Paul Berman

5/18/2014
Period 2
Comparative Religion
Jediism
Although inspired by elements of Star Wars, Jediism has no founder or central structure. Early
websites dedicated to drawing a belief system from the Star Wars films were "The Jedi Religion" and
"Jediism". These websites cited the Jedi code, consisting of 21 maxims, as the starting point for a "real
Jedi" belief system. The church stresses its legitimacy as a standalone religion instead of a group of role-
players or fan base of the Star Wars series. The Temple of the Jedi Order, which was registered in 2005
in Texas as a non-profit organization, has promulgated a code, "The 16 Teachings of the Jedi".
The basic beliefs of Jediism are outline well in their websites mission statement
Jedi Believe
In the Force, and in the inherent worth of all life within it.
In the sanctity of the human person. We oppose the use of torture and cruel or unusual punishment,
including the death penalty.
In a society governed by laws grounded in reason and compassion, not in fear or prejudice.
In a society that does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or circumstances of birth such
as gender, ethnicity and national origin.
In the ethic of reciprocity, and how moral concepts are not absolute but vary by culture, religion, and
over time.
In the positive influence of spiritual growth and awareness on society.
In the importance of freedom of conscience and self-determination within religious, political and other
structures.
In the separation of religion and government and the freedoms of speech, association, and expression.
Their religion focuses on the individuality of members as well as a conscious co-existence with
others and for the betterment of themselves instead of salvation through a deity or divinity like
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Honestly it sounds a lot more peaceful and less awful than half the
other religions out there. The Churchs largest texts consist of the 21 Maxims (good Jedi values),
the 16 Teachings (beliefs and lessons), the Creed and the Code. Other texts consist mostly of
informal scriptures and sermons posted to the Churchs official website. There are no main scriptures as
the religion is fairly very new and not formally structured. All scriptures focus on an all encompassing
force intertwined with all life. Different teachings and scriptures outline good virtues and how to live a
good life towards the Force and all things. A good example of the core beliefs of Jediism is shown
through their creed:
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;
To 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.
Instantly I see strong comparisons between Jediism and Buddhism as both dont believe in a
specific deity and more of the idea of salvation through acts of kindness and good wellbeing. Both
religions also have a very relaxed set of membership requirements; one could actively be Buddhist/Jedi
and practice another religion. In this aspect they both posses qualities of philosophies and can be held
while practicing another religion. It also shares a strong similarity with Hinduism; both religions believe
in an encompassing force found in everything. For the Jedis this is literally the Force, for the Hindus
this is Moksha.
Jediism has a loose structure as the Church has no physical buildings or sanctuaries. Most
Temple business is facilitated online through the Temples website www.templeofthejediorder.org.
Members can rise in ranking through lessons created by the Temples senior members called Degree
Schemes.
Structurally The Temple of the Jedi Order provides the opportunity for members to learn and
grow in experience with the support of those who have already dedicated their lives to Jediism. As such,
there is a system of ranking that reflects the development, position and duties of each member within
the Order. There are 4 types of 'ranking' in the Order. These are: 'Statuses', 'Ranks', 'Offices' and 'Clerical
Ranks'. A 'Rank' is related to the amount of study that has been accomplished at the Temple.
A 'Status' is related to the level of rights and responsibilities (some legal) that a member has in the
Temple. An 'Office' is a specific position held by a person that relates to specific tasks and
responsibilities. A 'Clerical Rank' is the level of clerical duty and responsibility that a person has in the
Order. To gain basic status an individual who has completed a valid Application and taken a valid Simple
Oath. A Temple member must be at least thirteen years of age (13) and those under the age of eighteen
(18) must have parental permission to join. A novice is a Temple Member who is currently studying the
Initiate Programme and a Initiate has completed this initiate Programme. An apprentice is a Initiate who
has been accepted by a Teaching Master as their Apprentice. This involves tasks and lessons and it
relies on a good working relationship, dedication and recognition of mutual improvement. An Apprentice
must be at least sixteen years of age (16). A Knight is a Apprentice who has successfully completed their
apprenticeship to the satisfaction of their Teaching Master and the Council. They uphold the principles of
Jediism as defined by the Solemn Vow, and have completed the A.Div level of the degree scheme. They
can take on Apprentices of their own. A Knight must be at least eighteen years of age (18). A senior
Knight is A Knight who has completed the Degree Scheme training to B.Div level. A Master is a Senior
Knight who has successfully taught three apprentices. And a Grand Master is an honorary title bestowed
upon Masters for exceptional dedication and service to the Temple of the Jedi Order. As such it is not
higher than the rank of Master. The Temple of the Jedi Order also has a councel whose purpose is
General Management as well as a Supreme Court to act and decide on appeals. The Council is meant to
provide a sense of direction without inhibiting the latitude and trust each Master, Knight or member
deserves
Important Jedi holidays consist of: March 21 - Day of Recognition - to honour each other and the
bonds between us all (also International Earth Day). May 25 - Jediism Day - to honour Jediism and the
path (also International Jedi Day). September 21 - Day of Harmony - to honour peace and our connection
with the Force (also World Peace Day). October 31 - Memorial Day - to honour those that have passed
back into the Force (also Samhein/Halloween). December 25 - Anniversary Day - to honour the Temple
and its founding (also Christmas Day). December 31 - Day of Reflection - to honour our own past and
future (also New Year's Eve). All Jedi holidays fall parallel to more secular holidays and focus on
nonreligious gratitude and to honor all aspects of life and the Force.
There are no real rites of passage in the Temple besides general studying of Jediism and degree
schemes.
At first my thoughts on the church were disappointed as I was eager to research Mediclorian
counts and the importance of lightsabers but after learning that the religion is a complex vessel for the
betterment of themselves and the world they exist in I guess thats also pretty awesome. In summary
Jediism is unique, I feel portions borrowed from all religions smelted into a non-discriminating and open
ended view on life. The peaceful strive to improve of Buddhism, the study of culture and self of Judaism,
the clerical system of Christianity, the fraternity of Islam, the Omniscience of Hinduism, all in one Star
Wars package.






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