IS IT just me or does everyone wish they had a light sabre?

This week atheists instructed Australians not to declare themselves Jedi on the upcoming census. I don’t know about you but nothing has made me want to be Jedi more.

Since 2001, some 70,000 Australians have nominated Jedi as their official religion. We’re not alone. In 2009, Canada became the first country to recognise Jedi as a religious entity and England has elected the first Jedi member of parliament. The honour of most Jedis on a per capita basis goes to New Zealand.

Before you sign on the dotted line it’s important to note only committed celibates need apply. Jedis are into peace but strictly no love. Big call, even for the light sabre I reckon.

No one really knows why so many people tick Jedi. Maybe because they hate organised religion, maybe because they think their form of worship is none of the government’s business and maybe just because it’s funny.

The Atheists Foundation of Australia got a lot of press this week, claiming because the census is used to inform government on the needs of the population, an undercount of “non-religious” is syphoning underserved cash to religious organisations.

I don’t care what you tick but I thought someone should go into bat for the poor old bible-bashers.

On a global scale no one would argue that appalling atrocities have been committed in God’s name. But on a local level I think we should be very careful before we damn the devout.

Most religions are all about human relationships. They are a haven for people seeking meaning and reassurance and a great place to make friends.

Local religious communities make massive contributions to common good. Rather than bleed the community dry, as suggested by the atheist movement, acts of charity and social action in the name of religion save government billions of dollars a year, literally billions.

I might not agree when a religious leader opposes gay marriage but I’m incredibly grateful when they remind government of people in need.

In my experience God is only about beauty, truth and goodness. Religions might not represent Him (or Her) perfectly, but it’s my guess they’re feeding more homeless, educating more kids, providing more emergency housing and more comfort than all the atheists, Jedis and Pastafarians put together.