The Reality Within The Matrix [Paperback]

Kristenea M. LaVelle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 7, 2002

This book presents inspired, spiritual insight into the most difficult scenes from the poular sci-fiction thriller, The Matirx. Many viewers enjoyed the movie but left the theater with unanswered questions, such as:

Why did Agent Smith continually refer to Neo as Mr. Anderson?

Exactly who are the Agents and what do they represent?

Is our existance as human beings reduced to just a "battery" or power source?

You will find the answers to these questions and many more when you plunge into The Reality Within The Matrix. I invite you to discover for yourself the spiritual meaning behind the modern symbolism and parables that make up this incredible story of Neo and his adventures within The Matrix.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...Reality Within The Matrix provides a fascinating look into the world of the Matrix...the book will make you think." -- Jason Mitchener, Crosshome Book Review, Summer 2001

"It's really an amazing work...surprisingly effective. Good Job!" -- L. Ulmer, Peach Blossom Publications

"LaVelle's book...provides a facinating look into the world of The Matrix...the book will make you think." -- Jason Mitchener, Crosshome.com Book Review

"it's really an amazing work...surprisingly effective. Good job!" -- L. Ulmer, Peach Blossom Publications June, 2000

From the Author

The first time I saw The Matrix, I watched in awe as I realized the message of the gospel was hidden within the story line. More than that even, I saw spiritual truths that related to the Christian walk, played out in pictures and easy to understand visual clues. I was amazed at the layers upon layers of symbolism that made up this science fiction thriller, and I began to write everything down. God gave me a vision of a completed book and a powerful tool for delivering the gospel message to a thirsting world.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 265 pages
• Publisher: Saxco Publishing (February 7, 2002)
• ISBN-10: 0970337086
• ISBN-13: 978-0970337085
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,187,417 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Be warned, July 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Reality Within The Matrix (Paperback)

The person who described this book as propaganda is quite correct. I give it one star because it will please some people who are already of a strong religious persuasion - or are considering taking leap of faith into being "born again" - and would like to read a book that uses The Matrix as a springboard to discussion of evangelical Christianity.

However, the book is exactly that: a mere springboard for evangelism. Every para is like this: "Living the truth is not always easy. There will be trials, testing of faith, persecution and rejection from the world, but these things are necessary for the perseverance which leads to maturity. The Lord is continually refining his saints for service in the kingdom of God. Be encouraged, you are more alive now than ever before."

If you want to read some serious discussion of The Matrix and the many philosophical and symbolic systems that have influenced it, this is not a book that you should bother with. You would be much better off with Taking the Red Pill (ed. Glenn Yeffeth) or The Matrix and Philosophy (ed.) William Irwin, both of which are crammed with interesting and seriously analytical discussion from a range of viewpoints. These books are responsive to the detail of the film and are genuinely insightful (though some of the essays in the Irwin book are very technical and heavy going).

Give this one a miss.

19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Self Published and it shows!, May 7, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Reality Within The Matrix (Paperback)

Great concept with some decent research, but it is poorly executed. Fans of the film are often insulted when the book reads more like a cheap tract. The summaries to each chapter are a good example, this one is from a chapter on the agents:

An Invitation to Apply the Message
¨ Recognize Satan and his tactics.
¨ Satan has the ability to transform and camouflage himself.
¨ Satan chal lenges God's Word and manipulates it's meaning.
¨ Protect yourself with the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

The Christian themes abound in this film but this book oversimplifies them and ignores all of the other themes from literature, faith, anime, and philosophy. The film has likely inspired many sermons, but these are not good.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Christian Reality within the Matrix, May 22, 2003

By 

Louise Ulmer (Williamsport, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Reality Within The Matrix (Paperback)

THE REALITY WITHIN THE MATRIX is a book by a Christian for Christians. Its primary purpose is to help movie goers sort out the Christian symbolism and find uses for it in their own spiritual experiences. In the introduction, LaVelle states her purpose "to evaluate a secular movie with a Christian point of view...While I understand the intention of the writers to borrow from several religions of the world, I feel the entire movie resonates the principle beliefs of Christianity." Since Amazon customers cannot examine the book first hand and see inside, it should be made clear that this book speaks mainly to those who are already familiar with religious symbolism but are mainly interested in the Christian slant. The book is a handbook or guide to a deeper study of the life of Christ and what it means to follow a Savior who broke all earthly bonds, including death.
Christians young people who enjoy the movie will find the book helpful as a roadmap to their own spiritual journey. Reading this book so see a Christian interpretation of certain aspects of the movie won't discourage readers from looking for additional views by other religious leaders. Other books may indeed bring out differing aspects of the movie. This one is for Christians and those interested in how Christianity can speak in more modern symbols to a more modern world. If the intention of the movie's writers and producers was to stir up new dialog among
world religions, this book makes a solid contribution as it speaks for the student of Christianity. As the old saying goes, "You see what you want to see." LaVelle helps those of us who want to see how The Matrix might have a message beyond the spectacular entertainment values. Maybe it should be called "The Christian Reality Within the Matrix." I gave it 4 stars because I think a subtitle might have helped clear up any confusion about the book's intentions. Then again, I could be wrong. Maybe the book does attract more attention with its present title. Either way, the book fulfills its stated purpose.