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Christian Wisdom of the Jedi Masters
Written by award-winning radio personality Dick Staub, this compelling book is filled with anecdotes from the Star Wars films that serve as a launching pad into rediscovering authentic Christianity. Christian Wisdom of the Jedi Masters also contains quotes from revered “Jedi Christians” such as Thomas Merton, Teresa of Avila, the Apostle Paul, G. K. Chesterton, and other theologians, mystics, writers, and philosophers. The author sheds new light on the struggles and challenges of living faithfully in postmodern life and offers a reintroduction to what C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien called the “one true myth,” Christianity.
337 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2005
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September 8, 2018
As someone who grew up both in the church and with Star Wars, this book called to me when I saw it in the library's religion section. Mr. Staub (whom I was previously unfamiliar with) does a good job of connecting the wisdom of George Lucas' space opera with Scriptural truth. I've been a Christian since 2003, and this book reminded me of some teachings I'd forgotten! For some, this may not be ideal reading...but, I enjoyed it.
June 8, 2024
A POPULAR BROADCASTER USES “STAR WARS” TO PRESENT CHRISTIANITY
Author Dick Staub wrote in the Introduction to this 2005 book, “A myth is a story that confronts us with the big picture, something transcendent and eternal, and in so doing explains the worldview of a civilization. Luke Skywalker’s life is transformed from quiet desperation to intense meaning when he finds a mentor who helps him identify his mission in the prevailing mythology… In discovering the myth … in which he finds himself, Luke discovers his place in the story.” (Pg. xviii)
He continues, “This book was born during a conversation with a young man named Ed, who described to me his desire to go deeper in his spiritual life as well as his uncertainty about how to make that happen. We had just seen the latest installment of the ‘Star Wars’ prequels, so I restated his issue in that context: ‘It’s like you want to be a “Jedi Christian” and my generation didn’t produce a Yoda.’ I could tell what I said struck a nerve. Like so many in his generation, Ed was raised Christian … but was turned off by the Christianity he saw around him… As we talked I realized that, like Luke Skywalker, Ed and his peers need a mentor, a clarity of mission, and a reintroduction to what C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien called the ‘one true myth,’ Christianity… Likewise, the authentic Christianity I learned in my youth has all but disappeared; who can blame young people for abandoning the pathetic imposter that has taken its place?” (Pg. xix-xx)
He adds, “Christianity if a prevailing myth of Western culture; Star Wars if a prevailing myth of our popular culture. The synergy of the two reveals Christian wisdom seen through the Jedi masters. If you are hungry to discover your true destiny and your place in the cosmic story, then be assured that there are those of us who remember the radical faith and are prepared to pass it on to you, as Yoda passed the Jedi ways on to Luke. You now hold in your hands the secrets of spiritual knowledge, practice, and power, entrusted to me by ‘Jedi Christians’ who have in succession and without fail passed on these sayings of earlier Christians since they were first revealed to humans by God.” (Pg. xx-xxi)
He acknowledges, “In my lifetime the gravitational pull toward the dark side has been strong. Many Christians aspiring to Jedi-like wisdom have been compromised; others have gone into hiding… I pray my first-hand observations of the most powerful and excellent masters, and my tutelage under their wise and holy ways, will be adequate to spark a next generation of Christians to surpass mine, and perhaps match or exceed the wisdom and power of the generations that went before me.”
He explains, “The Jedi seeks to master the use of the Force, to be suffused with and fueled by this potent energy… The light-versus-dark dualism of Jedi lore parallels teachings found in Christian scripture… ‘Jedi Christians’ believe that over and above the opposing forces of light and darkness there is a Lord over all, including the Force. These Christians call this force God… the dark side is not just the opposite of light, but an unequal opponent of God.” (Pg. 4-5)
He observes, “Centuries of wisdom literature teach us that spiritual energy is released only when paired with human belief. From birth our instinct is to believe in a larger, unseen, spiritual world. Many like Han laugh; others like Luke are tempted with disbelief. But most of us are like the father who sought healing for his son from Jesus and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief.’” (Pg. 20)
He notes, “All spiritual traditions acknowledge the seeker’s journey toward the spiritual dimension, but a distinguishing and defining characteristic of the Christian faith is the pursuit of the seeker by the Lord of the Force. Yours is not a one-way quest toward becoming a Jedi in Christian terms; the Lord of the Force is, and has always been, seeking you.” (Pg. 44)
He suggests, “It is a universal spiritual truth that you must first believe in order to see. As if speaking in a riddle, Obi-Way tells Luke, ‘Your eyes can deceive you. Don’t trust them. Stretch out with your feelings.’ The Christian seeking Jedi wisdom understands that faith is more than a feeling; it is ‘the assurance of things hopes for, the conviction of things not seen.’” (Pg. 94-95)
He explains, “Why did Darth Vader leave the Jedi to serve the dark side?... Anakin becomes Darth Vader because he lusts for power. The Jedi knew they could USE the Force… but to aspire to MATCH the unlimited power of the Force was out of the question. No matter how powerful the Jedi were, they knew they could not be omnipotent. So… the Christian … begins by recognizing limitations---namely there is a Lord of the Force and you are not it!” (Pg. 100-101)
He points out, “[George] Lucas edited the new DVD versions to make it clear that Greedo shot first because he did not want Han Solo to be perceived as a murderer. In an interview he said he didn’t see how you could redeem someone who kills in cold blood. Lucas… reveals a concern that some people may be beyond redemption. A certain fatalism can creep into the worldview on display in Star Wars, which seeks the balance of light and darkness, rather than the eradication of darkness… In the Bible (our Jedi Christian manual) we learn that every human can and must be changed and that such a change is possible for anyone.” (Pg. 114-115)
He states, “Paul’s description of the Christian’s armor underscores the necessity of spiritual readiness for men and women… He is writing from a Roman prison and makes allegorical use of the weapons he observes on the typical Roman foot soldier, to whose wrist he would likely have been chained…The Belt of Truth… the Breastplate of Righteousness… the Shield of Faith … the Helmet of Salvation … the Sword of the Spirit.” [Ephesians 6:13-17] (Pg. 142-144)
He acknowledges, “One of the aspiring Jedi’s greatest battles is within her own nature, a fight between the dark side that appeals to her fallenness and the light that can shine through her spiritual nature… As an aspiring Jedi Christian, your spiritual nature can outwrestle the entrapments of the flesh by intentionally avoiding those behaviors from the dark side that entice you… All of this advice is of course, easier given than followed. I may believe in God’s superior power over the dark side, and I may be determined to flee temptation, but…. I am ‘prone to wander and leave the God I love.’ … As you develop an appetite for God and the good, it can displace your appetite for the dark side’s offerings.” (Pg. 166-168)
He says, “A Jedi’s choices and beliefs can lead to that same dissonance and isolation from the surrounding culture, and just as ethnic immigrants seek each other out to speak the language, eat the foods, share the values of their true homeland, so Christians will be comforted and encouraged by intentional relationships with others in whom a camaraderie born of oneness in Jesus Christ can be found.” (Pg. 198-199)
He notes, “The system of passing Jedi wisdom from one generation to the next relied on cooperative relationships between older Jedi masters and younger aspiring Jedi. Inevitably tensions arose between young and old, as in the case of Obi-Wan and Yoda questioning the readiness of Anakin and Luke… Because the kingdom of God relies on older Jedi like Paul to pass faith on to younger apprentices such as Timothy, it is imperative that young and old learn to respect each other.” (Pg. 244-246)
This is an excellent use of the Star Wars films to present characteristics of the Christian message; it will be “must reading” for Christians who also enjoy the Star Wars sagas.
Author Dick Staub wrote in the Introduction to this 2005 book, “A myth is a story that confronts us with the big picture, something transcendent and eternal, and in so doing explains the worldview of a civilization. Luke Skywalker’s life is transformed from quiet desperation to intense meaning when he finds a mentor who helps him identify his mission in the prevailing mythology… In discovering the myth … in which he finds himself, Luke discovers his place in the story.” (Pg. xviii)
He continues, “This book was born during a conversation with a young man named Ed, who described to me his desire to go deeper in his spiritual life as well as his uncertainty about how to make that happen. We had just seen the latest installment of the ‘Star Wars’ prequels, so I restated his issue in that context: ‘It’s like you want to be a “Jedi Christian” and my generation didn’t produce a Yoda.’ I could tell what I said struck a nerve. Like so many in his generation, Ed was raised Christian … but was turned off by the Christianity he saw around him… As we talked I realized that, like Luke Skywalker, Ed and his peers need a mentor, a clarity of mission, and a reintroduction to what C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien called the ‘one true myth,’ Christianity… Likewise, the authentic Christianity I learned in my youth has all but disappeared; who can blame young people for abandoning the pathetic imposter that has taken its place?” (Pg. xix-xx)
He adds, “Christianity if a prevailing myth of Western culture; Star Wars if a prevailing myth of our popular culture. The synergy of the two reveals Christian wisdom seen through the Jedi masters. If you are hungry to discover your true destiny and your place in the cosmic story, then be assured that there are those of us who remember the radical faith and are prepared to pass it on to you, as Yoda passed the Jedi ways on to Luke. You now hold in your hands the secrets of spiritual knowledge, practice, and power, entrusted to me by ‘Jedi Christians’ who have in succession and without fail passed on these sayings of earlier Christians since they were first revealed to humans by God.” (Pg. xx-xxi)
He acknowledges, “In my lifetime the gravitational pull toward the dark side has been strong. Many Christians aspiring to Jedi-like wisdom have been compromised; others have gone into hiding… I pray my first-hand observations of the most powerful and excellent masters, and my tutelage under their wise and holy ways, will be adequate to spark a next generation of Christians to surpass mine, and perhaps match or exceed the wisdom and power of the generations that went before me.”
He explains, “The Jedi seeks to master the use of the Force, to be suffused with and fueled by this potent energy… The light-versus-dark dualism of Jedi lore parallels teachings found in Christian scripture… ‘Jedi Christians’ believe that over and above the opposing forces of light and darkness there is a Lord over all, including the Force. These Christians call this force God… the dark side is not just the opposite of light, but an unequal opponent of God.” (Pg. 4-5)
He observes, “Centuries of wisdom literature teach us that spiritual energy is released only when paired with human belief. From birth our instinct is to believe in a larger, unseen, spiritual world. Many like Han laugh; others like Luke are tempted with disbelief. But most of us are like the father who sought healing for his son from Jesus and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief.’” (Pg. 20)
He notes, “All spiritual traditions acknowledge the seeker’s journey toward the spiritual dimension, but a distinguishing and defining characteristic of the Christian faith is the pursuit of the seeker by the Lord of the Force. Yours is not a one-way quest toward becoming a Jedi in Christian terms; the Lord of the Force is, and has always been, seeking you.” (Pg. 44)
He suggests, “It is a universal spiritual truth that you must first believe in order to see. As if speaking in a riddle, Obi-Way tells Luke, ‘Your eyes can deceive you. Don’t trust them. Stretch out with your feelings.’ The Christian seeking Jedi wisdom understands that faith is more than a feeling; it is ‘the assurance of things hopes for, the conviction of things not seen.’” (Pg. 94-95)
He explains, “Why did Darth Vader leave the Jedi to serve the dark side?... Anakin becomes Darth Vader because he lusts for power. The Jedi knew they could USE the Force… but to aspire to MATCH the unlimited power of the Force was out of the question. No matter how powerful the Jedi were, they knew they could not be omnipotent. So… the Christian … begins by recognizing limitations---namely there is a Lord of the Force and you are not it!” (Pg. 100-101)
He points out, “[George] Lucas edited the new DVD versions to make it clear that Greedo shot first because he did not want Han Solo to be perceived as a murderer. In an interview he said he didn’t see how you could redeem someone who kills in cold blood. Lucas… reveals a concern that some people may be beyond redemption. A certain fatalism can creep into the worldview on display in Star Wars, which seeks the balance of light and darkness, rather than the eradication of darkness… In the Bible (our Jedi Christian manual) we learn that every human can and must be changed and that such a change is possible for anyone.” (Pg. 114-115)
He states, “Paul’s description of the Christian’s armor underscores the necessity of spiritual readiness for men and women… He is writing from a Roman prison and makes allegorical use of the weapons he observes on the typical Roman foot soldier, to whose wrist he would likely have been chained…The Belt of Truth… the Breastplate of Righteousness… the Shield of Faith … the Helmet of Salvation … the Sword of the Spirit.” [Ephesians 6:13-17] (Pg. 142-144)
He acknowledges, “One of the aspiring Jedi’s greatest battles is within her own nature, a fight between the dark side that appeals to her fallenness and the light that can shine through her spiritual nature… As an aspiring Jedi Christian, your spiritual nature can outwrestle the entrapments of the flesh by intentionally avoiding those behaviors from the dark side that entice you… All of this advice is of course, easier given than followed. I may believe in God’s superior power over the dark side, and I may be determined to flee temptation, but…. I am ‘prone to wander and leave the God I love.’ … As you develop an appetite for God and the good, it can displace your appetite for the dark side’s offerings.” (Pg. 166-168)
He says, “A Jedi’s choices and beliefs can lead to that same dissonance and isolation from the surrounding culture, and just as ethnic immigrants seek each other out to speak the language, eat the foods, share the values of their true homeland, so Christians will be comforted and encouraged by intentional relationships with others in whom a camaraderie born of oneness in Jesus Christ can be found.” (Pg. 198-199)
He notes, “The system of passing Jedi wisdom from one generation to the next relied on cooperative relationships between older Jedi masters and younger aspiring Jedi. Inevitably tensions arose between young and old, as in the case of Obi-Wan and Yoda questioning the readiness of Anakin and Luke… Because the kingdom of God relies on older Jedi like Paul to pass faith on to younger apprentices such as Timothy, it is imperative that young and old learn to respect each other.” (Pg. 244-246)
This is an excellent use of the Star Wars films to present characteristics of the Christian message; it will be “must reading” for Christians who also enjoy the Star Wars sagas.
August 16, 2018
Dick uses the template of the Jedi code and the plot of the origin trilogy to give insight on all matters of Christian subjects. He mentions how he feels as if "his generation" has failed to pass on wisdom that all Christians should learn. A very good book for Christians that are young in their faith or for aspiring Christians who want more information on what they might be getting themselves in to. Very scripturally based and I recommend to all of my friends whether fellow believers or not.
March 17, 2017
While well intentioned, it unfortunately flounders. After a strong beginning, returning Christianity to its eastern foundation from its western exile, and somewhat successfully establishing "the Lord of the Force", the metaphor ultimately breaks down.
In the metaphor, the Force, obviously inspired by Buddhist and Taoist philosophy, is actually under the rule of God, the Lord of the Force. When addressing spiritual hunger, this works, but when confronted with the dual nature of the Force, Light and Dark, it falls apart.
It's also frustratingly inconsistent. In one chapter he uses Vader as a metaphor for Satan, but in another as an example how no one is too evil to be saved. He also reveals a lack of depth in his knowledge of Star Wars on which the metaphor is based which furthers the confusion.
Ultimately, I can only recommend the first couple chapters as resource for dealing with Star Wars fan seekers. I would not however recommend it to those seekers themselves.
In the metaphor, the Force, obviously inspired by Buddhist and Taoist philosophy, is actually under the rule of God, the Lord of the Force. When addressing spiritual hunger, this works, but when confronted with the dual nature of the Force, Light and Dark, it falls apart.
It's also frustratingly inconsistent. In one chapter he uses Vader as a metaphor for Satan, but in another as an example how no one is too evil to be saved. He also reveals a lack of depth in his knowledge of Star Wars on which the metaphor is based which furthers the confusion.
Ultimately, I can only recommend the first couple chapters as resource for dealing with Star Wars fan seekers. I would not however recommend it to those seekers themselves.
July 25, 2021
Fascinating mixture of Star Wars, Christianity, & storytelling. Quick read. Thought provoking.
February 23, 2014
Let me begin by saying that I am a big Dick Staub fan. I enjoyed his radio interviews, I am a faithful listener to his podcasts and I greatly admire his work with The Kindlings Muse. Our paths have crossed a few times as well and I've always enjoyed those conversations. I am also a big Star Wars fan (check out my book list for proof).
So it is disappointing to report that this book is sub-par. Staub's premise here is that there is a generation of spiritual seekers and young Christians who are dying to receive wisdom from previous heroes of the faith. These people want to learn from "Jedi Christians" who can teach them the Way.
The book then walks the young Padawan learner (who is presumably first a Seeker and who then becomes an actual Christian believer) through a series of 41 short chapters about the Way of Christ. Staub tries hard to connect ideas from the five (at the time) Star Wars movies to his larger theological points. Some of the connections are obvious to the point of being trite, others work OK and still others are stretched so thin you think the tenuous connection will snap at any moment. It didn't help that I found myself in complete disagreement with a couple of the theological points. In the end I found this book flat and unappealing, even when I agreed with the point Staub was making in a particular chapter. Perhaps if I as spiritually seeking and not already steeped in a Christian tradition, I would find this book more compelling.
I don't disagree with the notion that there is a lack of quality leadership in the Christian church today. Nor do I disagree that young people of faith or even those who are not religious are crying out for role models. But I think that what they want is authenticity. This book feels like an attempt to develop that authenticity and rapport through pop culture. It comes across as a little cheesy and perhaps a bit fake. It's too bad, because I know Dick cares deeply about this stuff. He can do better.
Check out his book "Too Christian, Too Pagan" instead.
So it is disappointing to report that this book is sub-par. Staub's premise here is that there is a generation of spiritual seekers and young Christians who are dying to receive wisdom from previous heroes of the faith. These people want to learn from "Jedi Christians" who can teach them the Way.
The book then walks the young Padawan learner (who is presumably first a Seeker and who then becomes an actual Christian believer) through a series of 41 short chapters about the Way of Christ. Staub tries hard to connect ideas from the five (at the time) Star Wars movies to his larger theological points. Some of the connections are obvious to the point of being trite, others work OK and still others are stretched so thin you think the tenuous connection will snap at any moment. It didn't help that I found myself in complete disagreement with a couple of the theological points. In the end I found this book flat and unappealing, even when I agreed with the point Staub was making in a particular chapter. Perhaps if I as spiritually seeking and not already steeped in a Christian tradition, I would find this book more compelling.
I don't disagree with the notion that there is a lack of quality leadership in the Christian church today. Nor do I disagree that young people of faith or even those who are not religious are crying out for role models. But I think that what they want is authenticity. This book feels like an attempt to develop that authenticity and rapport through pop culture. It comes across as a little cheesy and perhaps a bit fake. It's too bad, because I know Dick cares deeply about this stuff. He can do better.
Check out his book "Too Christian, Too Pagan" instead.
March 28, 2017
The book got a lot of bad reviews, but I didn't think it was terrible. It wasn't earth shattering in its message, but it did remind me of some key elements of Christian life that I had forgotten. The main thing to realize is this is NOT A STAR WARS book...it is a Christian Living book.
I'm not a die hard fan of Star Wars. The movies are entertaining, but to show my level of knowledge...I can't even remember what movie the Battle on Hoth was in. I remember it was a cool battle with walking tanks, but that's about it. So going into the book, I definitely couldn't harass it for its lack of true Star Wars lore and all that. But that's not the driver of the book. Once you realize it is a Christian Book with a little Star Wars sprinkled in and not a Star Wars book with a little Bible thrown in, the book made sense and flowed easy enough.
It was an easy read and again, nothing earth shattering. However, I jotted down some notes and reminders of things I had let drift out of my mind. So read it for what it is and it shouldn't let you down.
I'm not a die hard fan of Star Wars. The movies are entertaining, but to show my level of knowledge...I can't even remember what movie the Battle on Hoth was in. I remember it was a cool battle with walking tanks, but that's about it. So going into the book, I definitely couldn't harass it for its lack of true Star Wars lore and all that. But that's not the driver of the book. Once you realize it is a Christian Book with a little Star Wars sprinkled in and not a Star Wars book with a little Bible thrown in, the book made sense and flowed easy enough.
It was an easy read and again, nothing earth shattering. However, I jotted down some notes and reminders of things I had let drift out of my mind. So read it for what it is and it shouldn't let you down.
April 6, 2009
I've always like Dick Staub's interviews & commentary online - he's one of the better guys writing on media & Christianity - so I'm saddened to report that his book on the Star Wars saga & Christianity doesn't seem to have any real spark or life to it. In fact, it reads like a knock-off youth devotional book, which is not what I expected.
It's written in short chapters illuminating simple points about the faith... there's nothing theologically wrong with any of it and the writing isn't bad - it's just not inspiring. After reading about 1/3 of the book, I can't remember any particular point that stood out ot me.
It's written in short chapters illuminating simple points about the faith... there's nothing theologically wrong with any of it and the writing isn't bad - it's just not inspiring. After reading about 1/3 of the book, I can't remember any particular point that stood out ot me.
July 13, 2013
Normally, I wouldn't give a book like this a second glance. However, Dick Staub is a well-reputed critic of popular culture and its intersections with Christianity. Plus, I really like Star Wars....
In any case, I did actually enjoy this very quick read. Staub draws references from many sources, including Soren Kierkegaard, Thomas Merton, and Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, and I enjoyed his ability to synthesize these voices. The tie-ins to the Star Wars mythology were decent, though cheesy at times (God is frequently referred to as 'Lord of the Force....yikes...) but if you are a Star Wars junkie, and if you can stomach those moments, this is a fun book to rip through.
In any case, I did actually enjoy this very quick read. Staub draws references from many sources, including Soren Kierkegaard, Thomas Merton, and Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, and I enjoyed his ability to synthesize these voices. The tie-ins to the Star Wars mythology were decent, though cheesy at times (God is frequently referred to as 'Lord of the Force....yikes...) but if you are a Star Wars junkie, and if you can stomach those moments, this is a fun book to rip through.
August 31, 2015
In an effort to save time for everyone else I'm going to simply say don't read this book. the attempts to relate the mythology of star wars to biblical scripture is half-assed at best and no subject/chapter goes deeper than a handful of pages. I could not stand to finish this book. At the half way point I simply stopped reading. I am a fan of star wars and the bible but if i recommend reading anything I'd say pick up a good ESV readers bible and any of the almost countless number of star wars books to get your fill of both.
August 17, 2015
I found that this book made a very weak effort of connecting ideas in Star Wars with Christian ideas. The comparisons felt very superficial, and I don't think I really got much of anything from reading it. I give it two stars instead of one, because I think someone else probably could get something from it, but I don't think it really provides what the title promises.
March 14, 2015
Surprisingly thoughtful approach to the Star Wars series. Uses the films as a jumping point into deeper theological reflection, including frequent references to great Christian thinkers like Augustine and Kierkegaard.
October 29, 2009
I didn't have any objections to this book - but I would say it's written for someone familiar with Star Wars and not so familiar with Chrsitianity. For me, it didn't have any great new insights into either one....or the relationships between them.
September 15, 2014
It's taken me nearly a year to read this book, and it took all the discipline I had to finish it. He had a couple insightful things to say, but overall very dead, not very profound, and quite redundant. I'm mostly just relieved I can finally put it away now.
January 27, 2013
A great extrapolation of the underlying currents of Christianity within Lucas' fabricated Order, though at times seems evangelistic. Still, worth spending a few moments with in order to apply fiction to reality, and vise versa.
November 5, 2011
It was good. I enjoyed the correlations. I was reminded of several truths n challenged in a few areas too. I'd recommend to any jedi lover n lover of the Lord of the force.
February 15, 2013
Interesting approach to Christianity. One thing Staub overlooks is that Jedi religion is more a yin/yang light-force/dark/force impersonal god.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews