The Code

In my simple view of the world, the Jedi Code*, or philosophy, is amazingly close to the tenets of the faith called out in the Bible.  In discussing the parallels with my close circle of friends, my one non-Star Wars friend (who happens to be a devout Christian) wanted to see if she was getting the philosophy correct...in her own words, that is.  Below, each idea of the philosophy is listed first in bold, followed with my friend's paraphrase in italics.  Further, I have searched the Scriptures to find commands or verses corresponding to each idea.  An interesting search it has been.

[*This is one form of the Jedi Code.  There are others that fit equally as well with Scripture.]

Jedi respect each other, and all other life forms.

Respect all of G-d's creation

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it. (Psalm 24:1)

Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear G-d, honor the king. (1 Peter 2:7)

**

Jedi must put the needs of the community 
above the needs of individuals.

 Love your neighbor and put the needs of others above your own.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40)

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  (Philippians 2:3-4)

**

A Jedi must protect the weak and defenseless from evil.

Care for G-d's children, the weak, the widows, etc.

"Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow."  (Isaiah 1:17)

**

Jedi must always cooperate in battle or crisis.

Stand for what's right and don't walk away from a fight 
that G-d has called us to.

To do what is right and just
   is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. (Proverbs 21:3)

Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life
to which you were called,and you made the good confession
in the presence of many witnesses. (Timothy 6:12)

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

**

Jedi must not have wants; self-reliance must be shown.

Use the wisdom G-d has given us to stand for ourselves.

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor." (Exodus 20:17)

And my G-d will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Messiah Yeshua.  (Philippians 4:19)

“But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing
in himself alone, and not in another.
For every man shall bear his own burden.” (Galatians 6:4–5).

**

Jedi are forbidden from ruling others.

No one is better than another.

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free,
nor is there male and female,
for you are all one in Messiah Yeshua. (Galatians 3:28) 

**

A Jedi does not cling to the past.

Forgive and move on.

He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love,
but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends. (Proverbs 17: 9)

The Jedi Code or philosophy is fictional, created in the mind of George Lucas and elaborated upon by every science-fiction author that has been privileged to add to the 'galaxy far, far away'.  As in everything, I take what is good and jettison the junk (as does everyone in everything, I presume).  But, those ideas listed above are foundational not only to the fictional Jedi, but to those that are believers in the Most High.   The ideas of self-sacrifice, service, goodwill towards all, forgiveness and respect are not unique to the Jedi alone.

In a blog post I found on StarWars.com, I found that I'm not the only one who holds this view:

"The part in Episode III that gets me the most is how right on Anakin is when he says, "the Jedi are selfless, they only care about others." In Philippians 2:3-4 Paul writes: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others".  Paul says that's the attitude Christ Jesus had during his ministry on Earth and as Christians ...we ought to have the same."

I guess that is my bottom line, my definition of a Jedi - one who acts righteously and gives selflessly to others, as much as humanly possible.  This is not always easy; in fact, it usually is not easy at all.  However, it is my heart's cry to make those around me feel wanted and needed, to support them to the best of my ability, to love them unconditionally and to walk beside them as they navigate the difficult situations in life.  To me, that is what it means to act as a believer and what it means to be a Jedi.

So, does this mean that I have a "Jedi world view' or a 'Biblical world view'?  Well, perhaps it's not an either-or...in good Hebrew fashion, perhaps it's a both-and.

Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy (read community).

Jedi use their powers (read abilities) to defend and to protect.

Jedi respect all life, in any form (regardless of gender or station).

Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy (again, read community).

Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.  

'Nuff said.


ps.  A special thanks to my good friend and sister, Laura, for her unique interpretation of the Jedi philosophy.  The Force (of HaShem) is strong in you!