What is Reality?

For the first couple of classes we've talked about the concept of  thinking. The act of thought and the process of why we as human beings need to to more of it. Most of us tend to be followers rather than thinkers. Relating that to religion, one must ask questions and start thinking about why we do what we do? Why we believe what we believe? Is it because we have had an 'Ah-hah' moment or because we have been told to think or believe a certain way? What is real? What is not? What is the definition of humanity and who gives it to us. What is life and death? Should we question our religion, and, if we don't do we truly believe what we believe.
We started watching The Matrix as a metaphor of many of the concepts taught in class.