suggested that the symbolism is more Jewish than Christian.

“Look at Zion, and look at Neo’s name, Mr. Anderson,’” wrote Josè from Spain, on the BBC News site. “The root ‘Ander’ evokes ‘Andros,’ which means ‘Man’ in Greek, so ‘Anderson’ becomes ‘the Son of Man’ ... the one that will liberate them from their enemies by means of force.”

In the end, the Wachowski brothers did not rely on any one religious system, as co-writers and directors of the films. They have made a spiritual melange all their own.

According to Wendy X, the acting secretary and spokesperson for the nascent religious order, its founder wishes to remain anonymous, but “there are exactly 323 people who have emailed us to declare Matrixism as their religion” as of November 11.

Nor are the few fringe religionists alone in taking the spiritual message of The Matrix seriously. Egypt’s most senior film committee, made up of 15 critics, academics, writers and psychologists, decided to ban The Matrix Reloaded on the grounds that the film “explicitly handles the issue of existence and creation, which are related to the three divine religions, which we all respect and believe in” and “tackles the issue of the creator and his creations, searching the origin of creation and the issue of compulsion and free will.”

University of Washington Comparative Religion professor and regular JTNews columnist Martin Jaffee said he feels that attraction to such pop religious movements reflects “a genuine desire” to inform their spiritual lives.

“When it goes in the directions it’s going to, it’s just an indictment of the emptiness of the available options,” he said. “Basically it means that the established traditions are so weak that they can’t sustain any kind of real questioning, so people go to all sorts of crackpot stuff.

“I don’t dismiss it as emptiness or anything like that,” he added. “I think it’s silliness but you respond to everybody from where they are.”

Jaffee cautioned that he is not very familiar with the Matrix theology in particular.

“I’ve never even seen the movies,” he said. Instead he referred to a recent film that played in art houses near the University, called Pi.

“Pi deals with some aspects of Jewish mysticism,” he said, “but it’s not very deep. It has no depth of knowledge of Jewish sources or anything. It’s an entertainment, in the sense that it uses something flashy and mysterious and seems profound on first blush but it doesn’t have any substance to it.”

He also related Pi to the current trendy adherents to the Kabbalah in places like L.A.

“It’s being marketed by people who are polishing off one part of Kabbalah to make it very attractive to a certain marketing niche. But it’s not what Kabbalah is and most people who do Kabbalah in a serious way don’t want to have anything to do with it,” said Jaffee. “That’s where we are, in the Age of Sound-bites. Everything can be marketed now. Everything’s a product.”

Rabbi Ted Falcon, spiritual leader of the Bet Aleph Meditative Synagogue, said he looks upon the phenomenon more with hope than with cynicism or trepidation.

“I see the fact that the mythic imagination is translating itself through movies to be hopeful in the sense that that’s where people are,” he said. “Most of those people are not reading, they’re not exploring any other way.”

He said films like The Matrix “give you comic-book violence to interest you and...something that resonates with a part of you that you have forgotten, because if the message of the mystics is true, then it’s something all of us already come with.”

Falcon, who saw two of the three films, said he understood about two-thirds of what he saw, “but I have a 28-year-old son who tells me what they are about.” He said he sees the move to a religion around them as “more an attempt to express a spiritual reality than it is to express a specifically religious reality.”

“From a mystical standpoint, and this is kind of true of mystics in whatever culture and whatever time, there is a ‘Unitive Awareness’ — namely a realization that there’s only one God, that there’s only one One, and we’re it,” he said.

“This is a great week for it,” Rabbi Falcon continued, “because this is the week of Jacob’s dream in the Torah, and that is the essence of that awakening — awakening to the fact that this place where I’m standing is nothing other than the House of God and the gateway to Heaven, which is the essence of the way that mystics would speak it: ‘Right here, everything is, and I didn’t know it.’”

Falcon said while he welcomes the opening of a dialogue that films like this allow, he would prefer that they led people to explore some of the extant traditions instead.

“My own preference would be that people would be curious to ask, ‘Are these ideas around in any of the traditions that we are already celebrating?’ Because they are,” he said. “These are not new things and they are far more grounded in substantial teachings which have to do with ethical behavior and a deepening appreciation of our responsibilities to each other and to all life.”

The second reference to Matrixism was a postscript in 'Religion and Popular Culture: a Hyper-Real Testament' by Dr. Adam Possamai. The excerpt from his book concerning Matrixism is:

" At the time of proofreading the manuscript, I received an e-mail from the acting secretary of Matrixism letting me know of this newly emergent religion. It is based on the motion picture trilogy The Matrix and is claimed to have a history that goes back nearly one hundred years. Through an exchange of e-mails, I was told that Matrixism started at the end of July 2004, and since then, over three hundred people have joined this religion. Aside from people getting together, Matrixism takes place on the Internet.

Surfing their Web Site at http://www.geocities.com/matrixism2069, we can discover a link with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies and Matrixism’s influence from Huxley’s Doors of Perception. There are also parallels with the Baha’i Faith to validate the religious aspect of the trilogy.

This clearly relates to the possible expansion of hyper-real religion in our society."

A fuller treatment of Matrixism was given by author Phil Johnson in Circle of Pneuma. The article is simply titled Matrixism. Again it has been reproduced in its entirety here:

Matrixism

In July 2004 a new religion emerged known at present as "Matrixism", and those who affirm this pathway are called "Matrixists". About 400 people currently identify with this emergent religion. There are 4 beliefs or principles affirmed:

* Belief in the prophecy of the One
* Psychedelics as sacrament
* Reality is multi-layered, semi-subjective
* Adhere to the principles of at least one major religion until the One comes

http://www.geocities.com/matrixism2069/

Those who identify with Matrixism indicate that the Matrix films are a sacred text that each one should read and interpret (a spin on the Protestant maxim "everyone's one's own interpreter); other critical elements are located in the psychedelic as suggested by Aldous Huxley's Doors of Perception; and notions of the Matrix suggested by Abdul Baha (one of the early teachers of Baha'i).

Matrixism is expressed by fellow travellers connecting with one another via the Internet.

Some fans of the films are scornful of Matrixism, as suggested by the various reactions posted at
http://www.matrix-explained.com/php/about-the-matrix-movies-3885.html

It might be suggested by some that Matrixism is simply a game of "let's pretend" escapism. Others might find no serious correlation between the four principles of Matrixism and the plotline and script of the Matrix films.

How the participants actually see themselves - allowing their dignity to remain in context and not deconstructed by others - is undoubtedly another matter which is most precious to them as spiritual actors.

Matrixism certainly points to a desire for individuals to make sense of their place in the cosmos and to affirm life as it is expressed in a society of risks. The mythic themes of the Matrix films certainly offer a rich seam of material for semi-subjective myths to be constructed by those who pursue the path of Matrixism: the simulacra of Baudrillard, the gnosis of the esoteric traditions (now shorn of secrecy), the Messianism and apocalypticism of orthodox Christianity, the way of Zen, the comic book superhero genre of fiction and folktales, and much more.

Christians connected to traditional churches and exilic/emergent churches have lessons to learn from the hyper-real spirituality that Matrixism represents (and there are many more examples one can find of hyper-real faith).

Hyper-real faith refers to the Internet as the context in which the participants or adherents primarily converse or express their spirituality -- i.e. "hyper" is the moniker picked up from the web jargon "http" (hyper-text); so "hyper-real" indicates a cyber-based reality. This is a neo-logism that some sociologists of religion are using as a way of demarcating cyber-based spiritualities from other forms of spirituality.

For some scholarly sources about fandoms and spirituality you can dip into a subsequent blog of mine:

http://circleofpneuma.blogspot.com/2005/05/pop-culture-fandoms.html

* The boundaries and superstructures undergirding traditional religion are openly contested today by those who are suspicious or disenchanted with those institutions.

* The project of the Self - as expressed in consumer-based religion - points to the authority of the individual (everyone is one's own interpreter of texts, hyper-reality and external reality). Truth is not necessarily foundational in the manner in which it has been conceived of in modernity. "Does it work?" is an important question as well as "is this true?"

* Hyper-real religion (in many ways parallel to folk-religiosity) is a form of protest. Bill Ellis observes:

"It is clear that much occult literature is best seen as an expression of protest against religious norms ... [it is] a protest against the way orthodox Christianity limited the common person's ability to contact and participate in divine forces."*

Whatever happened to the priesthood of all believers (as affirmed in Exodus 19:6 and 1 Peter 2:5)?

* Bill Ellis, Lucifer Ascending: The Occult in Folklore and Popular Culture (Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 2004: 12-13.

Matrixism was mentioned in an article titled "They're All God Movies in Mysterious Ways" by Linda Morris which appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald:

The internet has become almost like a 21st-century church or temple, says a Sydney academic.
Disenchantment with organised religion has given rise to spiritual movements inspired by cinema and books and promulgated on the World Wide Web, says Adam Possamai, president of the Australian Association for the Study of Religions and a sociologist at the University of Western Sydney.

The futuristic Matrix trilogy and the Star Wars franchise - of which the final chapter, Revenge of the Sith, was released at midnight - are part of a phenomenon of "hyper-real" religions that draw on old religious symbolism and works of popular culture.

The internet is like a place for worship, but instead of pews, followers, mainly teenagers, congregate in chat rooms.

Star Trek, the Matrix trilogy and Star Wars, even the Harry Potter films, the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer are more than pieces of cinematic or television escapism, Dr Possamai says.

Their stories of spiritual drama, littered with a religious subtext of good versus evil, "chosen ones", prophets of doom and a benevolent universal power, mean they are a source of inspiration for "seekers".

Dr Possamai said the Matrix trilogy had spawned "Matrixism", a so-called movie-based religion that claims 300 adherents and has as one of its tenets a belief in the prophecy of "the One".

The Jedi Knight movement, which has a quasi-spirituality of the Force and an ethical code, promotes ancient techniques for developing the self such as meditation, yoga and shamanism.

The neo-pagan network of the Church of Old Worlds claimed to be inspired by Star Trek and the science fiction writer Robert Heinlein , he said. The Passion of the Christ had been used as a rallying cry by organised religion and many Christian groups had embraced popular culture by creating comic book heroes and virtual bibles.

"Hyper-real religions are a simulacrum of a religion partly created out of popular culture. They have been underground since the 1960s but are becoming more mainstream, due to the advent of the internet," said Dr Possamai, whose book on the subject has just been released.

"We live in a consumer society where popular culture is becoming more commercialised. As society becomes more consumerist I expect the hyper-real religious phenomenon to grow, but to what extent I've got no idea."

Matrixism finally made it into popular literature when the following was published in "The Joy of Sects" by Sam Jordison:

Matrixism
Founded: 2003.
Country of origin: USA.
Gods and guiding voices: The One, The Wachowski Brothers.
Membership: 500.
Texts: Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski: "TheMatrix" screenplays.
Basic beliefs: Reality is multilayered and "The One"will come and bring world peace sometime between 1999 and 2199 - as predicted in the films.

Yes, this is a religion based on a blockbuster film. Matrixism started as a spoof on the internet, but now claims to have 500 genuine followers in the UK andAmerica - and the number is rising all the time. Theyuse mescaline as sacrament. They have four basicprinciples: belief in the prophecy of The One (that'sKeanu Reeves in the film); acceptance of the use of psychedelics as sacrament; acceptance of the semi-subjective multilayered nature of reality; and adherence to the principles of one or more of the world's religions until such time as The One returns.

Becoming a "matrixist' is unusually easy - you justhave to go to http://www.geocities.com/matrixism2069 and click on a link entitled "join".

I'm a member!

"you don't have to do anything more," acting secretary of Matrixism Wendy X, told me. "there are no dues to pay! However, it is important to spread the word about Matrixism around the internet and elsewhere. You might consider it a rite of passage to hack something about Matrixism back into the Internet or society at large."

I guess I've done my bit.

There is no information on how to leave.

Sam Jordison later made a correction on his blog stating that he "got it wrong" about Matrixism being started as a spoof.

"So I was wrong about it being a spoof - for, which Matrixists, I sincerely apologise. "

Nearly every review published in the newspapers concerning Sam's book made reference to Matrixism. One notable review appeared in the British tabloid The Sun. This is what they wrote about Matrixism:

"Matrixism – Based on blockbuster film The Matrix written by Andy and Larry Wachowski. It believes reality is multilayered and The One (played by Keanu Reeves in the film) will come and bring peace some time between 1999 and 2199.Plus points: Becoming a member is surprisingly easy. Watch points: It started as a spoof in America but now claims 500 genuine followers."

June 2nd 2006

There seems to be an editing war going on at Wikipedia about wether or not to publish an article about Matrixism. The crux of the argument by those who delete articles about and links to Matrixism is that it is not notable. Proponents of an article on Matrixism point out that two books have already been published with write-ups on the sybject. It is interesting to note here that Wikipedia itself makes note of Matrixism in at least one article. Wikipedia also makes note of Matrixism by having a page for it that re-directs to the Wikipedia article on The Matrix.

The most recent article that has been posted (and subsequently unposted) about Matrixism is as follows:

Matrixism (or The Path of the One) is an internet-based new religious movement inspired by the motion picture trilogy The Matrix. Conceived by an annonymous group in the summer of 2004 it has grown to attract a following of over one thousand people to date.

The Path of the One is both an Abrahamic religion and a Dharmic religion. It uses references to "the matrix" from an obscure text of the Baha'i Faith, called "The Promulgation of Universal Peace", to make a connection with broader world religious history.

Matrixism carries with it four main beliefs that are described as "The Four Tenets". Briefly these are; belief in a messianic prophecy, the use of entheogens as sacrament, reality veiwed as multi-layered and semi-subjective and lastly adherence to the principles of one of the world's major religions.

One of the two holy days observed by Matrixists is the anniversary of the deaths of Aldous Huxley, John F. Kennedy and C.S. Lewis. All three of these famous persons passed away on the 22nd of November 1963. Religious laws specific to Matrixism include the abrogation of pornography, the legalization of same-sex marriage and the abrogation of professional sports. The adopted sign for Matrixism is the japanese Kanji symbol for "red".


Sources
"Religion and Popular Culture: A Hyper-Real Testament" Dr. Adam Possamai Peter Lang Publishing Group Bruxelles, Bern, Berlin, Frankfurt am Main, New York, Oxford, Wien, 2005. Gods, Humans and Religion. Vol. 7 General Editor: Gabriel Fragnière ISBN 90-5201-272-5 / US-ISBN 0-8204-6634-4 pb.

"The Joy of Sects" Sam Jordison Publisher: Robson Books Publication Date: 7 November 2005 ISBN 1861059051

"Matrixism: The Path of the One" http://www.geocities.com/matrixism2069 Review Date: 10 May 2006

Yet another book on new religious movements discusses Matrixism. I have not yet read a copy of this book but its reference to Matrixism can be verified by viewing its index which is published on the internet in various locations. The bibliographic information on the book is:

Title: In Search of New Age Spiritualities
ISBN: 0754652130
Publisher: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.
Author(s): Adam Possamai
Format: Hardcover
Publication Date: Nov 1, 2005
Pages: 160

Matrixism appeared in the course syllabus for a class, titled New Religious Movements, that was offered in 2006 at Latrobe University, Australia.

On August 20th 2006 Matrixism was discussed on The Spirit of Things which is broadcast on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's National Radio. The Spirit of Things is hosted by Rachael Kohn.

Matrixism is also discussed in the following book:

Bouma, Gary (2007). ''Australian Soul'', Cambridge University Press. ISBN-13 978-0521673891

To date this is all that I have been able to dig up on Matrixism.

The website for Matrixism is: http://www.geocities.com/matrixism2069.