Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism have dominated the world for more than a millennium. Their popularity has abounded leading to the formation of a plethora of other denominations that have spearheaded new faiths and beliefs still confined within the dynamics and doctrines of the mother religions above. Nonetheless, in the modern day and age, the four faiths have been criticized and impugned culminating in the crop-up of significant other beliefs and religions referred to as new age religions. Speedily taking root within the society and communities, especially in the Western world, the new religions have amassed a substantial number of followers. On this accord, for this paper’s discourse, the new religion under the microscope is Jediism.
Origins
A new religion also referred to as a New Religious Movements (NRM) is described as an ethical religious or spiritual community with practices that have a strong correlation to modern origins. In essence, Jediism as a modern or new religion satisfies this definition and description. Even though most Jedis identify their belief system as philosophical, Jediism has broken ground as a new religion originating from the Star Wars movie first released in 1977 where the term Jedi was first popularized to the public (Compelling Truth, 2018). While the character and beliefs were initially fictional, the creator of the film researched and incorporated religious aspects from Daoism and Buddhism, which defined the Jedi in the sequels. It was at this point that the inception of Jediism as a religious concept was developed, and through the internet, spread and multiplied exponentially over the last couple of decades (Beyer, 2017). In essence, while followers recognized the fictitious concept of the movie, they believed and recognized the religious truths advanced by the Monastic Jedi throughout the film thereby conceptualizing these truths into a belief system and a finally a religion (Jediism).
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Main Tenets
A central tenet of the religion is its belief in the Force (similar to Christianity’s Holy Spirit) which followers believe is an energy that flows within all things and binds the universe together. An additional belief is that any human can tap into the force and unlock greater potential, a phenomenon referred to as being one with the Force. Followers also believe in truth, justice, and knowledge and consider themselves as guardians of the same thereby promoting and projecting similar ideals to the world. Followers as well adhere to the Jedi Code that promotes all the virtues mentioned above inclusive of peace.
Prominent Religious Characteristics
Jediism does not substantially adhere to the key characteristics of religion, and perhaps it’s the reason behind the abounding criticism as a religion. However, a prominent characteristic of Jediism is a belief in a Moral Code such as the Jedi Code which has 33 Jedi teachings to live by. An additional characteristic adherence is religious feelings such as awe and adoration of the Force as the greatest tenet of the religion. Jediism also adheres to communication such as meditation through which one can access the Force. The worldview of Jediism is that the Force flows through all things and that any individual can tap into it to achieve transcendence. Ultimately, Jediism has a strong community backing as a social group bound together by the Force.
Positive Aspects
Despite the criticisms of the religion, critics and other religions agree that the most fundamental and positive aspect of the religion is their belief in salient virtues such as justice, knowledge, truth, and peace or tranquility. Moreover, the 33 Jedi Teachings focus on practicality, positivity, mindfulness, and insight which are positive aspects of the religion. In essence, the religious quest for truth and transparency which are aspects embodied by the followers promote integrity and serenity within the society. Also, upholding justice also ensures that fairness prevails within the society subsequently alleviating prejudice and partiality.
Criticisms
The biggest criticism of the religion according is the certitude that it originated from an acknowledged fictitious work. As such, most objectors perceive the Jedi Religion as a practical joke or a hoax. An additional criticism is that the religion is nontheistic; meaning it does not believe in a supreme deity such as a god or a prophet. Moreover, other religions such as Christianity criticize that the belief system of Jediism is created or proffered by people who are flawed in nature, unlike God who is perfect and divine. Ultimately, the Jediism has no prophets through which it is propagated rather it has Jedis who are monastic and nonetheless prophetic.
The validity of the Criticisms
Indeed, I believe that the criticisms are warranted and relevant. The fact that Jediism does not fully adhere to the eight facets or Characteristics of religion is questionable as to whether it is a true religion. I also think religion should have a supreme deity however fallible he or she is and should additionally have prophets chosen to propagate the religion and its teachings.
Surprises of Jediism
The most surprising thing about the religion is the fact that despite its fictitious origins, the belief system is hinged on real and acknowledged faiths or religions such as Daoism and Buddhism. Moreover, for a religion with abounding criticisms and no strong religious foundation, Jediism has a strong following of more than 255, 000 individuals globally according to 2015 statistics (Barnett, 2015). On this accord, another surprising fact of Jediism is its rapid spread to the point of constructing a church, The Church of Jediism.
Comparison to Christianity
Jediism is similar to Christianity in the sense that both believe in a supernatural power (the Force and the Holy Spirit) which have a similar connotation in both religions despite different names. Also, both religions believe in life after death where Jedis live as one with the Force while Christians live out their eternal life in Heaven with God. Also, both religions believe in fundamental virtues such as justice, truth, integrity, and honesty. However, both religions diverge on theism; Jediism is nontheistic while Christianity is theistic. Elaborately, while Christianity believes in one True God, Jediism does not. Jediism also believes the Force is a power to be harnessed for individual endeavors while Christianity believes that God and the Holy spirits cannot be harnessed in such a manner, (Compelling Truth, 2018). Moreover, while Jediism believes that the Force holds all things together, Christians differ holding that God holds everything in place and he is the beginning and the end.
References
Barnett, C. (2015). At over 255,000 Strong the Church of Jediism is a force . World Religion News . Retrieved from https://www.worldreligionnews.com/religion-news/at-over-255000-strong-the-church-of-jediism-is-a-force
Beyer, C. (2017). An Introduction to Jedi Religion (Jediism) for Beginners. ThoughtCo . Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/jedi-religion-jediism-95690
Compelling Truth. (2018). What is Jediism? What does the Jedi religion teach? Got Questions Ministries . Retrieved from https://www.compellingtruth.org/Jedi-religion-Jediism.html
