Star Wars discussion for Christians here!

[Aravis Kenobi]

My parents won't let me see the new Star Wars trilogy because of its spiritual content, you know the New Age and Buddhism in it. And, I know that ya'll can't really overrule my parent's ruling, but I was just wondering what you think about them.

[Charn_Tim]

Hmm, let me first offer a disclaimer: I am in no position (nor is anyone else on this forum for that matter) to encourage you to do something against your parents' wises, so I think you are certainly doing the right thing for obeying them about this. :)

However, I would have to express my disagreement with the decision to not allow one's child to see Star Wars for those reasons alone. Now, there may be other reasons why they don't want you to see it, but I honestly disagree that there is content significantly detrimental to a Christian's spiritual life. I actually see a lot of good messages and content in Star Wars (notwithstanding the negative, of course). So, basically, I agree that there is "New Age" Spiritualism, but I don't see it as particularly harmful.

[Señor Puntos]

Star Wars to me is just a super cool set of movies, and just because they're not into christianity is no reason why you shouldn't see them. But of course you can't really go against your parents will, so you're in a pickle. The original trilogy was better anyway.

[Aravis Kenobi]

I know I can't go against my parent's will until I'm in college, which is about three-four years down the road. However, my friend's parents are even more strict about some movies than my parents are, and their kids have seen all three. They wouldn't let their kids see Lord of the Rings or Pirates of the Caribbean or even Finding Nemo because of some things in each, but it was a complete surprise to me when they let them see all three Star Wars prequels. I had asked my dad whether or not I could see them when I was a little older, maybe when I turn 16 or something, and he answered, well, there'll be a time when you'll pretty much get to do anything you want. Another misclaimer is that the director, George Lucas believes all religions are true. Now, I'm not saying that's it's true, and I'm not saying that it's not. I don't know a lot of each religion enough to know, but I do know the distinctions between the New Age and Buddhism and between Christianity. In fact, I had asked my mom a hypothetical question, "If you had to choose between letting me see Star Wars or Harry Potter, which would you let me see?" She simply answered, "Star Wars." I've already seen the old trilogy, which I really love, but I was kind of asking her in a roundabout way if she would prefer me seeing the new Star Wars and the Harry Potter movies. That's my opinion. Now, I've really gotten into hot water.

[Charn_Tim]

aravis3~

Thanks a lot for your honesty, and I encourage you to continue to trust God that he has placed the perfect parents in your life for you, even though it may not seem like it all the time. Well, let me respond to a couple of things in your post here. First, Lucas' stance on religion is that they are pretty much all wrong, and he absolutely doesn't believe in the concept of a personal God/Creator who wants to be actively involved with his creation. He points to the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, etc. as the basis for believing that many of the world's problems are rooted in organized religion (of course I would like to say a thing or two to him about that, but I guess I'll save that for a different thread or something :)). So essentially, if it were up to Lucas, he would put an end to all organized religion, but in my opinion, nothing in the films themselves shows this to any reasonable or objectionable extent, so I still don't view them as harmful for a Christian.

As far as the other family goes with not letting their kids see those other movies, sometimes the hardest thing to do is obey when you view your parents as being inconsistent. I know this personally, because I thought (and still think? :)) my parents were being inconsistent in regulating my movie watching as a kid too. They would pretty much let me see films with any amount of violence (even ones rated R) but any time a movie had any extended romantic scenes like kissing (or the like...) we pretty much weren't allowed to watch it, or if we were watching a film as a family that had scenes like this, we were sent out of the room. They were also very inconsistent about films that had bad language. For example, they wouldn't let me watch Back to the Future II of all things, because they said too many bad words, but they let me watch other movies that I thought had worse language than that. Now I could go on about how they let my 4 year old little sister (at the time) watch The Fellowship of the Ring in the movie theater (especially the opening bloody scenes and all that) while I knew families that wouldn't let their kids in the 5th - 6th grades see the movie because of the violence, but I'll stop there, just to give you of an idea that I know where you are coming from :).

The bottom line, as I see it, is that parents have different levels of sensitivity to certain objectionable content. Furthermore, there is a range of movies that have more or less objectionable content than others. There are certain movies that no Christian should ever see, and on the other hand, there are some movies that all Christians should see. But in between these two endpoints is a whole spectrum of movies that have some "objectionable" scenes and content potentially harmful to a Christian and it's simply up to the parent to regulate their child's viewing. Also, unfortunately, it is kind of a subjective matter as to what parents think is particularly harmful to their kids spiritual growth and you really do just have to trust God that your parents know what they are doing (and by the way, even if they are being unfair, you are very blessed--see 1 Peter 3:14). I hope this helps, and I really encourage you to pray that you don't become resentful of your parents because of their movie regulation rules-whether they are "fair" or not. God Bless :)

[inkspot]

I agree with Tim totally -- your parents are a gift of God for you, and you must obey them.

That said, like the others, I do not see explicitly harmful spirituality in Star Wars. As you have seen the original trilogy, you know all about the Force, which has its basis in Lucas' New Age leanings. This mindless Force is a source of power which can be harnessed for good or evil, sort of the same thing Hindus, Buddhists and New Age believe. They feel we drop out of this cosmic force for a little while called our lifetime, and when that's over, we return to it. So, this much you could glean from the original movies. I don't think there is anything in the latest three which could be worse than that, as far as Christianity -- unless it is the violence?

In a way, the New Agey sub-text of the film sort of spoiled the last movie, where Anakin goes bad. Because there was no real system of God/devil morality, his descent into Darth Vader was a rather ho-hum affair. Because the Force was neutral, neither good nor evil, it was very easy for him to swing from Jedi Knight to mass murderer. It was rather unconvincing.

[onlymystory]

I'm glad you're obeying your parents in this, but can I just say as someone who loves the old star wars (I used to post on so many forums-now its all about the new movies) that the new ones are really not worth your time. you'd be better off reading some of the books to get the story. You're not missing anything by not getting to see Star Wars. at least the new ones. the old stuff is still classic. new just relied on too many special effects.

[Charn_Tim]

Hey, I disagree! *glares at onlymystory* ;) The new star wars was cool, too, especially the third one (and particularly the last 2/3 of episode III). aravis3, you are certainly better off seeing the original 3, but when you get older, episodes I-III are definitely worth seeing, if only for the sake of completeness.

[onlymystory]

alright, I will concede that for the sake of completing the cycle you should watch the first three. (although i'm still pouting that the last 3 won't be made anymore) ok, the 3rd one was good, but you can't tell me you didn't want to shoot that little kid who played anakin or that you wanted to stick a barrel of dynamite inside jar-jar and watch him explode.

[Charn_Tim]

oh, I will grant you that episode I was lame, for sure (especially jar-jar). But I didn't have such a problem with the kid that played Anakin, as much as I had a problem with Lucas turning it into a children's movie. But I actually thought that it got significantly better in the later two, and especially episode III, which I liked almost as much as the original 3. So the bottom line is that although episode I was highly disappointing, overall they're still worth seeing...

[onlymystory]

agreed. but see them once and then quote the old ones nonstop.

on a side note, charn_tim, i found it interesting that your parents had those types of rules. my parents were the same way. i remember watching braveheart when it came out and that one scene (which is pointless anyway) was the only thing i had to go out of the room during. but watching men get speared on giant stakes was no big deal. I've never known anyone else who's parents had rules like that. random thought, but i just thought that was interesting.

[Charn_Tim]

agreed. but see them once and then quote the old ones nonstop.

on a side note, charn_tim, i found it interesting that your parents had those types of rules. my parents were the same way. i remember watching braveheart when it came out and that one scene (which is pointless anyway) was the only thing i had to go out of the room during. but watching men get speared on giant stakes was no big deal. I've never known anyone else who's parents had rules like that. random thought, but i just thought that was interesting.
Yes, quote the old ones for sure, the dialogue was so much better.

That's funny, I thought my parents were the only ones on the planet like that too. It's good to know that's not the case :) There does seem to be somewhat of an inconsistency though with the sexually immoral stuff vs. the violence and gore stuff. I'm honestly not sure what the right thing to do is. It's a good thing I don't have to make decisions like that for my kids right now!

[Aravis Kenobi]

I agree with both of you. I really like the old ones, but isn't it funny that you always want to do what your parents say no to? I think that's part of the reason I want to see the prequel trilogy, that, and the fact that everyone around me is seeing. And, another thing, you probably wouldn't believe it if I told you, but my youth group goes to see really violent, cursing, sexually immoral, etc.. I could go on. My parents don't let me see them, which I wouldn't want to even if I was allowed. I know a couple of times I said a couple of cuss words, you know he--, and I really didn't mean to. It was just a sub-conscious thing, but I still felt bad about it. I watch the TV show, Walker, Tx. Ranger, and I really like it, but they cuss a lot on it. But one thing I am glad for, is that Star Wars, old and new, don't take the Lord's name in vain, or cuss at all for that matter. Now, correct me if I'm wrong.

[Señor Puntos]

I agree with both of you. I really like the old ones, but isn't it funny that you always want to do what your parents say no to? I think that's part of the reason I want to see the prequel trilogy, that, and the fact that everyone around me is seeing. And, another thing, you probably wouldn't believe it if I told you, but my youth group goes to see really violent, cursing, sexually immoral, etc.. I could go on. My parents don't let me see them, which I wouldn't want to even if I was allowed. I know a couple of times I said a couple of cuss words, you know he--, and I really didn't mean to. It was just a sub-conscious thing, but I still felt bad about it. I watch the TV show, Walker, Tx. Ranger, and I really like it, but they cuss a lot on it. But one thing I am glad for, is that Star Wars, old and new, don't take the Lord's name in vain, or cuss at all for that matter. Now, correct me if I'm wrong.
Now, it might just be my bad memory, but I could've sworn Obi-wan called Anakin a little ba*****. He probably didn't though.

I was aloud to see whatever films I liked when I was a kid (except pornos obviously), and I can honestly not understand christians who don't let their kids watch movies cos they're scared it might damage their faith. Ah well, it's your parents decision, and you should respect that.

[Gryphon]

im glad you've decided to follow your parents wishes. Its better to do the wrong thing and obey your parents than to do the right thing and disobey them. Of course there are exceptions to that. Because you honor your parents it means you will get to live long. Thats a blessing from the scriptures!

Anyway, back on track. I think the spirituality of star wars is just silly. "Fiction is the lie that tells the truth." sometimes people want to tell their own truths through making a story. Everyone's world view is diffrent so you cant possibly agree with everything thats out there.

I liked Star Wars anyway, it was a good series until the second one rolled by. (the second one of the new trilogy) I liked Jar jar before they made him all serious. Some people just take movies way too seriously. :rolleyes:

[inkspot]

I was aloud to see whatever films I liked when I was a kid (except pornos obviously), and I can honestly not understand christians who don't let their kids watch movies cos they're scared it might damage their faith. Ah well, it's your parents decision, and you should respect that.
Parents are wise to allow their children to see ony things which are appropriate for the youngster's age and faith. I know a little boy whose old hippie parents let him watch everything they watched, and of all things, the old rock opera "Tommy" put some very scary notions in the boy's head. Children are a blank slate, and whatever they watch impresses itself on their brains.

Most folks are stimulated by what they see -- the serial killer Ted Bundy said his twisted ideas presented themselves after he started looking at violent pornography in magazines. Everyone should be very careful about what they allow into their minds through TV, movies, books, magazines, the internet. And because kids don't know to be careful for themselves, it's important for moms and dads to be careful for them.

That's the end of my lecture.

[Aravis Kenobi]

Agree with you totally! Even I have some images locked away that I've seen on online (not intentionally), and some nightmares that I've had that were pretty violent. So, like my Sunday school teacher said, it's all locked away in the back of your brain. You really can't get rid of it. You've got to replace the bad with the good. In this case, God's Word. No, Inkspot, I don't think you lectured at all. A lot of people need to realize what you said.

[myknightinshiningarmor]

I'm a christian and I have seen them and I LOVE them. In fact i've seen the 3rd one 2 times and soon to be 3! My mom isn't big on it and she don't like them that much. My friend is like a Star Wars obsessed person. She owns like every possible thing that has to do with it! She won't let me touch anything but the toy light saber she has. She is a christian. Now my other friend's parents are really strict christians so she cant see them anymore. But really it's not like once you see it you are all into "may the force be with you" and stuff like that. I't isn't that bad.(my opinion)

[ramsaur]

I love Star Wars becasue I'm a huge fan of it. I first started liking it in the 1st grade when my aunt gave me the original trilogy and now i'm huge in it i saw episode III midnight yeah Narnia is still an awesome movie. yeah in the old star wars old ben and han solo cursed only in ep. 4 and 5 then no more. But yeah i do see why some parents won't let thier kids watch star wars just because from episode one is all good but we all know he's going to be turn bad so episode 2 shows us some them i was watching a documentary on the news with george lucas speaking answering questions and they reporter asked him is this where anakin turns to the devil and lucas replied with a yes and he described the lava planet as hell because it was anakin there and evil so it fit in then we see him as darth vader and then i don't think some would understand what is really going on in the old trilogys. just episode 3 is the most intence but hey i love star wars i've seen it over 100 times i was reading some other posts about this topic and some were saying something about jar jar dying well no he does not die but i have a video if anyone wants to see him here -->http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMMtZFzNGd4
and i have posted a narnia saber fight up for the forum that has all the sigs and other media in it just look for the topic Video

[Señor Puntos]

Thinking about it, "The Force" could be a metaphor for God. The jedi use The Force (God) for good and reap the benefits. There's about a hundred jedi and about 2 sith. Now, the sith try to use God for destruction (like the terroist muslims) and they pretty much destroy themselves. You could say they're devil worshippers. And at the end of the original trilogy, the one who used The Force for good is the one who's left standing. It's a weak link I know.

[Aravis Kenobi]

Yes, a very weak link.

[Warrior-Poet51088]

To all those who have been saying that there's not a lot of spirituality in the films, I must disagree.

I wrote a paper on the Star Wars films this semester for my Senior-level Honors course, analyzing the films worldview.


Basically, The Force is the Brahman of Budhism; however, Lucas is a New Age Mystic, so he believes that "Atman is Brahman," as opposed to the traditional Budhist phrasing that "Brahman is Atman."


Now, being as I don't have sufficient time to go into detail here, I just wanted to post a reply, and see if any of y'all would like to read my essay.

[inkspot]

Oh definitely. Post the essay, or a link.

[Warrior-Poet51088]

With the qualification in mind that this essay was supposed to be no longer than it is, and that the teacher said we should spend not much more than an hour on it (by which I mean that I wish I could've had more leeway to write a longer, more in-depth paper...), here it is:



A syncretism of the basic tenets of Eastern Pantheistic Monism and New Age thought roams freely throughout the Star Wars universe.

Unlike Eastern Pantheistic Monism, which uncompromisingly challenges basic Western thought, the New Age movement “borrows from every major worldview” (Sire 144), making it easier for Westerners to shift their philosophical paradigm. It appears that George Lucas’ worldview is a composite of Eastern Pantheistic Monism and New Age thought (though the seemingly more Eastern Pantheistic Monistic sentiments expressed in the original trilogy may be due to the fact that the New Age movement was just beginning at the time the films were released). The first two tenets of New Age thought, as expressed by Lucas, permeate every Star Wars movie.

The Jedi of the Star Wars universe are revered as masters of “the force,” a mysterious energy field that can be harnessed to do one’s bidding. This force is within each being, much as the New Age says that “Atman [the individual] is Brahman [the cosmos]” (Sire 146). The force, just like the Brahman of Eastern Pantheistic Monism, is defined as “an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us, it binds the galaxy together.” (A New Hope). However, in the Star Wars galaxy, only some have the ability to tap in to this power—droids cannot, and even some sentient beings are incapable. Supposedly, it is the amount of midichlorians present in one’s body that determines how strong one’s connection to the force is. Just as in Eastern Pantheistic Monism, “Some things are more one than others” (Sire 123); some beings are more force-sensitive than others.

Of course, in his universe, Lucas’ characters know that “reason is not to be trusted” (Sire 120). In the first film, A New Hope, Luke Skywalker is told by his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi that “your eyes can deceive you, don’t trust them…You must learn to act on instinct”(emphasis present in the original). Later in the same film, Obi-Wan tells Luke to switch off his targeting computer on his X-Wing star fighter, and instead, “Let go, Luke.” Luke then makes a shot that is described as “impossible, even for a computer.” This distrust of reason grows stronger in The Empire Strikes Back. In Empire, there are at least three situations wherein a droid calculates the odds of survival as being some astronomical number “to one!” Each time, the heroes overcome the odds, and the droids are mocked for their cowardice.

The third tenet of Eastern Pantheistic Monism is “Many (if not all) roads lead to the One” (Sire 123). This idea is most clearly expressed by Obi-Wan Kenobi’s statement that “Only a Sith deals in absolutes” (The Revenge of the Sith)! Again, his duality becomes clear: He tells Luke that Darth Vader murdered Luke’s father in A New Hope. But in Empire, Luke discovers that Darth Vader is his father. When he confronts Obi-Wan about the issue in The Return of the Jedi, Obi-Wan says, “What I told you is true—from a certain point of view…many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.” In other words, each person’s belief is true—for that person.

The primary goal of the New Age movement is for man “to become the gods that [he] has invoked” (Sire 139). As Yoda says in Empire, “Luminous beings we are, not this crude matter!” What man must do is let go his conscious self to transcend the universe. Qui-Gon Jinn says in Menace, “Always remember: Your focus determines your reality.” If man believes X exists, then for him, it does exist; man creates his reality (Sire 153).

“Physical death is not the end of self…We are not just our physical bodies, says the New Age. Human beings are a unity beyond the body” (Sire 157). In Star Wars, the Jedi’s highest achievement is existing in a transcendental state after death; their spirits are set free from their bodies, and they can travel the width and breadth of the galaxy in an instant…Much like the New Age’s description of “cosmic consciousness” (Sire 155).

Indeed, Star Wars is the embodiment of New Age beliefs; it is so syncretistic it is amazing that the entire paradigm does not fall apart the instant it is challenged: Obi-Wan says “Only a Sith deals in absolutes,” and no one points out that he has just made an absolute statement; Luke is taught to ignore reason, yet Han Solo, notorious for his claim that “Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster[a weapon; the offspring of reason]”(A New Hope), is a hero too. Sire gives the only explanation for how such a paradigm could exist: “It [New Age philosophy] simply ignores” the “dilemmas posed by naturalistic nihilism or Eastern mysticism” (165). If one simply disregards challenges to one’s beliefs, one can believe anything.




[I put the gaps between paragraphs because the tabs I used in the paper didn't transfer]

[Aravis Kenobi]

WOW!!! I have one question though, what is "Sire"? Is it like the Koran for the Islamic faith?

[Warrior-Poet51088]

WOW!!! I have one question though, what is "Sire"? Is it like the Koran for the Islamic faith?


Sorry; Sire is the author of The Universe Next Door, a basic catalogue of worldviews, which was my source for both Eastern Pantheistic Monism and New Age Mysticism.

[Aravis Kenobi]

You haven't by any chance posted on www.killermovies.com have you? I use to post there, and I recognized your avatar from the site. Maybe someone else had the same one.

[Warrior-Poet51088]

Not so much, no...



My avatar is of Will Ferrell in Satudary Night Live's "More Cowbell" skit.

[unleavened]

I would like to say, I fully agree with the others that say you should listen to your parents. But here is my opinion for when you get older and maybe decide to watch the movies.

As movies go I like them pretty well, but I prefer not to get deeply involved with them. I'd rather just regaurd them as a fantasy - realizing of couse that there is alot of spiruality that should not be applied to real life. As long as I know it should stay in the movie it is fine. Then rejoice that our God is not like the force. He is not able to be manipulated for right or wrong. He will always do what is right.

[Aravis Kenobi]

I agree that the "Force" is not really at all related to God or His Son. God can't be manipulated. Thank goodness He's not like that.

[Aravis Kenobi]

Has anyone seen the Science Channel series, "Science of Star Wars?" It's really good, but on one of them (it was a three part miniseries) it talked about, War, Weapons, and the Force. I kind of debated with the TV. I know the difference between the stuff taught in Star Wars and Christianity. I even told my dad that, but my parents still haven't let on that they're gonna let me see them soon.

[Charn_Tim]

what did the miniseries say about the force, that you "debated" with?

[Aravis Kenobi]

Well, it's been so long since I've seen it, but George Lucas said that it existed, which it does in Buddhism and New Age, but not really in the world. There was some other stuff in it too, but I don't remember. And, he tries to mix different religions together which doesn't really work.

[onlymystory]

i found a really good article the other day. i'll have to find it and link it for you. it talked about how lucas tries to combine multiple religions but loses the fundamentals of each one. and it mentioned how the ones he combines don't work with each other anyway. it was pretty interesting.

[Aravis Kenobi]

Thanks. I'd like to read that.

[Aravis Kenobi]

Does anyone else have an argument (or opinion)?

[DifferentFree]

I LOVE STAR WARS! Star Wars is my third Passion [1st, God; 2nd, Music]. I mean, I can see how the spiritual part of it is different from what Christianity teaches, but what fun would fantasy and sci-fi books be if they didn't have unique things like magical powers or 'The Force', so I don't see a probably, how could I? I love Star Wars! tehehehe...

[Aravis Kenobi]

I kind of agree. I know the differences, but basically it's just for fun. I know that George Lucas believes that stuff, but I don't. I still don't understand. I mean, I know my parents want to protect me, but I think I'm old enough to make my own decisions. Hopefully, in a year or so, I'll be able to see them.

[Gryphon]

actually, Jimmy Kickarse wasnt too far off. Anikan Skywalker represents any Christians who fall. He was supposed to be the chosen one. but because of his fear and hatred he became darker and darker slowley killing himself. But he came back and killed the Sith Lord and turned out to really be the chosen one.

we fall and we get up, and we kill filthy dirty Sith Lords :D

[DifferentFree]

Even though that analogy can be applied to Star Wars, it was not in any way the original intent, since Lucas is an athiest.

[Lawrence]

I know GL has in the past tried to describe the "Force" as a combindation of Buddhist and other various Asian concepts of the life force that permeates all existence but he pretty much torpedoed that new age blather by ascribing the "Force" to the mitlichlorians (small cellular thingys) in Episode 1. I really dug the idea of the force from Episodes IV-VI, Obi Wan always struck me as a monk, the Jedi as Knights Templar, etc. (Alec Guinness converted to Catholicism, by the way). I was kind of dissapointed when it was all reduced to biology in that snorefest/Episode IV.

One good thing, Episode IV made "Return of the Jedi" look like Citizen Kane.

Pax,
L

[Gryphon]

Even though that analogy can be applied to Star Wars, it was not in any way the original intent, since Lucas is an athiest.
i know it isnt, but i really dont care. When i see a movie, alot of times i'll see something that makes me think "That has some biblical truths behind it." its not like i expected it to be that way, i just think its cool when i see a movie and am able to relate it back to something. That way i have a little picture of something in my head that helps me remember something about my faith.

[Aravis Kenobi]

I know GL has in the past tried to describe the "Force" as a combindation of Buddhist and other various Asian concepts of the life force that permeates all existence but he pretty much torpedoed that new age blather by ascribing the "Force" to the mitlichlorians (small cellular thingys) in Episode 1. I really dug the idea of the force from Episodes IV-VI, Obi Wan always struck me as a monk, the Jedi as Knights Templar, etc. (Alec Guinness converted to Catholicism, by the way). I was kind of dissapointed when it was all reduced to biology in that snorefest/Episode IV.

One good thing, Episode IV made "Return of the Jedi" look like Citizen Kane.

Pax,
L

One of the things I found weird was when in Empire Strikes Back Luke was on Dagobah, and he fights Darth Vader, and when he cuts his head off, it reveals the face to be Luke's. I didn't know the meaning of this until I went on the website and played a game that described what that meant. It basically meant that if Luke joined the Dark Side, he would become as his father. Now, I've read the script for Episode I, and I kinda found it interesting. They were trying to say that Anakin's mom had Anakin, but yet she didn't sleep with a guy. Now, if you're a true Christian, you would immediately see this as an "allegory" to the virgin birth of Christ. The only virgin that had a baby outside of marriage was Mary. She had the baby of God's will. I don't think that George Lucas fully understand the Christian faith, or anything related to Christianity. Now, to be honest, midichlorians in my opinion can't really possess the power to create human life. Now, cells inside a woman's womb with the help of her husband, forms together to become a baby, but only because God created it that way. I know that sounds like I just said an oxymoron, but I don't know how to word it any other way. I have just one more question, Lawrence, are you a Christian? A born-again Christian? I'm just asking that because from your post it doesn't sound like it.

[inkspot]

i know it isnt, but i really dont care. When i see a movie, alot of times i'll see something that makes me think "That has some biblical truths behind it." its not like i expected it to be that way, i just think its cool when i see a movie and am able to relate it back to something. That way i have a little picture of something in my head that helps me remember something about my faith.
This is a good concept! CS Lewis called these kinds of allusions in non-Christian writing and media to Christian principles "good dreams" which God put in every culture in order to point every culture toward Christ. So while Star Wars' creators may be atheists or New Age, the biblical symbolism they could not avoid putting into the movies actually points us toward Christ, from an unlikely source! These are the universal "good dreams" God gave mankind to direct them toward the Savior.

[Aravis Kenobi]

I don't think I quite understand your post inkspot. Could you explain in simpler terms? Forgive me, I'm blonde.

[SusanoftheSouthernSun]

While a lot of people will say Star Wars it not spiritual, I think people need to look at it for what it is. It is sci-fi, and there is always going to be some sort of magic (in this case, the Force). I am a very big fan of the movies, and while it might not have the same connections to the Bible as Narnia, there is still the underlying good vs. evil as well as some good points that show loyalty.

Also, it is made for enjoyment of viewers. Most movies are.

On top of that, I can think of a number of movies worse than Star Wars in how they take on religion.

[Aravis Kenobi]

Of course, I can too. One for example, is Harry Potter. I won't go into discussion of that. Also, the Davinci code. Like I stated in another post, I didn't capitalize that because I don't have respect for the filmmakers and the authors of the book.

[TimmyofOz]

This is a good concept! CS Lewis called these kinds of allusions in non-Christian writing and media to Christian principles "good dreams" which God put in every culture in order to point every culture toward Christ. So while Star Wars' creators may be atheists or New Age, the biblical symbolism they could not avoid putting into the movies actually points us toward Christ, from an unlikely source! These are the universal "good dreams" God gave mankind to direct them toward the Savior.
Like always inkspot, you make a good point, and very Lewisarian. :)

[inkspot]

I don't think I quite understand your post inkspot. Could you explain in simpler terms? Forgive me, I'm blonde.
LOL! I am, too!

CS Lewis thought many different religions and philosophies had some truth in them: the tranquility of Buddhism and Asian religion is also a promise of Christianity -- God promises to keep us in perfect peace when we keep our minds stayed on Him. The emphasis on righteous living in Islam is also part of Christianity: the Bible says we are called to be a people set apart, and holy. The desire for reincarnation -- to "live again" after death -- of Hinduism is expressed in Christianity as Resurrection and our eternal life with God. So each religion that Christians would call "wrong" on the face do contain elements of truth.

CS Lewis saw this as God's siren call to us, no matter what religion we were born into, or what philosophy we embrace, there is something in each one which points us to the one true faith in Jesus. In myths and pagan religions, such as Druids who had a god who died every fall and was reborn every spring, Lewis called these ideas "good dreams" which permeate all humanity and call each individual to look for the truth of death to sin and resurrection to new life through Christ.

Does this make sense?

So I think even in the Force and the story of Anakin/Vader's fall and redemption, although Lucas may be a New Age guy, we can see glimpses of Christianity. It's one of Lewis' "good dreams."

[Aravis Kenobi]

Yeah. I think I understand it now.

[Aravis Kenobi]

Who else has an opinion? Or argument? Haha.

[SusanoftheSouthernSun]

Of course, I can too. One for example, is Harry Potter. I won't go into discussion of that. Also, the Davinci code. Like I stated in another post, I didn't capitalize that because I don't have respect for the filmmakers and the authors of the book.

I know this is about Star Wars. But I have so many things to say about the DaVinci Code *rolls eyes*. I think that is more harmful than Star Wars or Harry Potter.

[Aravis Kenobi]

My mom finally let me see them a couple of months ago, but I'm not allowed to see Ep. 3 again because of it's dark content. I loved it though.

[inkspot]

My mom finally let me see them a couple of months ago, but I'm not allowed to see Ep. 3 again because of it's dark content. I loved it though.
Woo-hoo! I am glad you got to see them -- the movies are a lot of fun.
:)

[Aravis Kenobi]

You're telling me. I absolutely love them. Victory is what I claimed. J/k. "Victory, you say? Oh no, not victory." :D