Matrixism or The Path of the One is an Internet based new religious movement inspired by the motion picture trilogy The Matrix.[1][2][3] Conceived by an anonymous group in the summer of 2004,[4] by May of 2005 it had already grown to attract a following of over three hundred people.[2]
Matrixism is a syncretic or ecumenical religion. Though Matrixists cite references to "the matrix" from an obscure text of the Bahá'í Faith, called "The Promulgation of Universal Peace", to make a connection with broader world religious history[4][5][6], the commercial Matrix trilogy, along with related mass media products such as video games, is generally considered to be the "sacred text" of the movement.[7] Matrixism carries with it four main beliefs that are described as "The Four Tenets of Matrixism". Briefly these are: belief in a messianic prophecy, use of psychedelic drugs as sacrament, a perception of reality as multi-layered and semi-subjective, and adherence to the principles of at least one of the world's major religions.[8] Religious laws specific to Matrixism include the abrogation of pornography, the legalization of same-sex marriage and the abrogation of professional sports.[9]
The adopted symbol for Matrixism is the Japanese Kanji symbol for "red". This symbol was used in the video game Enter the Matrix. The color is a reference to the redpill, which represents an acceptance of and ability to see truth, as established early in the first Matrix film.
Matrixism observes the anniversary of the passing of Aldous Huxley, John F. Kennedy and C.S. Lewis, November 22 1963, as one of its holy days.[9]
There is some debate about whether followers of Matrixism are indeed serious about their practice.[7][8]
Sources edit
- ^ Bouma, Gary (2007). Australian Soul, Cambridge University Press. ISBN-13 978-0521673891
- ^ a b Morris, Linda (2005, May 19). "They're all God Movies". NPR. Retrieved 2006-08-05.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|year=(help) - ^ Moscaritolo, Maria (2006, June 12). "Matter of faith". News Limited Australia. Retrieved 2007-03-24.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|year=(help) - ^ a b Possamai, Adam (2005). "Religion and Popular Culture: A Hyper-Real Testament", Peter Lang Publishing Group. ISBN 90-5201-272-5 / US-ISBN 0-8204-6634-4 pb.
- ^ Kohn, Rachael. The Spirit of Things, Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio National, August 20, 2006.
- ^ Whibley, Amanda (2005, November 18). "God.com: Preaching the Word in a consumer-driven world". University of Western Sydney. Retrieved 2007-03-24.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|year=(help) - ^ a b Johnson, Phil (2005, April 10). "Matrixism". Circle of Pneuma. Retrieved 2007-04-02.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|year=(help) - ^ a b Jordison, Sam (2005). The Joy of Sects, Robson Books. ISBN 1861059051
- ^ a b "Matrixism: The Path of the One". Retrieved 2007-03-24.
External links edit
- "Matrixism: The Path of the One". Retrieved 2007-03-24.