Whether he realizes it or not, James Cameron got this idea from Christianity.
The concept of parts being intimately linked to form a greater whole, with a central node-like figure playing a preeminent role to which others pay deference, is straight out of several passages of the Bible (see for example Ex. 18:13-27, Eph. 5:23-24 and 1 Cor. 11:3).
Indeed, everything in creation has this structure. From cells to tissues, organs, systems (especially the nervous system), the entire body, to the nuclear family, extended ones, to clans, tribes, nations, schools, corporations, parliaments, governments, the United Nations, angelic powers and finally God Himself, everything adheres to this neural network-like structure of central headship/Supreme node feeding masternodes feeding mininodes which in turn feed branches which then feed terminals. In these fractal-like trees, responsibility is delegated according to ability (in God’s case, we mortals will never know why each member of the Trinity gets His specific role).
In an analogous, yet much more beautiful and powerful way, the same thing happens at conversion. Our Head pours out His Spirit into us and we become grafted into Him forever, forming a permanent, intimate union. Cf. Eph. 5:29-32, Darby Translation:
“For no one has ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as also the Christ the assembly: 30 for we are members of his body; [we are of his flesh, and of his bones.] 31 Because of this a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be united to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh. 32 This mystery is great, but *I* speak as to Christ, and as to the assembly.”
This union also helps us intuitively identify and connect with our brothers and sisters, as it’s the same Spirit living within us. Cameron seems to have been inspired by this concept, because Avatar’s Neytiri likewise intuitively realized something was special about Jake when she saw several woodsprites, or “seeds of the Sacred Tree” auspiciously land on him as she prepared to shoot him with arrows.
A spiritual manifestation of a physical reality takes place upon conversion. We eternally become intimate, bosom companions of Jesus Christ, the same way Christ dwells in the bosom of the Father (John 1:18).
See also:
Christ-centered ANR 