Jediism: What is Jediism, and is it a religion?

Jediism: What is Jediism, and is it a religion?

Jon Mayled

Whether Jediism is a religion or not is probably a matter of personal opinion. It can be defined as follows:

‘Jediism is a nontheistic new religious movement based on the philosophical and spiritual ideas of the Jedi as depicted in Star Wars media.’

Hume and McPhillips 2006

In the 2001 census in England and Wales, 390,127 people (0.8%) indicated that their religion was Jedi. This made it statistically the fourth largest religion in the country. By the time of the 2011 census the recorded number of Jedi had fallen to 176,632. Jedi Knight is included in the list of religions by the UK census authorities, and significant numbers of people have recorded themselves as Jedi Knights in Australia, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ireland, Montenegro, New Zealand, Serbia and Scotland.

Following the findings of the 2001 census the International Church of Jediism was founded in 2008 by brothers Daniel and Barney Jones.

Jediism is a movement that has spread by making significant use of the internet and worldwide e-mail campaigns. Its adherents continue to use the internet and social networking to discuss their beliefs rather than having physical meetings or any formal services.

Although it has no formal structure or central base it does have clear statements and doctrines (see the websites listed at the end of this article). The origins of these can be found at www.starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Jedi_Trials

The Temple of the Jedi Order

The official statement from the Temple of the Jedi Order states:

‘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.’

Jedi beliefs

The Jedi believe in:

■ the Force, and in the inherent worth of all life within it

■ the sanctity of the human person. They oppose the use of torture and cruel or unusual punishment, including the death penalty

■ a society governed by laws grounded in reason and compassion, not in fear or prejudice

■ a society that does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or circumstances of birth such as gender, ethnicity and national origin

■ the ethic of reciprocity, and how moral concepts are not absolute but vary by culture, religion and over time

■ the positive influence of spiritual growth and awareness on society

■ the importance of freedom of conscience and self-determination within religious, political and other structures

■ the separation of religion and government and the freedoms of speech, association and expression

The Creed of Jediism is based on the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi:

‘I am a Jedi, an instrument of peace; Where there is hatred I shall bring love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy. I am a Jedi. I shall never seek so much to be consoled as to console;  o be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. The Force is with me always, for I am a Jedi.’

In addition, Jediism has the Three Ten — Focus, Knowledge and Wisdom — 16 Teachings and the 21 Maxims. It also has a five-point code:

■ Emotion, yet Peace

■ Ignorance, yet Knowledge

■ Passion, yet Serenity

■ Chaos, yet Harmony

■ Death, yet the Force

JEDIISM HAS THE THREE TENETS — FOCUS, KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM — THE 16 TEACHINGS AND THE 21 MAXIMS.

Government recognition?

Although Jediism is a choice of religious belief on the UK census, this is so that people can select it if they wish, not because it is officially recognised as a religion by the government.

In 2010 the UK Charity Commission recognised Druidry (Druids) as a religion, saying that Druids’ worship of natural spirits could be seen as religious activity. In December 2013 the UK Supreme Court officially recognised Scientology as a religion. On the basis that far more people stated that they were Jedi Knights in the UK censuses than Druids or Scientologists it would seem likely that Jediism could be also be recognised.

An organisation called the New Jediism Order was launched in the UK in 2011 but appears to have become defunct after a year, with only a Twitter page remaining.

Jon Mayled is the author of many religious studies textbooks.