Jediism

http://www.templeofthejediorder.org/

Jediism (or Jedism) is not actually technically a religion. It has no official doctrine, which is one of the components of a true religion. Jediism itself however is very proud of the fact that it is an auxiliary religion, hinging on following the Jedi Creed (based on the Prayer of Saint Francis) and generally being a good person rather than an institution with a complicated hierarchy. They are not delusional or roleplaying. Instead, the idea is that they are working towards a world that is peaceful and diverse and recognizes the worth of each human.

All Christians are Jedis. All Muslims are Jedis. All Buddhists are Jedis. All people of any religion that is real (real defined as follows the 7 dimensions of religion) are most likely adhering to Jedi beliefs and that is the thing I like best about Jediism. Whatever your particular religion, it is probably about acceptance and love and peace. Unless you are a Viking from the 1100s, you have probably grown up with teachings that urge you to be peaceful, tolerant, and loving for all people. So, if you are a faithful Christian/Muslim/Jew/Buddhist/Hindu/Taoist/Jain/Sikh/Zoroastrian/I-ran-out-of-religions-I-could-think-of-off-the-top-of-my-head and not an extremist, you are probably already following the Jedi Way. All that's left is to take the Jedi Creed. I know I am a proud Jedi! :)

The Jedi 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.

Note: The creed has been adapted from the prayer of Francis of Assisi.

Introduction: Religion

Hello! I’m Meg Szydlik. I’m a student and this blog is for my sociology class. My topic is Religion. I’ve decided to explore all the different religions in the world, the serious ones and the more fun ones. The most important thing to understand about religion (I think) is the difference between a legitimate religion and a cult, which can be determined using the 7 Dimensions of Religion (Shout out to DLong!). I won’t get too in depth, but all religions that I will put on this blog will have these seven parts. Number one is doctrine, which is the set of documents and beliefs that the religion is based on, like the Bible. Number two is a community that is founded on the doctrine, like a church. Number three is ritual, such as a baptism. Number four is myths, like the creation story or the legends of some saints (like Saint George). Number five is the materials that have meaning for the community, such as the crucifix or rosary. Number six is the ethical dimension and how being in the religion changes the individual for the better and allows them to grow and become an individual. And the seventh and final dimension is the experiential (not experimental, experiential) which allows for change because it opens the religion up to outside influences to be challenged. Overall, I will be focusing on real religions that are out there and have all seven dimensions. This does not mean my posts will be serious! I will be looking at a different religion every week and believe me there are some pretty crazy ones out there. In fact, my first article is going to be exploring a religion based on a movie set in a galaxy far, far away…