Star wars and religion

7/28/2019 Star wars and religion

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Aidian Peterson-Perry

Star Wars Film Analysis Paper

The fundamental purpose of this intro religion class was to foster awareness

and understanding of what is religion. As such, we started with the most obvious

and dubious question, “What is Religion?” From the start there are several

definitions that jump out at you; “belief in a god(s)” or “belief in something sacred”

to even, “organized institutional control.” Definitions of religion can be vague and

farfetched at times and this applies to all categories of religion. To apply religious

connotations within the context of Star Wars Episode V one must then also have

some basic definition that fits. However, throughout the length of this course, I have

developed an understanding, not definition, that religion is what the individual

makes it and has no concrete definition. And as such, it is my interpretation that

themes within Star Wars Episode V show recognition of a higher unseen power, that

controls, unties certain individuals, and brings harmony and peace within a realm of

balance showing strong similarities to both Christianity and Daoism.

Speaking from a Christian background, there is a strong emphasis on faith;

attitude or conviction and conduct based on a right relationship with God. It is also

goes further than this; it is complete trust where people no longer rely on their own

strength and convictions but commit themselves to something greater, his word, the

word of him who they believe. Here is where Star Wars comparable to Christianity,

The Force embodies this persona of a higher power in which one, the Jedi, puts his

complete trust and servitude. As faith grows with Christians through nourishing

your relationship with God, so to does the force. It develops over time and grows



stronger with more involvement and belief of the Jedi. This thought is further

reinforced when Obi-wan Kenobi utters the line to Luke, “may the force be with

you.” As a priest would say, “May the lord be with,” a close similarity that shows the

omnipresence and immanence of the force in endeavors to be undertaken.

However as with any religion there are doubters and famously, Han-solo

said, “There’s no mystical energy field that controls my destiny.” This objection,

rather than refuting my argument, actually supports the idea of the Jedi showing

characteristics of Christians, submission to a higher power. Along with this idea of

objection another similarity arises, good versus evil, God and the devil, the light side

and the dark side. During training, Yoda constantly cautions Luke against the dark

side urging him not to develop his anger, his greatest temptation.

But can there be truly good without bad? This is where the idea of the force

shows characteristics of Daoism. Elements of Daoism arise here in the concepts of

yin and yang. Yin and Yang expresses the interdependence of both good and bad.

Conversely, the light side and the dark side are elements that make up the all

powerful and unifying force, without either the force cannot exist. This also

establishes the realm balance and harmony. There are elements of both good and

bad on either side of the force and as such, the Jedi, being of free will must also find

that balance in order to follow the way.

How I started this paper is how I will also end it. What is religion? It is unique

interpretations of beliefs, practices, rituals, involvement and interactions with

community and spiritual elements. Themes in Star Wars show strong similarities to



some of these elements present in both Christianity and Daoism but, however, has

its own unique interpretations.

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Star wars and religion