What Is The Jedi Religion? What Is Jediism?

What is the Jedi Religion? Why do we need to know about it?

Star Wars

It seems that Star Wars has captured our minds and imagination since the day it came out. It was a story we could all identify with. There was good versus evil, and in the end, good won out, but Star Wars has not only gained a lot of fans, it now has its own religion. Of course the writers probably didn’t intend to make these movies with that intention. It’s more of a byproduct of our fascination with telepathic and supernatural powers than a result of watching the movie, but now there is a new phenomenon and it’s call Jedissm, or sometimes, Jedism. This “religion” is based upon the depictions of the Jedi characters and it attempts to tap into the interest we have in human powers and abilities that go beyond the natural. In fact, the supernatural is what they’re interested in. Jesus once spoke about another “religious” group that was seeking after signs, or the supernatural, and He told them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign” (Matt 16:4). The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were always interested in seeking signs from Jesus (John 6:30), so they cared less about the truth than they did about miracles, signs, and wonders. This is why Jesus often rebuked them when they asked for a sign, so what does that have to do with Jediism or the Jediism Religion?

Beliefs of Jediism

When I started examining the central structure of Jedi Religion, I was shocked that there is no official statement of beliefs, so this is one of the first so-called “religions” that doesn’t even have a mission statement or statement of beliefs, so, what do they believe and what do they practice in this religion? One thing is clear; it’s not about a relationship but having a form of religion by good works, however the Apostle Paul wrote about this, saying they’re actually, “treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people” (2 Tim 3:4-5). A lot of people we think will be in heaven, may not be, but a lot of people we think won’t be there, will be there. Perhaps the biggest surprise will be: “How’d I get here!” The old saying may be true: “A lot of people talking about heaven ain’t goin’ there.” The adherents of Jedism can do a lot of good here on earth, but what eternal difference do these works make? We can dig wells for a thirsty region, and we can plant crops for a poor village, but unless we share Christ, we’re only making it a better world for people to go to hell in! There is hope in Christ alone; there is and never will be hope in any manmade religion. What they believe changes nothing. God’s truth changes everything, including us. His Word is truth and His Word abides forever. Not so with all other world religions. God is trying to tell us through Jesus Christ that He hates religion, but rather seeks a relationship with us. The Father seeks worshippers who will worship Him in spirit and in truth (John4:24), so it’s not about religion; it’s about a relationship, and having a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, and thus, becoming a child of God. This happens to everyone who believes. We don’t believe through a set of actions or works, but only because God gave us the free gift of grace (Eph 2:8-9). Besides, we could never earn God’s favor anyway since we fall infinitely short of His glory (Rom 3:10-12, 23).

Manmade Religion

I have noticed one similar thread throughout most of the religions of the world; it’s all about works. It’s, “do, do, do,” when Jesus says, “It’s done,” or “It is finished” (John 19:30), and that’s why it’s such good news for us all. God did for us what we could never do for ourselves, but mankind has always had the inclination to do good to be considered good, even though the best of our good works are like filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6), so the best part of the good news is that we don’t have to earn our way into the kingdom, which we couldn’t do anyway (Eph 2:8-9). If we had to depend on works, how would we ever know if we’d done enough? We’d always have lingering doubts as to whether we’d make it into the kingdom or not, so manmade religion leads down the same road to ruin as every other way of man. Besides, God will not accept our works.

The Place of Works

The Apostle Paul is clear that “all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them” (Gal 3:10), however, there is another extreme where we do absolutely nothing and think we can coast into the kingdom, but that’s dangerous ground to tread as Jesus said (Matt 25:41). Although our works can’t save us, they are evidence that we are saved. We’re not saved by works, but for works, but we understand that these works don’t save us. That’s why the Jedi Religion is concerning. They are nontheistic and desirous of doing good, meaning they don’t really believe in a personal God but simply desire to do good things. There’s nothing wrong with doing good things, but the mistake is in thinking, that makes them a good person. That is not what the Bible teaches (Rom 3:10-12), so doing good is their religion, however, their works will be totally useless when they stand before God (Rev 20:12-15). They must have the very same righteousness of Christ (2 Cor 5:21) or they cannot enter the kingdom (Rev 21:27).

Conclusion

I warn everyone to steer clear of Jedism and their worthless “16 teachings,” which are based on the fictional Jedi, believing that “Jedi are mindful of the negative emotions which lead to the Dark Side” and so “Jedi are guardians of peace and justice.” [1] I’m sorry, but I trust the King of Peace to bring justice to this world, and not some purported mental powers that are nothing at all. We already have enough dark powers out there in Satan and his minions, and that’s the true Dark Side, but Jedi’s are useless against such powers. Besides, the King of kings and Lord of lords has already conquered Satan at the cross, but also conquered the grave. That’s something no Jedi has power over.

1. Beyer, Catherine. “Basic teachings of the Jedi”. About.com. The New York Times Company. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jediism (Accessed June 13, 2018).

Here is some related reading for you: What Sets Christianity Apart From All Other Religions?

Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^® (ESV^®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible : English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Tagged as: Apostates, false religion