Jediism
Jediism is a post-modern religious movement based upon the philosophical and spiritual ideas of the Jedi as depicted in Star Wars media.[1][2]
Philosophy
The Jedi interpret and use the philosophic teachings found in the "Star Wars" stories/films, and other inspirational sources. Not all people who practice Jediism consider it a religious movement; some see it merely as a way of life. In addition to following the examples set in "Star Wars", Jedi practitioners also incorporate such codes as the Code of the Samurai and the Knight's code of Chivalry. [3]
Media coverage
Jediism is often reported on the Internet and in news articles in a negative or satirical way.[4]
In 2008, two members of the Church of Jediism were attacked outside their home by a drunken man dressed as Darth Vader who beat them with a metal crutch, resulting in one of the Jedi to have several stitches.[5][6]
On September 5, 2008 the first wedding ceremony by an ordained Jediism Minister was conducted in the State of Utah.[7]
In politics
- In the drafting of the UK Racial and Religious Hatred Act, an amendment was proposed which specifically excluded Jedi Knights from any protection, alongside Satanists, Scientologists, sexists, racists, and believers in animal or human sacrifice.[8]
- In November 2006, two self-proclaimed Jedi wearing Star Wars-inspired robes and a third person disguised as a Wookiee demanded that the UN change the "International Day of Tolerance" to "Interstellar Day of Tolerance".[9]
- On September 18, 2009, Daniel Jones, co-founder of the Holyhead-based "Church of Jediism" was asked to leave Tesco for refusing to uncover his head in violation of the store's "no hoodie" policy. Jones claimed it was a religious requirement to cover his head in public, and pointed out the burqa was allowed.[10]
- On March 7, 2010, Jediism was excluded in an act protecting other new religious movements such as Scientology from discrimination. A Times report referring to the decision said "beliefs had to be heartfelt".[11]
- On March 17, 2010, Chris Jarvis, a member of the "Church of Jediism" was thrown out of a Jobcentre in Southend, Essex for refusing to remove his hood. He later received a formal apology from the Jobcentre.[12]
See also
References
- ^ Peter Bernard Clarke - New Religions in Global Perspective. Google Books. ISBN 9780415257480. - Accessed 1 June 2010
- ^ Lynne Hume, Kathleen McPhillips - Popular Spiritualities. Google Books. ISBN 9780754639992. - Accessed 1 June 2010
- ^ jedirealism.net/tenets.html - Accessed 18 October 2010
- ^ BBC news The BBC article March 6, 2001 which started the "media incident". - Accessed 1 June 2010
- ^ BBC News - Accessed 1 June 2010
- ^ Fox News - Accessed 1 June 2010
- ^ ksl.com news - Accessed 22 October 2010
- ^ House of commons -- Racial and religious hatred bill Accessed 1 June 2010
- ^ Daily MailSky NewsThe Sun -- self-proclaimed Jedi Umada and Yunyun demand an "Interstellar Day of Tolerance" instead of the UN International Day of Tolerance. Accessed 1 June 2010
- ^ The Sun -- grocery store bans Jedi Knight. Accessed 1 June 2010
- ^ Times Online -- Jediism excluded from discrimination rights. Accessed 1 June 2010
- ^ Daily Mail -- Chris Jarvis thrown out of Jobcentre for wearing his hood. Accessed 1 June 2010
External links
- Church of Jediism - The Church of Jediism
- TOTJO Temple Of The Jedi Order