[The_Reader_David]

I think I missed the beginning of discussion of The Matrix. I thought I would weigh in with the observation that every Orthodox Christian I know who saw it, as well as a priest writing in our archdiocesan magazine, all had the same reaction: it isn't just a Christian movie, it's a monastic movie. It presents not merely a retelling of the Gospel in a work of fiction--avoiding the trap of sticking too closely to the true Gospel in form, which usually ends up maudlin or preachy--but a retelling with a profoundly ascetic world-view, very much in tune with Orthodox doctrine and practice, which, even for laymen and ordinary clergy, has been shaped by monasticism.

The illusory world of the Matrix is the world of the fallen passions, which ultimately are unreal, though real enough to kill you (spiritually).

[SoothingDave]

The illusory world of the Matrix is the world of the fallen passions, which ultimately are unreal, though real enough to kill you (spiritually).

Is it any mistake that you can re-organize the letters in Matrix to spell "Marxist," if someone gives you an "s"? I don't think so.

But let us turn to more serious issues. Let's discuss the existenialism found in the Seinfeld finale. It is quite obvious that the entire crew perished aboard the aircraft bound for France. The remainder of the episode should be seen as the Final Judgment upon the characters; and it become known to us only then that the effects of a lifetime of nihilism leads to a deluge of aggreived parties. The ending even fits Sartre -- to have as a punishment, as Hell, being locked forever with your "friends."

SD

[Romulus]

St. Nicholas Day greetings.

"As rule of faith, and picture of gentleness, and teacher of temperance,
you were shown to your flock, by the truth of the evidence;
thus you achieved the lofty through humility, the abundant through poverty.
O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God, that our souls may be saved.
(Tone 4)"

- Apolytikion of Saint Nicholas

[Catholicguy]

Unreal. I haven't visited these threads in months. I come back this afternoon and I "learn" from you the matrix is monastic?

David, I saw the matrix. I know about monasticism. The matrix isn't about monasticism and Morpheus in sun glasses is not St Benedict.