Jediism: A Religion, A Fad, and Pop-Culture Religion has been a controversial topic for thousands of years. More lives have been lost in the name of “God”, in Wars, crusades, territory disputes, religious clashes, and the list goes on, even to this day. Religion is worshipping and believing in a higher power. Also, religion is a very intimate relationship with this higher power, which may be called, “God”, “The Force”, “Allah”, and “Buddha”. The symbols used in different religions vary on their beliefs such as putting meaning to a cross or worshiping the sun. Over time religion has evolved to form new beliefs, rituals, and religions. For example, the Pharaoh Akhenaton of Egypt tried to change the traditional Ancient Egyptian Religion by reducing the worship of many deities to just one, the sun of god Aten, but despite his efforts that new religion this would be rejected upon his death. Centuries later, Henry VIII of England, created his own religion, Anglican, so he could legally get a divorce, becoming the head of the church which is still being worshipped to this day. Anglican was created without divine intervention in order to satisfy personal agendas. There are golden rules in Religion that must be followed, such as Christianity’s, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”(). Who can dictate if your beliefs are considered a religion? Taking a closer look at Jediism as a religion, which takes old ideas and makes them ‘fresh’ again, it will be shown how some
In Chapter 10 of Religion and Popular Culture in America, Joseph L. Price attempts to show sports as an example of popular culture as religion, because of its ability to shape the engagement of their fans and the fan’s environments. Although the majority of fans do not see sports as coming close to being a religion, Price gives several compelling reasons as to why sports are religion.
In today 's world, everywhere you look there is image after image of people in less clothing, skinnier girls, and people attempting to look younger. As our book has mentioned, there are three key components to popular culture which are fads, fashion and leisure activities. These three components are what are the majority of what exactly popular culture is. It is then that these three things are broken down into different sections regarding age, race and gender.
The definition of religion is, “a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects” (“Religion”). Many of the world religions at first glance appear to be very similar. However, on closer examination, the differences in the religions are made clear. For example, Mormonism is often described as a branch of Christianity because both religions have Jesus as a central figure. Despite this misconception, Mormonism and Christianity have major differences in their historical backgrounds, key writings, definitions of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, beliefs about salvation and what happens after death, among other
What is religion? Is it a type of belief or worship? Is it simply an interest? According to Dr. Shaun Casey, who served as the U.S. Special Representative for Religion and Global Affairs for several years, there is no official definition of religion. In fact, the term is “problematic.” Religion is viewed as being the cause of violence around the world, or can be seen from the perspective of opposing or fighting for religious freedom. As a result, religion is a multivalent force, which is why we must have knowledge of religion, rather than promoting religion.
Religion can be difficult to define however as said by Swami Vivekananda “ you cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.” Luke learns the ways of the “Force” and become a believer; an arrogant, greedy pilot Han Solo who finds it difficult to believe that this “Force” controls everything he mocks Luke. Throughout the film Han Solo is seen making a mockery out of this “Force” with punch lines like “ Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side” however, later on in the film Han Solo feels the presence of this “Force” and becomes a believer when Obi-Wan is confronted by Darth Vader he allows himself to be killed so that he can become a part of this “Force” and guide Luke. Believers of this “Force” brought peace in the
When George Lucas released Star Wars in 1977, it would be reasonable to assume he possessed some level of expectations regarding how his film saga would affect and alter the lives of its audience. What he may not have anticipated, however, is that his fictional protagonists, the Jedi Order, and their respective philosophies would resonate so strongly within particular individuals to such an extent that it would provide the foundation for the establishment of a new interpretation of reality; this philosophical movement is perceived by many as a religious movement and, to some extent, a new religion in and of itself. Today, the church of “Jediism” is said to have accumulated thousands of followers across the globe and is recorded as being the seventh-largest religion in the United Kingdom (DailyMail). While there is speculation that the census results which produced these figures may be inconclusive due to insincere responses, it is widely accepted that Jediism is a very real concept for many groups of individuals, one that affects their philosophical outlook as well as their everyday life.
Since the dawn of time, religion has been the staple of humanity. It has been our explanation for the unexplainable, as well a way for us to form a community with those around us. Due to the natural diversity of humans, a varied set of separate religions has formed throughout the world. Religions continue to adapt and inspire each other, however, they all have their differences, as well as internal differences through the observations of each believer.
We will also look at a few of today’s top music leaders and how their songs give hints that there does not life than just things of this earth. We will go through the pro side of that where now that churches need to be able to connect with all walks of life because they appeal to more people than they used to. The other thing I will be talking about is how in recent years we have had a rise in popularity in Christin music. C.S. Lewis put it best when he said, “The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will lead us to good because He loves us.” I will also go through my opinion on if I believe it is ok to have Christianity in pop culture. Studying this topic, the past few months I have learned so much in
Lucas philosophy on religion ties into everyday life. He believes that “we all teach everyday in our lives”, so Lucas makes it apparent to make sure his movies has a good life lesson to learn from. Star Wars overall takes on issues that religions represent because religious stories correlate to mythological stories, thus Star Wars gives both factors a modern twist. For Lucas, he believes that all religions true, it just “sees a different part” in higher powers. Religion allows people to be balanced, like how Luke must feel balanced to use the force.
Christianity influences many people’s lives, and has for a number of years. It exists in many parts of world and is the most practiced religion in the U.S. This puts it in a place of severe scrutiny by America’s culture. The question that I am interested in researching is this: How has the view of Christianity in American culture changed throughout the years? In the fifteen page essay, I will research how the popularity of Christianity has changed and how it has been portrayed in media and pop culture.
The personal and communal nature of spirituality is nowhere so clear as it is with the Jedi Community. I assert that the promotion of the Jedi Path (as an authentic spiritual orientation) is best maintained by the Perennial Philosophy. In the performance of ritual at the Temple such as birthdays, invocations, tokens of offering, etc., etc. are all designed to promote a “higher” spirituality, authentic in form and grounded in science/philosophy. In addition, I explore how (daily) rituals at (both at the Temple and at home) imply/strengthen/reinforce the particular moral agenda of the Jedi/ Code and their Code. In the observation of such an ethical framework, served as the basis for moral purification and the basis and rationale an individual’s (Jedi) training as well as for the general placement of the (Jedi Path) spirituality within society. As a moral beacon, the Temple functions as a transforming influence beneficial to society as a whole, providing foundation of the Jedi Path. In short, the communal and social understanding of ritual functions and observances at the Temple is a major aspect of (perennial philosophy and ) the rationale for its existence.
Religion and politics historically have always played a significant role in our everyday life, going back to earlier life like the ancient pharaohs of Africa to our modern-day society, religion has had an intense effect on our existence as a society. For a good example of how religion affects politics throughout our society we need to go back and travel throughout history here in the United States. In this 6-page essay I will be covering the relationships between religion and politics in America, and how they have both influenced one another in our society.
The one question in which boys and girls; men and women alike wish to know? How to be a Jedi! The first step is really quite simple; you must know the code. This means that you may show no emotion: happiness, sadness, love, passion, ignorance, or fear of death. The only feeling you should feel is the force and its serenity. Secondly, dress like a Jedi. Wear a brown shirt. Then get a white dress over that brown belt. Wear a bathrobe that is black. It should reach the floor. The clothes should be as inexpensive as possible. This means you are humble. Go to Toys “R” Us to buy them cheap. Next you must find an enemy, someone like Darth Vader or Donald trump (yes, I just said that!). This person will become you ulterior motive, you must use the
The fact that Star Wars has had a major cultural impact is obvious, but how exactly has it done this? Star Wars movies has influenced pop culture more than anything else. It’s been more than 40 years since Star Wars first exploded into theaters, but the popular science fiction films from writer and director, George Lucas have left a legacy no other movie has surpassed. George Lucas’s Star Wars films might have been based on a galaxy far, far away, but real life characters and events from our history, some of it long ago and some much more recent, have been a powerful force that has forced its way into pop culture.
During this semester I have learned that in essence, “free will” does not gear our decision making process, it is primarily society that influences all thoughts and behaviors in turn, impacting all aspects of our life. The evolutionary socialization process initiates at the moment of conception, in our mother’s womb, through childhood, carries on during adulthood and ends in our graves. The most important and influential agent of socialization is the family. On a global perspective, the primary teachers, our parents, educate us on language, beliefs, physical control, values and civilized behavior for public conduct. The greatest belief instilled is that of divinity and forming part of a religion.