About Jediism

Some individuals you will come across will state with absolute certainty that Jediism is not a religion or a number of other responses. Everyone has their own view of a Jedi and Jediism and this site is just one of the many takes on it. We do not state our way is the only way and everyone else is wrong, this is only our interpretation of the path. Around the web you will find many others. The key is to find what works for you.

Jediism is a very personal and individualistic religion but as you look through the website you will see there are many different paths in Jediism. Some of the members here follow very different paths in life though here at Jediism many of us share similar viewpoints. First, there is only the Force. This is the foundation of Jediism. The Force is our religion and in that, it is not a question of belief in a God or not, for us it simply doesn't come into play as we believe the guidance of the Force will bring us to a course of right action. As a result some have been guided to a belief in a God and others have not, but all believe that the Force will set them on their best path possible. The root of the word "Jediism" is "Jedi". To find out more about what a Jedi is and learn what Jedi believe and do, please continue on to the section about Jedi.

Jediism does not require prayer, worship, or other such actions as some other religions might. Instead of ceremonies, members of Jediism share common beliefs and ideals. One of the definitions for religion is a sharing of common beliefs and that's exactly what makes Jediism a religion. Our fundamental belief in the Force is the overall common belief shared by all Jediism members. You will also find other belief systems in the forum; however this site is solely intended for discussing Jediism, although all views and people of differing beliefs are welcome on the forum and blogs and currently do participate. As mentioned before, it is our views of the Force that make Jediism what it is. In the Jedi Community you will find many Christian Jedi, Muslim Jedi, Jewish Jedi, and many other faiths incorporated with the Jedi path. What separates us all is how we feel about the Force. There are certain core views and beliefs that must be present for someone to be able to call themselves a Jedi that you can learn about in the Jedi section.

What unites all of us is our beliefs/philosophies of the Jedi path. There is definitely some room for debate in what exactly are the Jedi beliefs and philosophies but this is not part of the religious aspect. As you look through the website and forum we hope that this helps you understand Jediism. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate using the contact us form on the homepage of the website or else post some questions in the forum. We hope you find what you are looking for and if Jediism can help you out that journey we welcome you!!

Below you will find more explanation on Jediism and a little more detail on how it can be called a religion and what it is about written by Xhaiden:

The two terms you see many say are Jedi Realist and Jediism. You can't have someone being a believer in Jediism without them being a Jedi Realist. However, someone can be a Jedi Realist without being a member of Jediism. Jedi Realists view the path of a Jedi as exactly that, a way of life and/or a philosophy. Many, not all, but many Jedi Realists will merge their Jedi path with their religious beliefs. The biggest example is that of Christian Jedi, they merge their Jedi beliefs with that of the Christian religion. The root difference is how they view the Force. There are many different thoughts on this, but some believe God is the Force, or created the Force, or the Force created God, along with a number of other explanations. Some believe the Force interacts or is a part of other gods/goddesses. The main point being is that it is attached many time in these beliefs to a god or some sort of spiritual being. Again, this is just one example of one religion.

Now, for Jediism, we still have all the Jedi Realist beliefs and if you even go to the website, not the forum, but the website, you will see that we clearly say that being a Jedi is a path or a philosophy. What makes it Jediism for myself and what I use for the basis of the site is how we view the Force. We don't view it as being representative of anything, it is simply just the Force. It is not attached to any sort of deity or anything like that. It is simply, the Force.

As for the next question, how can you say that Jediism is a religion? If you go to dictionary.com and look up the word religion you will find the following:

1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

The set of beliefs we use is the Jedi path, just as Jedi Realists. The Force is beyond what is human and not human as it is and it isn't. We are obviously devoted to it as all serious Jedi are devoted. Jedi also have a moral code of conduct, maybe not the same thing agreed upon by all, but it is there in everyone.

2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.

I don't think I need to explain this one too much as it should be pretty clear.

3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.

Again, I think this one is pretty clear.

4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.

Some people decide to live their life in this way but I simply see a monk and a nun as being highly devoted to what you believe which I think most of us can agree, that we are very devoted to living the life of a Jedi. Some live it in more seclusion and some are more active but they are still living the life of a Jedi.

5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.

I live and practice by what I believe. I don't pray to the Force or worship it every day in the traditional sense, but I meditate and do other things the strengthen my connection to it everyday!!

So, this is what I use to define Jediism as a religion when I talk to others and for the entire site of The Jediism Way. I know not everyone will agree with this and that is fine. This should help make it more clear though what The Jediism Way is about and more so what I personally mean when I say I am a member and believer of Jediism.