Escaping the Matrix: Setting Your Mind Free to Experience Real Life in Christ [Paperback]

Gregory A. Boyd (Author), Al Larson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2005

In some way or another most of us are "stuck"-in a secret sin we can't control or maybe by an inability to stand up for ourselves.
In Escaping the Matrix, authors Gregory A. Boyd and Al Larson use the vehicle of The Matrix film trilogy to argue that our struggles with habitual sin, thought patterns, damaged emotions, and phobias happen because we do not know how to take charge of the way we experience reality. The authors draw on biblical and psychological insights to provide practical resources for helping believers escape the matrix of the world system that ensnares them. While this book is aimed at the newest generation of Christian readers, all ages will be inspired by the book's innovative strategies for experiencing a deeper life in Christ.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

What is in control of your mind?

Like the characters in The Matrix movie trilogy, our minds can get hardwired to distortions that lie so deep within us that we aren't even aware of them. Whether it's habitual sin, thought patterns, damaged emotions, or even phobias, we all know of something that is holding us back.

In Escaping the Matrix pastor Gregory Boyd and clinical psychologist Al Larson bring together the biblical and neurological truths behind such struggles. Their practical examples and exercises will help you transform your thought processes to experience a deeper life in Christ. Are you prepared to escape the world's Matrix that controls you? Get ready to free your mind.


"Boyd and Larson brilliantly utilize the metaphors from the recent movie series The Matrix as a framework for the book. This a most enjoyable read."-Bobby G. Bodenhamer, D.Min.; pastor; author; cofounder, Institute of Neuro-Semantics

"This is a must read for Christians desiring to grow in their relationship with Christ and desiring to assist others in finding real life in Christ."-Stanley H. McCreary, Ph.D., professor of Christian counseling, Central Christian College of the Bible

"This work is well grounded in Scripture, current in the neuro-sciences, and practical for everyday living. It is a must read for every pastor, counselor, coach, teacher, and parent."-L. Michael Hall, Ph.D., author, The Matrix Model

"If the desire of your heart is to be all that God has created you to be, and to serve him with joy and gladness, then Escaping the Matrix is the book for you! Read it, apply it, and you will be free!"-Mike Davis, assistant pastor, By His Spirit Fellowship, Chino, California

About the Author

Gregory A. Boyd, formerly professor of theology at Bethel College, is senior pastor of Woodland Hills Church where average attendance has grown to 5,000 since he helped plant the church in 1992. He is the author of many books, including the critically acclaimed Seeing Is Believing and the best-selling Gold Medallion Award-winner Letters from a Skeptic. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Al Larson is a national board certified counselor and the president and founder of Dynamics of Growth Inc., a counseling, consulting, and training organization. He lives in Oakdale, Minnesota.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (April 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080106533X
• ISBN-13: 978-0801065330
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,791 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gregory A. Boyd is the founder and senior pastor of Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minn., and founder and president of ReKnew. He was a professor of theology at Bethel College (St. Paul, Minn.) for sixteen years where he continues to serve as an Adjunct Professor. Greg is a graduate of the University of Minnesota (BA), Yale Divinity School (M.Div), and Princeton Theological Seminary (PhD). Greg is a national and international speaker at churches, colleges, conferences, and retreats, and has appeared on numerous radio and television shows. He has also authored and coauthored eighteen books prior to Present Perfect, including The Myth of a Christian Religion, The Myth of a Christian Nation, The Jesus Legend (with Paul Eddy), Seeing Is Believing, Repenting of Religion, and his international bestseller Letters from a Skeptic.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 62 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book! August 5, 2005

By J. WHITE

Format:Paperback

It is certainly not suprising that many do not like this work. This is, of course, especially true of Calvinists, who tend to promote an anti- most things experiential/anti-most things scientific world view. This book is excellent for anyone familiar with recent developments in the study of cognitive science. It is really a work that consciously focuses on Christian meditiation, which is a lost art in Christian discipline today. Unfortunately, most Evagelicals that discuss the issue of meditation are given the label of "New Age." When, in fact, part of the disciple of meditation is aligning your metal experience to align with what Scripture says about the world and our relationship with God. This book provides a significant look at how Satan uses out mind to deceive us about God and our relationship with him. I recommend it to anyone wanting to understand Christian meditation.

53 of 59 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Where is the love for people? July 15, 2005

By Kaluza Klein

Format:Paperback

I'm deeply saddened when I happened to stumble upon the reviews written about this book. First, this book shouldn't be considered terribly groundbreaking as the methods are practically identical to that of Theophostic prayer ministry. Now, personally, I know of serveral people who have received much freedom from this form of counseling. I'm not stating it's the only way, or course not, in fact, I'm not even stating it's the "most excellent way," but I don't discredit the results (read good fruit) just because they don't fit neatly into my cultural/religious paradigm.

Personally, I don't agree with Boyd on a lot of issues (The Problem of Evil has yet to convince me of his psuedo-annihilationist views) but I think he does a good job of majoring on the Majors and minoring on the Minors.

Also, it should be known, for what it's worth, that the Matrix was actually first written by a deeply devoted Christian woman, who had the script plagiarized and bastardized (in my opinion) into what we saw at the Theaters. I think, honestly, that most of the Matrix purports a mostly Gnostic gospel, full of lies and myths. However, that is not to say a person using these timely cultural references to bring a message of love, healing, and restoration to people who would normally not pickup a Christian book is out of line.

I'm more worried about psychology that denies the need for appeal to a God or Holy Spirit than a book whose steps include asking for help from the Holy Spirit and dialoguing directly with Christ to see what He, you know, the Lord of Lords, would say about you. I commend Gregory Boyd for stepping out and taking on such a "hot" topic out of love and compassion for those hurting in this world.

And it should be said, that I daily pray for the day when these types of tools are no longer beneficial because the Bride of Christ has become so much like Him that the mere words they speak will contain healing and power. There is a revelation of the cross, and what was accomplished there, that still needs to come forth.

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Missing Link June 16, 2005

By Elijah Windsor

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is what the church needs - healing for the soul. This book uses scriptural techniques through our God-given imaginations to heal the deeper parts of our subconscious. This will help us love one another as Jesus loves us loves us (John 13:34, see book below!)

Love Revolution: REDISCOVERING THE LOST COMMAND OF JESUS