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

by Gregory A. Boyd

Examines a Christian's thought process and teaches how to transform it to reach a deeper life in Christ, through the vehicles of "The Matrix "film characters.

Genres: Christian, Psychology, Self Help, Religion

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2005

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.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really powerful book... it may be a bit difficult to get into, but there are some amazing truths in here. Most significant is the fact that we think experientially, not abstractly... and therefore any healing we want to accomplish needs to happen through experiences (even imaginary ones) rather than just piling on more abstract knowledge. It was really awesome how the authors showed that we can work together with God to set our minds free. Definitely recommended for all Christians!

[Megan Westra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is hard to follow if you haven't seen The Matrix. It's very conversationally written, and Boyd makes some sweeping assumptions at points. The exercises at the ends of the chapters are thought provoking though, which is why I give it two stars.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am one of several reported to be reading "Escaping The Matrix" by Al Larson and Dr. Greg Boyd. The authors in the introduction and first chapter take pains to relate to the reader through numerous questions about the reader's experience of believing something abstract and experiencing that within the sphere of daily life. These are what one could call 'soul-searching' questions.
Exercises end each chapter said to make this title more personal and not just informational only.
I am a Believer but not a Christian per se and adhere to a Jewish spirituality instead. I feel this title may be a good balance between the faith/works dichotomy. Example, trust is both a verb and a noun.
I will use this book, perhaps one chapter a day, in my quiet time over the next few weeks.
I agree, this book is for people of all ages from adolescence on, but for the ones who are ready to face things with utmost self-honesty.

I invite you to visit my blog some time, 15-years-old, titled
Grafted In And On The Journey.
It too is reflective in nature.

David C. Russell, Author

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explains how my thoughts were taken captive by Satan...even before my ability to reason for myself had developed! More importantly, the authors explain how to take every thought captive to Christ! Those Christians, who THINK transformation will occur either...
by passively praying for the Spirit to work her magic upon them (for fear of being guilty of works) or by actively filling their mind with Biblical information (like Bible bowls),
have a lot to learn about how they actually DO their THINKING.
This book gets at the root of why too many disciples are not noticeably different than those of the world...and why the church is irrelevant at best and a stumbling block to seekers at worst.

[Daryl Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book set me on my journey of personal transformation. It has a wonderful balance of practical exercises to take control of your thinking, phycological explainations, and theological foundation.

[Mark C. Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Darkness into the Light that is Christ

Sometimes overly complex, but immensely insightful and helpful for navigating past those emotionally stuck places to freedom in and with Christ.

[SRK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has got to be one of the best books I have ever read. It's life changing. If you can get it, read it!

[Trevor Lloyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the fundamental principle behind this and think the analogy with the Matrix just about works. But I find some of the actual neurological and cognitive stuff a little too technical and mechanical and unable to know how sound its scientific foundation is. I think the principle works biblically and theologically though and some use of insight from neurology is surely valid - as with other biological and psychological insights. Loved the stuff clearly written by Boyd.

[Joe Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! I already knew that 'renewing my mind' was a key commandment--but this book actually helps me understand the process in a new way. If I can practice 10%, I will be a better person for reading this book.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

don't know about all the neuro stuff, but interesting and helpful

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that perfectly coincides with techniques I've been using in counseling, with my non-religious counselor. These techniques are sound & they really do work!

[Luca Hersberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ausbruch aus unseren Schemata. Wenn Schematherapie von einem Nicht-Schematherapeuten so treffend wie nur möglich beschrieben wird, dann in diesem Buch!