Wow, I haven't posted here in a long time! I suppose I should get to work :) The last couple of evenings my wife and I have been watching the Star Wars movies, numbers 4,5 and 6. Of course we both love Yoda and the concept of the Jedi, or Jedi religion. So, I did a quick Google search and found some interesting information on the Jedi religion, or Jediism. I'll post some information here, copied from another site, as it's pretty boring to just post a link. I'll post a link to the sites I borrow information from and hopefully that will keep them happy and not make me take down this information. (I'm not here to try and make money off their information or anything else; I just want to share their thoughts and perhaps my own!) So, here goes...
The information listed below is from The Temple of the Jedi Order.
The Jedi here are people who live their lives according to the principles of Jediism: the real Jedi religion and philosophy.
Jedi, ministers, and leaders embrace Jediism as a true religion and sincerely believe in its teachings. Jediism does not base its focus on fiction but on the real-life experiences and philosophies that are the source of the myths which inspire our religion. We are not role players.
We Believe:
In the Force, and in the inherent worth of all life within it.
In the sanctity of the human person. We oppose the use of torture and cruel or unusual punishment, including the death penalty.
In a society governed by laws grounded in reason and compassion, not in fear or prejudice.
In a society that does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or circumstances of birth such as gender, ethnicity and national origin.
In the ethic of reciprocity, and how moral concepts are not absolute but vary by culture, religion, and over time.
In the positive influence of spiritual growth and awareness on society.
In the importance of freedom of conscience and self-determination within religious, political and other structures.
In the separation of religion and government and the freedoms of speech, association, and expression.
Doctrine of the Order
Jediism is a religion based on the observance of the Force, a ubiquitous and metaphysical power that a Jedi (a follower of Jediism) believes to be the underlying, fundamental nature of the universe. Jediism finds its roots in philosophies similar to those presented in an epic space opera called “Star Wars”. It is a religion in and of itself.
The Jedi religion is an inspiration and a way of life for many people throughout the world who take on the mantle of Jedi. Jedi apply the principles, ideals, philosophies and teachings of Jediism in a practical manner within their lives. Real Jedi do not worship George Lucas or Star Wars or anything of the sort. Jediism is not based in fiction, but we accept myth as a sometimes more practical means of conveying philosophies applicable to real life.
Okay, that's enough for one post. I'll get to sharing more information at another time. As one who has studied several different (formal) religions (Christianity, Buddhism, Shinto, Shamanism and Hinduism,) I find this information on Jediism fascinating!
Self-Healed Madman
