Faith in Action

Last week at the Young Clergy for Social Change meeting, one of our members spoke about his efforts to “unplug from the matrix“.  Citing the Matrix movie series, he posited that too many people give far too much time to the television and radio.  According to him, feeding your brain with the “junk food” that comes over the airwaves and through the screen has a detrimental impact on how one views him/herself, others, and the world.  He has a group of students called “The Genius Movement” and they have (at various levels) unplugged from the matrix as well.

I agree with his position and have too decided to unplug from the matrix. 

In thinking of his commitment to unplug; I was reminded today about the book of Romans chapter 12 which warns us about conforming to this world and challenges us to seek transformation.  The writer suggests that transformation begins with your mind.  (Romans 12:2)

Not only does the biblical writer know that, but I believe that the government of the United States and corporate America knows that.  That’s why they invest so much money into trying to influence your thinking - modify your perceptions - and provide you with your opinion. (instead of you doing the critical thinking necessary to create your own opinion)

One of my favorite rap artist/activist speaks on this regularly as well.  Immortal Technique in his song “The 4th Branch ” talks about how the media is in partnership with the government to control your thinking and thus control your actions. (not a far fetched concept - the government is on record to have endorsed mind control research called MK-Ultra)  For example, the media took its cues from the Bush Administration on what to call our military engagement of Iraq.  Thus the media called it, “Operation Iraqi Freedom” as opposed to calling it a name that would be more accurate such as “Operation Iraqi Invasion“, “Operation Iraqi Occupation” or “Operation Iraqi Holocaust“.

The battle for our minds is real and we would do well to guard our minds from images, music, and messages that are antithetical to the morals, principles, and values that represent the best virtues of the human family and are considered universal truths by various Faith traditions.

Here is how I have decided to increase my level of disconnection from the matrix:

1. I will not turn on the television first thing in the morning to watch anything with the exception of getting information on the weather for the day.
2. I will not watch television right before going to bed at night.
3. I will read a book, magazine, or article of substance every day.
4. I will recycle.
5. I will fast from meat one week out of each month.
6. I will exercise at least once a week.
7. I will not listen to the radio during the day except to gather intelligence for the coming campaign to cleanse Black radio of its filth. 
8. Fast food is forbidden.
9. I will begin to research how I can grow my own fruits and vegetables for personal consumption and/or sale.

May the words of South Afrikan freedom figher, Steve Biko, (who was killed by the police for thinking for himself) remain with us:

“The greatest weapon in the arsenal of the Oppressor is the mind of the Oppressed.”