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Finding God in a Galaxy Far, Far Away: A Spiritual Exploration of the Star Wars Saga
Nothing in Your Life Is Ordinary
Your present world isn’t supposed to be this small. You were made for something much bigger. And no, you don’t have to be an astronaut, or even a Star Wars fan, to live it. Finding God in a Galaxy Far, Far Away is not about space travel, or even a movie. It’s about rediscovering your sense of wonder—something we adults have successfully squelched from our everyday lives. But God never meant it to be that way. Timothy Jones, by way of an astounding, eye-opening study of the spiritual parallels found in the Star Wars saga, will make you a kid again. You’ll be marveling at the mysterious, laughing anew at life’s “coincidences,” and remembering above all the Creator for which you were made.
May the True Force Be with You
Remember when Star Wars first captured your imagination? How your longing for adventure propelled you to distant worlds and transformed you into a Jedi knight faster than you could say, “Luke, I am your father”?
This same longing, once sparked by John Williams’s triumphant score and fanned by Darth Vader’s sweeping black cape, is your ticket to life’s greatest adventure.
Join Timothy Paul Jones on an astounding, eye-opening exploration of the spiritual themes in the Star Wars saga and the truth will become Like young Luke Skywalker, you were also made for more— much more.
Rediscover awe. Revel in the wonder of every moment. And pursue all you were meant to be. It is your destiny.
"The Force is strong with this one. I could not recommend it more."
Joshua Griffin, Editor/Owner, TheForce.Net
Manager, Purpose Driven Youth Ministry
“If you own a lightsaber—or a Bible—you’re sure to benefit from reading his book.”
Kevin Miller, author and reviewer
HollywoodJesus.com
“‘Awe-some’ reading that both delights and challenges us. A fun and thoughtful book for Christians who consider and enjoy popular culture and media.”
Robert W. Pazmino
Valeria Stone Professor of Christian Education, Andover Newton Theological School
Story Behind the Book
“The night I first saw Star Wars from the backseat of my parents’ Ford Pinto was the first night I experienced awe. It sent me on a quest that continues today. There is, in every one of us, a longing to touch ‘the forever,’ to sense the magnitude of the vastness in which we live. This universal longing explains why we ride roller coasters and tell scary stories. This universal longing for awe also explains why, after nearly thirty years, the popularity of the Star Wars saga shows no sign of subsiding. I wrote this book to inspire readers to relish awe and wonder because God did not only create us to long for awe, but also to live in it!”
—Timothy Jones
Your present world isn’t supposed to be this small. You were made for something much bigger. And no, you don’t have to be an astronaut, or even a Star Wars fan, to live it. Finding God in a Galaxy Far, Far Away is not about space travel, or even a movie. It’s about rediscovering your sense of wonder—something we adults have successfully squelched from our everyday lives. But God never meant it to be that way. Timothy Jones, by way of an astounding, eye-opening study of the spiritual parallels found in the Star Wars saga, will make you a kid again. You’ll be marveling at the mysterious, laughing anew at life’s “coincidences,” and remembering above all the Creator for which you were made.
May the True Force Be with You
Remember when Star Wars first captured your imagination? How your longing for adventure propelled you to distant worlds and transformed you into a Jedi knight faster than you could say, “Luke, I am your father”?
This same longing, once sparked by John Williams’s triumphant score and fanned by Darth Vader’s sweeping black cape, is your ticket to life’s greatest adventure.
Join Timothy Paul Jones on an astounding, eye-opening exploration of the spiritual themes in the Star Wars saga and the truth will become Like young Luke Skywalker, you were also made for more— much more.
Rediscover awe. Revel in the wonder of every moment. And pursue all you were meant to be. It is your destiny.
"The Force is strong with this one. I could not recommend it more."
Joshua Griffin, Editor/Owner, TheForce.Net
Manager, Purpose Driven Youth Ministry
“If you own a lightsaber—or a Bible—you’re sure to benefit from reading his book.”
Kevin Miller, author and reviewer
HollywoodJesus.com
“‘Awe-some’ reading that both delights and challenges us. A fun and thoughtful book for Christians who consider and enjoy popular culture and media.”
Robert W. Pazmino
Valeria Stone Professor of Christian Education, Andover Newton Theological School
Story Behind the Book
“The night I first saw Star Wars from the backseat of my parents’ Ford Pinto was the first night I experienced awe. It sent me on a quest that continues today. There is, in every one of us, a longing to touch ‘the forever,’ to sense the magnitude of the vastness in which we live. This universal longing explains why we ride roller coasters and tell scary stories. This universal longing for awe also explains why, after nearly thirty years, the popularity of the Star Wars saga shows no sign of subsiding. I wrote this book to inspire readers to relish awe and wonder because God did not only create us to long for awe, but also to live in it!”
—Timothy Jones
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2005
9 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Paul Jones
53 books52 followersTimothy Paul Jones is an American evangelical scholar known for his work in apologetics and family ministry. He serves as the C. Edwin Gheens Professor of Christian Family Ministry at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jones has authored influential texts defending the historical reliability of the New Testament and has promoted a model of “family-equipping ministry,” which balances family discipleship with age-specific church programs. His apologetics have evolved from evidential to presuppositional approaches, emphasizing the role of the church’s moral witness and care for the marginalized. He has been recognized for books such as Misquoting Truth, How We Got the Bible, and In Church as It Is in Heaven, the latter promoting multiethnic church communities. Jones is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and has been praised as a leading voice in engaging both secular critics and intra-faith debates. He and his wife Rayann have four adopted children.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 12, 2011
Initially, when I saw the cover to Timothy Paul Jones' spiritual exploration of the Star Wars phenomena, FINDING GOD IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY, I thought this would be just a trite Christian attempt to connect the Bible to a popular mainstream forum. In other words, connect the Bible to the Star Wars franchise and Christian thought rides its wave of popularity.
Like Jesus needs any help in the P.R. department.
Has anyone out there every heard the old phrase, 'Don't judge a book by its cover.'?
I was sooooooo wrong, sooo far out in left field, sooo lost in my own galaxy far, far away. FINDING GOD IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY is far, far away from any such banal treatment of the Star Wars mythology and the pervading Christian relevance within its tale. On the contrary, this book attaches significance to the six films by bringing out themes inherent within the Christian Scriptures.
A good example can be found in chapter seven where Jones uses Yoda's answer to Luke Skywalker from Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back for how to know the good side from the bad. Luke will know when he is calm, at peace.
He adds to this Jesus' words in the Gospel of John: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you... Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Jones then places the quote from the film in context, as he starts out every chapter, replaying the scene from the film and then extrapolating on the subject matter, utilizing additional Scriptural references, pertinent quotes from known individuals, and a defining of the topic.
He approaches each chapter's topic from every possible angle.
And if what I have already mentioned isn't enough for the true Star Wars fan seeking out the Originator of "the Force", there are spiritual exercises for the serious padawan (i.e. Jedi-in-training): "Be Mindful of the True Force" and "Meditate on the True Force."
Returning to chapter seven's discourse on peace, after Yoda espouses on the essential need for peace as a quality in every Jedi Knight, Jones lays out a clear case for God being a God of peace; man experiencing difficulty with attaining that peace due to the shadows he deals with in his life (as Luke faced his own personal shadows in the cave Yoda sent him); and learning to lay down the weapons we use to fight these shadows (rage, anger, guilt, etc.). Yoda told Luke he would need not his lightsaber when he walked into the cave, where he felt cold and death.
Luke carried it with him anyway -- as any of us would.
If you're searching for a superficial treatment of the Star Wars trilogies, this ain't gonna be it.
If you are looking for some deep theological/philosophical exploration where you wade through multi-syllibic words that take half a minute to pronounce and a college degree to understand, this ain't it either.
If you would like to read something that just might resonate as parallel to the parables Jesus used to communicate the essence of His message 2000 years ago (something He may have used to enlighten a 21st century audience), FINDING GOD IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY is definitely for you. At 160 pages, it doesn't take long to read, and with Timothy Paul Jones' conversational style of writing, it is an enjoyable read anyone who has been to see even just one of the six Star Wars films could get something significant from.
Then, after reading it through once, you can search out other serious padawans, go through the study guide included at the end of the book, and perhaps be on your way to becoming a Jedi Knight -- or at least a better person, with a better understanding of the true Force uniting the universe.
Like Jesus needs any help in the P.R. department.
Has anyone out there every heard the old phrase, 'Don't judge a book by its cover.'?
I was sooooooo wrong, sooo far out in left field, sooo lost in my own galaxy far, far away. FINDING GOD IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY is far, far away from any such banal treatment of the Star Wars mythology and the pervading Christian relevance within its tale. On the contrary, this book attaches significance to the six films by bringing out themes inherent within the Christian Scriptures.
A good example can be found in chapter seven where Jones uses Yoda's answer to Luke Skywalker from Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back for how to know the good side from the bad. Luke will know when he is calm, at peace.
He adds to this Jesus' words in the Gospel of John: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you... Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Jones then places the quote from the film in context, as he starts out every chapter, replaying the scene from the film and then extrapolating on the subject matter, utilizing additional Scriptural references, pertinent quotes from known individuals, and a defining of the topic.
He approaches each chapter's topic from every possible angle.
And if what I have already mentioned isn't enough for the true Star Wars fan seeking out the Originator of "the Force", there are spiritual exercises for the serious padawan (i.e. Jedi-in-training): "Be Mindful of the True Force" and "Meditate on the True Force."
Returning to chapter seven's discourse on peace, after Yoda espouses on the essential need for peace as a quality in every Jedi Knight, Jones lays out a clear case for God being a God of peace; man experiencing difficulty with attaining that peace due to the shadows he deals with in his life (as Luke faced his own personal shadows in the cave Yoda sent him); and learning to lay down the weapons we use to fight these shadows (rage, anger, guilt, etc.). Yoda told Luke he would need not his lightsaber when he walked into the cave, where he felt cold and death.
Luke carried it with him anyway -- as any of us would.
If you're searching for a superficial treatment of the Star Wars trilogies, this ain't gonna be it.
If you are looking for some deep theological/philosophical exploration where you wade through multi-syllibic words that take half a minute to pronounce and a college degree to understand, this ain't it either.
If you would like to read something that just might resonate as parallel to the parables Jesus used to communicate the essence of His message 2000 years ago (something He may have used to enlighten a 21st century audience), FINDING GOD IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY is definitely for you. At 160 pages, it doesn't take long to read, and with Timothy Paul Jones' conversational style of writing, it is an enjoyable read anyone who has been to see even just one of the six Star Wars films could get something significant from.
Then, after reading it through once, you can search out other serious padawans, go through the study guide included at the end of the book, and perhaps be on your way to becoming a Jedi Knight -- or at least a better person, with a better understanding of the true Force uniting the universe.
September 18, 2016
I picked this one up on-the-cheap years ago and finally started it, thinking it would be a throw-away, lightweight read. I was actually pleasantly surprised at how much good stuff is in the book. You might be surprised, too.
July 26, 2019
I really enjoyed this perspective on Star Wars. Of particular interest to me was that he held to the Tolkienian view of stories, myths and legends: the idea that all stories have some fragment or reflection of the true story. That we are attracted to stories because we all have a deep longing for something bigger, more fantastic than we could ever hope to take part in.
I can't remember the first time I watched Star Wars; I can't remember back that far, I was had to have been only two because aunts and uncles took me to see Empire Strikes Back several times, or so I'm told. My earliest theater memory is seeing Return of the Jedi and being sad that my favorite character, Darth Vader, died. Star Wars has been a part of my life longer than anything else. Making a connection between Star Wars and God was enjoyable and encouraging.
Most of my life I've heard Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and others great sagas badmouthed by Christians. Preachers have often been particularly venomous towards anything that doesn't line up with their preconceived notions. I've out up with the nonsense, but ignored it and went on my way. In the last few years it's become popular for Christians to jump on the pop culture bandwagon. Too often it's shody at best, and more likely to be cringeworthy. But not here. Pastor Jones approaches this universe in the respectful you'd only expect from a true fan, and approaches the spiritual lessons without being sappy or irritating.
It's been over ten years since this book came out, so maybe he'll write an update or a sequel.
I can't remember the first time I watched Star Wars; I can't remember back that far, I was had to have been only two because aunts and uncles took me to see Empire Strikes Back several times, or so I'm told. My earliest theater memory is seeing Return of the Jedi and being sad that my favorite character, Darth Vader, died. Star Wars has been a part of my life longer than anything else. Making a connection between Star Wars and God was enjoyable and encouraging.
Most of my life I've heard Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and others great sagas badmouthed by Christians. Preachers have often been particularly venomous towards anything that doesn't line up with their preconceived notions. I've out up with the nonsense, but ignored it and went on my way. In the last few years it's become popular for Christians to jump on the pop culture bandwagon. Too often it's shody at best, and more likely to be cringeworthy. But not here. Pastor Jones approaches this universe in the respectful you'd only expect from a true fan, and approaches the spiritual lessons without being sappy or irritating.
It's been over ten years since this book came out, so maybe he'll write an update or a sequel.
October 7, 2018
Fun Read
Dr. Jones has written a fun and easy to read set of reflections on some of the spiritual themes underlying Star Wars. His contention is that the sense of awe that we feel when watching these movies is fulfilled only in Christ. I read it quickly and solo (pun intended), but I recommend reading it slowly and in a group - using the included study guide.
Dr. Jones has written a fun and easy to read set of reflections on some of the spiritual themes underlying Star Wars. His contention is that the sense of awe that we feel when watching these movies is fulfilled only in Christ. I read it quickly and solo (pun intended), but I recommend reading it slowly and in a group - using the included study guide.
January 1, 2019
Surface level theology but makes some great connections between mythology and the great truth of scripture. Favorite quote: all myths are splintered fragments of reality.
August 31, 2019
Like other reviewers, this was deeper than I was expecting. Part way through the library book I bought a used copy to reread and give away.
October 1, 2021
Great weekly devotional! Easy to read and follow and very thought provoking.
January 10, 2022
This book is both insightful and enjoyable. The enjoyment is most prevalent for those familiar with the lore of Star Wars as well as being a Christian, or at least familiar with the Bible.
I think the overall execution of the book was surprisingly effective. The author had something to say and said it well. Star Wars is used as an imperfect mirror to reflect the truth of the Bible, the author does not have to jump through loops to get the Bible to relate to Star Wars, instead he looks at Star Wars’ deepest meanings and relates them to the story of the Gospel.
I believe the author sums it up best, “The Star Wars films do not convey the truth; they are earthbound echoes of heavenly truth, pale reflections of the One True Story. Alone, these reflections offer us nothing more than a fleeting glance upward, a brief reprieve from the dim routines of our daily lives. And yet, if we allow these reflections to guide us toward the Source of Light, they can become parables of One True Story—the eternal story of God’s love—and inspire us to look far beyond the stars themselves into the One who first swirled the suns and stars alike into existence” (Page 148).
I think the overall execution of the book was surprisingly effective. The author had something to say and said it well. Star Wars is used as an imperfect mirror to reflect the truth of the Bible, the author does not have to jump through loops to get the Bible to relate to Star Wars, instead he looks at Star Wars’ deepest meanings and relates them to the story of the Gospel.
I believe the author sums it up best, “The Star Wars films do not convey the truth; they are earthbound echoes of heavenly truth, pale reflections of the One True Story. Alone, these reflections offer us nothing more than a fleeting glance upward, a brief reprieve from the dim routines of our daily lives. And yet, if we allow these reflections to guide us toward the Source of Light, they can become parables of One True Story—the eternal story of God’s love—and inspire us to look far beyond the stars themselves into the One who first swirled the suns and stars alike into existence” (Page 148).
April 14, 2009
..Okay, as cheesy as the title and premise sound...this was an awesome book. I loved it! I'm a little embarrassed to admit it, but there it is. Well-written, succinct and extremely enjoyable.
September 6, 2012
More than just another 'fan club' novel this is a very clever analogy, and one that really makes you think
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews