Star Wars Films: Moral & Spiritual Issues

Explore Star Wars' deep moral and spiritual themes: the Force, light vs. dark, and faith. Compare to classic literature!

Through all the episodes there is the subject of the Force. What do you think it means? J.K. Rowling George Lucas Robert Louis Stevenson George Orwell In regards to the statement above regarding Star Wars, write your response to how the Star Wars Series compares to such literary works as Gatsby, Dante, etc.... The Force by Jimmy Akin Among all the moral problems of the Star Wars series, this is the big one. More Christians will object to the series on this ground than on any other.According to the rules established in the films, "the Force" is an energy field generated by all living beings, and "binds the galaxy together." For at least some gifted individuals, the Force is a source of both power and guidance, by which properly trained adepts can achieve startling effects: Objects can be made to levitate or fly through the air, and distant locations or the future can be seen.More problematically, the Force appears to be morally polarized, with a "light side" and a "dark side." The light side (connected with good, peace, and self-defense) is the power of the Jedi, and the dark side (connected with evil, anger, and aggression) is the power of their enemies, the Sith. On a couple of occasions, the study of the Force by both Jedis and Sith is referred to as a "religion" — though only in the first film, and only in a disparaging way, by skeptical individuals.In Episode V, Jedi master Yoda denies that the dark side of the Force is stronger than the light side; but he does not declare the light side stronger, leaving open the possibility that the two are of equal strength and that the Force is fundamentally dualistic.Here is the straight skinny on the Force: In interviews George Lucas has explained that the Force is a symbol for all that is unseen in the universe. The light side is essentially a symbol for God — the unseen Power of good — while the dark side is a symbol for the forces of evil.According to Lucas, the Jedi exhortation to "Use the Force" essentially means "Make a leap of faith" (or "Trust God"). The phrase "May the Force be with you," of course, is clearly evocative of "May God be with you." The connection between God and the Force (or its light side) was strengthened in Episode I with the introduction of the concepts of "the living Force" and even "the will of the Force."On the other hand, certain aspects of the way the Force is presented make an application to God more remote and difficult. In Episode IV, Ben Kenobi tells Luke that the Force partially "controls your actions" but also "obeys your commands" — neither of which literally applies to God’s interactions with us. The phrase "Use the Force" as a metaphor for "Make a leap of faith" or "Trust God" is less transparent than other phrases Lucas might have used (e.g., "Trust the Force"; "Open yourself to the Force"; etc.). Also, the series’ lone explicit theistic reference — "Thank the Maker," uttered in the original film by C-3PO — has no connection with the Force.Of course one must remember that the Force (or the light side of the Force) is only symbolic of God, not a direct allegory. Still, these clearly non-theistic elements make it harder for viewers to make the connection between God and the Force. The connection may still be obvious to scholars of mythology and to literary critics, but not to the average audience member.Most unfortunately of all, the films do not establish the light side as intrinsically stronger than (or different in origin from) the dark side, so good and evil can come across as equal in strength and origin. As a result, many people reasonably came away from the first Star Wars trilogy regarding the force as a New-Age mystical energy field balanced between good and evil, comparable to the yin-yang balance of Taoism. (This perception may be strengthened as a result of another development from Episode I — a still-ambiguous prophecy about bringing "balance to the Force" — though the fulfillment of this prophecy seems to involve the triumph of good over evil.)In any case, all these concepts are likely to whiz over the heads of most children, who will most likely view "the Force" in essentially the same way they would the fantasy magic in The Wizard of Oz and similar stories. Still, some Christian parents may not wish their children to watch a movie series that depicts a Force — whatever its deep symbolic meaning — in such a non-Christian way on the surface. Based on the reading above, enter the word that best fits the sentence. May the Forcebe with you.According to Lucas, the use of the phrase throughout the movie is the Jedi exhortation to essentially make a leapof faith or place Trustin God.The Force (i.e. the light side) is considered symbolicof God not an allegory.Unfortunately, viewers may come away from the trilogy regarding the Force as a type of NewAgemystical energy field balanced between good and evil. After having read the opposing viewpoints, Qui Gon speaks of following the will of the living force. Does this sound like the Force is only energy, or is it more like a Person? Whose will do you think Qui-Gon is talking about?" Identify the Characters Click on the image and write the corresponding name of the Star Wars character. If unsure, leave it blank or make an educated guess. Princess Leia Luke Skywalker Han Solo C3PO Darth Vader Yoda Obi Wan Kenobi Darth Maul Rey