The connection between the Jedi Order in Star Wars and Christianity

AS and A Level Religious Studies & Philosophy

Johnson

For thirty-one years, the Star Wars franchise has brought people infinite hours of entertainment with: movies, video games, comic books, toys, and non-fiction books. However, one recurrent theme that is constant throughout the movies and books is a belief in a higher power. In Star Wars, the Jedi and the Sith believed in the Force. The Jedi believe in using their faith in the Force for the greater good. Most of their belief structure is closely based on some aspects of early and modern Christianity.

One Jedi aspect that is closely tied to early Christianity is the rule of two. In the fictionally adaptation of George Lucas’s Star Wars Episode 1: the Phantom Menace, the Jedi Grand Master Yoda states, “Always two there are….a master and an apprentice” (Brooks 320). Master Yoda is referring to the order of the Sith, but the same reference can also be made about the Jedi. A Jedi Knight handpicks a Padawan (apprentice) to pass on all their knowledge, to protect each other, and to grow in the ways of the Force. This aspect can also be found in the Bible, in the book of Mark 6:7, “Jesus called the twelve to him, and sent them out in pairs” (Qtd in Peterson 1834). Dick Staub suggests that Jesus did this so that the disciples could unlearn what they have learned to this point in their lives, so that they could fully rely on God for everything; much like the Jedi rely on the Force (Staub 118). Jesus sent six pairs of his disciples, “He gave them the authority and power to deal with the evil opposition” (Qtd in Peterson 1834). This is just like to Jedi Order. The Jedi came to serve the Galactic Republic as guardians of peace and justice (Lucas Online). The disciples had almost the same mission. The disciples went and preached peace to everyone, “They sent demons packing, they brought wellness to the sick, anointing their bodies, healing their spirits” (Qtd in Peterson 1835). The Jedi did not heal people, but they did bring messages of peace. Two Jedi played a instrumental role in the blockade of Naboo (plant) placed by the Trade Federation, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi faced a Sith apprentice name Darth Maul. Darth Maul killed Qui-Gon during the battle, but Obi-Wan was successful in slicing Darth Maul in half; this could be compared to the disciples casting out demons. In the book of Luke 11:14, “Jesus delivered a man from a demon that had kept him speechless. The demon gone, the man started talking a blue streak, talking the crowd by complete surprise” (Qtd in Peterson 1891).

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However, the greatest relationship between the Jedi Order and Christianity is the belief in a higher power. Even Darth Vader, the image of evil and devastation, believes in a higher power. Darth Vader displays his beliefs during a meeting on the Death Star. Darth Vader raises his right hand as Commander Tagge’s eyes start to swell; Tagge raises his hands to his throat, while Darth Vader says, “I find this lack of faith disturbing” (Lucas 31). Proverbs 3:6 says “Trust God from the bottom of your heart, don’t try to figure out anything on your own” (Qtd in Peterson 1091). This holds true with what Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn said to a young Anakin Skywalker, “Remember, concentrate on the moment. Feel, don’t think. Trust your instincts. May the Force be with you, Annie” (Brooks 164). Now, to me, these two quotes sound completely different, but their meanings are the same. The Bible quote tells believers in God, to fully trust him and that God will provide everything that we need to survive. God will show us the right path to travel down after we spend time fasting and in prayer. While, Master Qui-Gon’s quote tells us that when you take a quick step back from the situation you are in, the Force will reveal the right course of action, and the accurate path to walk down to complete its will; much like God will reveal to us what the accurate path for us is to complete his will. Both the Jedi and Christians are showing an immeasurable amount of faith (trust) in their particular higher power.

The Force (and a Lightsaber) is a Jedi’s most powerful ally; this can equally be said regarding Jesus with Christianity. The Force and Christ are one in the same, Dick Staub referrers to God as the “Lord of the Force” (Staub 5). Now, Christ doesn’t grant us the power to move objects just by raising our hand like the Force does, but Christ does bestow clairvoyance to us. Psalms 119:35 sates, “Guide me down the road of your commandments” (Qtd in Peterson 1052). Psalms 119:105 states, “By your words, I can see where I’m going, they throw a beam of light on my path” (Qtd in Peterson 1056). So, that we recognize the correct path to walk down.

Works Cited

Brooks, Terry. "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace." Brooks, Terry. Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. New York: Del Rey, 1999. 320.

Lucas, George. Star Wars: Databank. 5 January 2008. 5 June 2008 <http://www.starwars.com/databank/organization/thejediorder/>.

Lucas, George. "Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker." Lucas, George. Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker. New York: Del Rey Books, 1976. 31.

Peterson, Eugene H. "The Message Remix: The Bible In Contemporary Language." Peterson, Eugene H. The Message Remix: The Bible In Contemporary Language. Colorado Springs: Navpress, 2003. 1834.

Staub, Dick. "Christian Wisdom of the Jedi Masters.: Staub, Dick. Christian Wisdom of the Jedi Masters. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2005.