Staub's Christian Wisdom of the Jedi Masters

[Cem-Ji Pobroo]

Has anyone read this? What's their take on it? I just started to read it and wanted to get others' takes on it.

[Jauhzmynn Enz]

I have. Excellant read. It has a lot of items that'll challenge a person. it's not a theological manual, more like a devotional type item. I recommend it highly.

[Leda EmBorr]

Written from a Christain point of view... Staub takes the aspects of the faith and compares it with Star Wars.... much like the author of the Tao of Star Wars did with his book. I flipped through it, but I didn't finish it.

[tanzanlinnear]

I don't think that Christianity is a compatible example to the beliefs of a Jedi and the nature of the Force, which is much more akin to Bushism and Tibettan Mysticism.

[Cem-Ji Pobroo]

How so? Did you read the book? And, what is Bushism?

tanzanlinnear said:

I don't think that Christianity is a compatible example to the beliefs of a Jedi and the nature of the Force, which is much more akin to Bushism and Tibettan Mysticism.

[Leda EmBorr]

I posted this in another thread, but I will post it again here because I think it's important to remember when we hear or read anything on Star Wars and religion:

"Basically, Star Wars has found the common thread that runs through all our major religions and the story is built around it, borrowing bits of mythology from different ones. That's why it can be molded to fit ones own philosophy. It can be seen from many points of view, and still make sense."

This is my opinion, mind you, but it is based on an interview with George Lucas that is on one of the SW dvds... athough, offhand I can't remember which one. When I find it, I'll quote it.

The book is very much the author's point of view, something to keep in mind when reading anything of the interpretive nature.

[Leda EmBorr]

After reading into it a bit more, the author makes some very good comparisons, as well as some that, in my opinion, are a "stretch". Same with the Tao of SW book. Neither is absolutely right or wrong.

But both do a pretty good job of teaching something about the religion that SW is being compared to. I did learn some things about the Bible and the Tao that I didn't know.

[tanzanlinnear]

jimcem99 said:

How so? Did you read the book? And, what is Bushism?

I know enough about Christianity to know that the belief structure is completely different to the Force. The Jedi do not 'worship' the Force in any way, they simply acknowledge it's presence and respect it's power, as with Tibettan Mysticism. I misstyped 'Budhism', given the fact I'd mentioned another Eastern philosophy, I'd've thought that would've been pretty obvious...

[Cem-Ji Pobroo]

Sorry it was not obvious since I believe buddhism is with 2 D's, so I thought you were making a George Bush reference, hence bushism . And Leda is right, if you read the book, you can see the comparisons, which can be found in other religions as well.

tanzanlinnear said:

jimcem99 said:

How so? Did you read the book? And, what is Bushism?

I know enough about Christianity to know that the belief structure is completely different to the Force. The Jedi do not 'worship' the Force in any way, they simply acknowledge it's presence and respect it's power, as with Tibettan Mysticism. I misstyped 'Budhism', given the fact I'd mentioned another Eastern philosophy, I'd've thought that would've been pretty obvious...

[tanzanlinnear]

jimcem99 said:

Sorry it was not obvious since I believe buddhism is with 2 D's, so I thought you were making a George Bush reference, hence bushism . And Leda is right, if you read the book, you can see the comparisons, which can be found in other religions as well.

Okay, so I misspelled it wrongly anyway, I'd'still have thought the mention of another Eastern Philosophy would have been enough to form the mental chain, but never mind. I'm sure that the author has managed to find certain elements in the film and say that they are references to Christianity, however, as I said in the other thread and will re-post here:
I don't think there is really anything Christian about Star Wars at all, unless you want to talk about Anakin's 'virgin birth', however, no one worshipped Anakin or really 'followed his way of life', so even that isn't enough to say it's a dominant theme. The closest analogy to the Force, is chi, the natural energy that flows through everything, and makes up the ley lines that cover the planet. When those lay lines converge, the energy is often focussed enough for non-sensitives to feel it, and the original churches and monestaries where built over those convergences, which is why some people walk into a church and 'feel the touch of God', they are simply picking up on the ambient energy in the area. This is also the distinction between 'consecrated earth' and 'holy ground'. Anywhere can be consecrated, but only convergence points become known as 'holy ground'. The general philiosophy of the Jedi is more like that of the Buddhist monks, who lived a life of peace and tranquility, but could break out some serious kung-fu when needed. It is certainly nothing like that of Christians, some of whom condemn anyone who is 'different' to them, and try and force their opinions on others, that is not the Jedi way at all...

[admin]

"I'd'still have thought the mention of another Eastern Philosophy would have been enough to form the mental chain, but never mind."

Tanzan.....be mindful.

[tanzanlinnear]

admin said:

"I'd'still have thought the mention of another Eastern Philosophy would have been enough to form the mental chain, but never mind."

Tanzan.....be mindful.

Always, Master Jorlac. I strive to always consider the feelings and opinions of others, and will often hold my tongue rather than say something that may be offensive to others. Certain things however, I feel a need to comment upon, so always strive to do so with the utmost consideration for other's feelings.

[Jauhzmynn Enz]

True christians don't force their 'opinions'. I sure don't and I'm as hard core Christian as one can get. I can disagree with someone's 'religion' but I will not behave unseemly towards them. THAT is being jedi. Loving all people with an unconditional love. Having a gentle, meek(controled strength NOT whimpy) nature,patient, kind, faithful, self controlled and a host ofother charactor traits. These are developed over a period of years and intesne discipline.

Now, back to the subject of the book. I liked it. it's not too deep to confuse folks but challenging enough to hold the reader's attention, to make them curious.

[tanzanlinnear]

jauhzmynn said:

True christians don't force their 'opinions'. I sure don't and I'm as hard core Christian as one can get. I can disagree with someone's 'religion' but I will not behave unseemly towards them. THAT is being jedi. Loving all people with an unconditional love. Having a gentle, meek(controled strength NOT whimpy) nature,patient, kind, faithful self controlled.

Absolutely, Master Enz. Sadly there are some Christians who give the majority a bad name (as is true with any religion)

[Cem-Ji Pobroo]

I'm sorry I'm not perfect nor well versed in Eastern religions. Next time, I'll know better. Thank you for the lesson.

tanzanlinnear said:

admin said:

"I'd'still have thought the mention of another Eastern Philosophy would have been enough to form the mental chain, but never mind."

Tanzan.....be mindful.

Always, Master Jorlac. I strive to always consider the feelings and opinions of others, and will often hold my tongue rather than say something that may be offensive to others. Certain things however, I feel a need to comment upon, so always strive to do so with the utmost consideration for other's feelings.