I am open to the possibility that the Matrix is real, but benevolent and not hostile to humanity.
We are all participating by choice in a "learning construct" -- a place where our true selves cannot be hurt or killed. The purpose of this benevolent Matrix is our "education" -- to assist in our progress.
Neuro-scientists have noted that our brains record every moment of our lives.
(see:
http://books.google.com/books?id=N6FPQzBpheEC&printsec=frontcover#PP
A23,M1)
I believe it possible that we are collectively amassing a library of experience grappling with every possible dilemma and conflict. From these recordings we all will be able to learn for eons to come.
This seems to be a perspective which answers the age-old question, "If there is a God, why does he allow such terrible things to happen?" It is all for our learning of lessons we could not comprehend in any other way than to experience them either firsthand or through others.