About The Jedi Order
The Jedi Order is an international community focused on study, service, reflection, and practical growth. Our members progress through lessons and trials while supporting each other in respectful discussion.
Is ‘Jedi’ a religion?
While many would argue that it is, the answer may not be so straightforward. It is common, in the practice of ‘Jediism’ to follow other faiths, which is often incompatible with traditional religions. Religions are often absolute; you follow one or another. While Jedi may be a spiritual belief system, there is no need to be considered a religion in the pursuit of legitimacy.
Jediism attracts many skeptics, as a practice inspired by the modern fiction of Star Wars. It’s easy to forget that it is far from uncommon for religions to derive many of their beliefs from Myth. Humans naturally think in stories. Stories make abstract truths understandable. Star Wars is a modern myth built using ancient components. The historical origin of the story doesn’t invalidate its usefulness.
Stoicism began with ancient philosophers. Daoism began with ancient sages. Jediism began with modern storytelling.
What is ‘The Force’?
The Jedi share a belief in the Force, a shared energy. The Force does not belong to the Jedi, and it is a belief not exclusive to the Jedi; take Chi, from the Daoist philosophy, for example.
The force is a living system that connects all things—physical, mental, emotional, and ecological. It’s the recognition that nothing exists in isolation. You are not separate from reality. You are part of it.
When Jedi ‘use the Force’ in reality, it doesn’t manifest in telekinesis, impossible acrobatics, or literally sensing future events before they happen, but that by no means implies that Jedi cannot use the Force. The Force, in reality, is used on oneself. It is used to attain a deeper level of understanding and control over your own thoughts, feelings, and actions.
The Force is the awareness of your connection to everything, and the ability to act in harmony with that connection.