New Age Theology and Star Wars

QUESTION: New Age Theology – Star Wars

ANSWER:

In the 1977 original episode of Star Wars, Obi-wan Kenobi explains the nature of the god-force as he tells Luke Skywalker, “The Force is what gives the Jedi his power. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us and binds the galaxy together.” In four other scenes throughout the film, Obi-wan gives Luke additional information about the Force.

New Age Theology – The Empire Strikes Back
During an extended scene in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Yoda, the Jedi master, takes Luke as an apprentice and instructs him more fully in the ways of the Force. In true guru fashion, Yoda tells Luke, “For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life breeds it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the force around you, here between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes, even between land and ship.” Talk about the Force takes place in other scenes throughout the Star Wars series, providing a comprehensive initiation into New Age theology.

Notes:

Rendered with permission from the book,Understanding the Times: The Collision of Today’s Competing Worldviews(Rev. 2^nd ed), David Noebel, Summit Press, 2006. Compliments of John Stonestreet, David Noebel, and the Christian Worldview Ministry at Summit Ministries. All rights reserved in the original.