Written Analysis 2

There are many rituals that we see in the “Star Wars” franchise.  If you seen any of the films, you would easily pick up on them.  One would even think the Jedi as even religious based.

One obvious ritual in “Star Wars” is the Force.  The Force is very religious based.  Some might relate the Force to “God.”  As Obi-Wan Kenobi states in Episode IV, “The Force is what gives a Jedi his power.  It’s an energy field created by all living things.  It surrounds us and penetrates us.  It binds the galaxy together.”  If you are sensitive to it, you could use it.  There is also a good side and evil side to it.  A light side and dark side.  The character of Yoda has stated several things about it.  In Episode V he says, “For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is.  Life creates it, makes it grow.  Its energy surrounds us and binds us.”  In Episode I, Yoda also made a statement about what causes some Jedi to go to the dark side of the Force.  “Fear is the path to the dark side.  Fear leads to anger.  Anger leads to hate.  Hate leads to suffering.”  

Another obvious ritual is the light sabers.  To me, this is considered a ritual because a Jedi’s right to passage is his light saber.  Only the Jedi have one, and the colors of them are significant in themselves.  Only the Sith (who are the dark side of the Force). have red lightsabers which signify anger, hatred, and power.  The Jedi Knights have blue and green lightsabers.  Blue signifies justice and protection.  The ones who use these are protectors and fighters for the light side.  The green ones are used by the Jedi who would rather negotiate or meditate to fix a problem instead of fighting.

Other rituals we see are Jedi training and meditation.  Jedi training is what teaches Jedis how to use the powers of the Force.  Meditation is similar to prayer.  And Jedis seem to get answers they need when they meditate.

I have gained much insight from applying the ritual theory to “Star Wars.”  As a Christian man, I see many similarities to these rituals and Christianity.  God is my force.  God is why I am who I am today.  God is why I have done well in school the past couple years, and why I have a better outlook on life right now.  Studying the bible, and a better understanding of what Jesus did is my training.  However, I have seen people choose a darker path in life and nothing good comes from it.  They would rather spit on you instead of being kind to you. I used to follow that path as well and was in very sad shape.  I have also seen prayers answered when people pray.  Some even considered miracles!