Rating: 
Summary: Good read
Review: 2003 has been declared the YEAR OF THE MATRIX by some as two sequels take the box office by storm and the original movie is still at the top of BLOCKBUSTER'S best selling and rented list.Surprisingly, this popular film has reached out to find a well loved spot in the halls of Christianity, rivaling even the more recognizeably Christian LORD OF THE RINGS. The author explores the allegory and symbolic themes in this picture that have caused this phenomena. Though some orthodox Christians might take issue with the weight he gives gnostic gospels, on the whole, Mr. Seay provides an in depth look that can provide good subject matter for a small group discussion. Using text from the Message version of the Bible, he also makes it easily accessible to the masses, some of whom could have difficulty with the more formal King James or American Standard texts that many authors use for such quotation. ***** Books such as this provide a bridge for adults and teens, giving them common ground to dialog about, and perhaps can help swell the church population in a non crisis situation.
Rating: 
Summary: Lighting the Path
Review: As a Christian reader, I was encouraged and inspired by this book. An analysis of true masterpieces of storytelling and film-making, the authors use a multi-disciplinary approach to highlight the inherent Christian theology that can be found in the Matrix films. Not attempting to posit The Matrix as any type of alternate gospel, Mr. Seay and Mr. Garrett cite canonical and gnostic scripture, as well as mythological and popular culture evidence to support their thesis that Neo's "walking the path" can mirror the Christian believer's. A caution: not for the reader seeking a book that explores all the religious implications of The Matrix. This is an analysis based primarily on Christian beliefs, although other doctrine is included to support the point at hand. I applaud the authors for writing a positive, encouraging book on a film trilogy often dismissed by Christians when, in fact, we can see that our own faith is illuminated by viewing The Matrix films.
Rating:
Summary: A new generation of Theology
Review: As a pastor trying to relate to a new culture and mindset this book was intriguing. I have enjoyed the movies, though I cannot say I am an avid fan, but I realize that there is a culture out there that looks to The Matrix as some sort of flagship or icon. This book gives a starting point for discussions of theology and philosophy in our times. True Seay does bring in connections with other faiths but these do have a bearing on the movies. The matrix movies are not "Christian" films yet they do have Christian undertones (as well as Buddhist and Gnostic). The Gospel Reloaded helps sort some of it out. It is written in a style that connects with today's culture. If you are looking for a deep Christian theology this won't do. But if you are looking for ways to use these movies into some discussions around the Christian faith this is a good starting place.
Rating:
Summary: A new look at exploring one's spirituality
Review: Chris does a good job of walking readers through the the small details of the film and making the connection with gospel of Jesus Christ. Obviously you need to have a good handle on the movies to understand the connection. I enjoyed the way Chris took the themes of the Matrix and made the connections to the Bible. It brought parts of the Bible to life for me in ways I had not looked at in the past. I would recommend this book highly to anyone. It is a great way to see scripture through a set of different eyes and explore the message of the Gospel in a relevant way.
Rating:
Summary: not your average "christian" book
Review: Chris Seay and Greg Garrett do a great job exploring spirituality in the Matrix films. However, what struck me most was that the authors did not solely focus on the "Christian" influences in the movie. Instead, they relate all the influences that the Wachowskis brought into these films from Christianity, Buddhism, Greek philosophy, even anime films. But, per the authors intent, they do bring it all back to the Christian ideas. Well worth the read!!
Rating:
Summary: Spiritual Side of the Matrix
Review: Chris Seay and Greg Garrett have done an excellent job of looking at the spirtual side of The Matrix and have taken us with them down the rabbit hole. This is a great book for anyone who thinks movie-going can be more than just a mind-numbing experience, but desire to interact with film as a reflection of the culture as a whole and, in this case, some of society's deepest spiritual needs. I say, get the book, read the book and then see the rent the movies again - quick, before the last installment comes!
Rating:
Summary: Taking A Risk, But Definitely Worth It
Review: Chris Seay and Greg Garrett take a significant risk in seeking to draw parallels between evangelical Christianity and an R-rated, culturally significant movie, but their risk was worth it. While drawing criticisms from both within and from outside of Christian circles, the authors strived to redeem the worthy aspects of the Matrix. This choice to interact with contemporary culture proved a noble effort, garnering several media exposures from mainstream sources such as Publishers Weekly and USA Today. In the words of another review, "The movies call us to seek and find--to ask of our own lives what's real and what's a mirage. They are modern epics, chock-full of meaning and metaphor." The Gospel Reloaded does exactly that--pushes the edge, explores the "truth" of the Wachowski brother's dialogue, and challenges even hardened critics to contemplate its questions. Overall, I would not recommend this book to younger Matrix fans, but definitely encourage it for the student or serious thinker seeking to make sense of the Matrix from a Christian perspective. It can also serve as an excellent conversational tool for sincere explorers on their own spiritual journey. The Gospel Reloaded will mess with your mind, just like the film, but leave you better off for the ride.
Rating: 
Summary: As disappointed as I have ever been
Review: I cannot entirely express my disappointment with this book. After about 70 pages of it, I have finally put it down in frustration. The Matrix is one of my very favorite movies, and the theological themes it explores are a big reason why. There was simply no way I wasn't going to like this book, which is why I ordered it sight unseen. But I didn't like it. The book really has no thesis or direction. It just kind of wanders aimlessly from topic to topic in a mostly disconnected fashion. It makes the occasional interesting point about something in the movie you might have missed, but the points aren't collected in any intelligent fashion. The book reads as if it were simply thrown together out of loose parts. I don't ask that an author agree with my viewing of the movie, or with my theology. All I want is a good read that helps me enjoy the movie more. This isn't it. It's a book that thinks it has the depth of an ocean but doesn't understand that you can have water and still just be a puddle.
Rating:
Summary: Lighting the Path
Review: I found this book inspiring and encouraging. Taking a multi-disciplinary approach, Mr. Seay and Mr. Garrett cite canonical, apocryphal and gnostic scripture as well as mythological and pop culture references to highlight the Christian theology inherent in the Matrix films. While adopting the point of view that Neo's "walking the path" in The Matrix mirrors the Christian's walk of faith, the book does not posit that the films are doctrine, rather that we can learn about our own faith through the journey and choices the movies' characters encounter. Potential readers should know that this book is written primarily from a Christian point of view, and although various other doctrines are introduced, the focus stays quite consistent with Christian beliefs. I applaud the authors for a sensitive and clearly written spiritual analysis of The Matrix films, which are often dismissed by Christians who fear the negative influences of Hollywood films such as these. Mr. Seay and Mr. Garrett have illuminated several treasures of faith and persistence needed to walk the path God intends for each of us, as witnessed through the faith journey of Neo, Trinity and Morpheus.
Rating:
Summary: . . . but take it with a grain of salt.
Review: I read this book and saw both movies in a 48 hour period, which I highly recomend. This book mainly deals with religious undertones (intentional or not) in the Martrix films. But it also talks a bit about the many pop culture influences (albeit in only one chapter). Although most fans will be familiar with the Anime, John Woo, and Joseph Campbell influences, there was an interesting analogy to comics (Neo as Superman, Morpheus as Batman). Although sometimes the author(s) sounds a bit like he's standing at a pulpit (after all, Chris Seay is a pastor) his message is, overall, uplifting. He mostly speaks of faith and tries to remain more spiritual than religious. I would have liked a chapter devoted to the relations to Buddhism and Zen, but I suppose the authors are not authorities on those subjects (the book "ZEN IN THE MARTIAL ARTS" is also highly recomended by this reviewer)Many pages discussed John the Baptist and were very interesting. And the final two chapters are interesting, the last in particular. The title is Apocolypse Now, but it's surprisingly uplifting. After all, why should you be scared of Apocolypse unless you're an evil person? I also learned a little about Gnosticism, which is very interesting and I'd like to learn more about it (not to follow it, but just because I love learning about new things). In conclusion, buy this if you're a fan, read it in a two day period, and watch both movies during, before, and after you read it.
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