I’ve wanted to write about this new religion for a while now. Mostly because it was inspired by one of the greatest movie franchises in the history of cinema, but also because I keep company with various geeks, freaks, and assorted fanboys/girls who I thought would appreciate this post. That being said, let’s chat about Jediism.

Now before you start snickering, I’d like to point out that on January 12th, 2009 the Canadian government officially recognized Jediism as a religion. This past March, the United States followed suit and recognized Jediism as a nonprofit religious organization. This may have been the result of a grassroots movement in 2001 to encourage people to write down Jedi as their religious affiliation on national censuses. The movement was so successful that 21,000 Canadians indicated their religion as Jedi. In other countries, the numbers were much more impressive. For instance, in 2001 New Zealand had the highest per capita population of reported Jedi followers, even eclipsing those who identified with two major world religions – Buddhism and Hinduism.

Certainly, the movement has had its critics – particularly those from the irreligious persuasion who believe that their own numbers are being under-recorded due to non-religious folks indicating Jedi as a joke or novel answer to the question. Make no mistake – practitioners of this religion are serious about their faith.

Jediism, like many other religions, has different variations between groups. Most groups draw inspiration from the Lucas films, such as the belief in the Force and possibility of interaction with the Force. The manifestation of this belief appears to take on different contexts. Perhaps most interesting about this NRM is the drawing from a wide variety of religious beliefs.

If you’re interested in learning more about Jediism, there are several sites you can visit.

The Temple of The Jedi Order purports to be the first international church of Jediism. Quoting from their website, “We are real Jedi. We believe in Peace, Justice, Love, Learning and using our abilities for Good. We are not fictional Jedi, nor are we role playing. We live our lives according to the principles of Jediism and work together as a community to both cultivate and celebrate.”

The Order of the Jedi, is a Canadian-based organization; however it considers itself a worldwide Order. A description of a Jedi taken from their Web site, “[…] is someone who believes in an energy that surrounds, binds, penetrates, and encompasses all living things. A Jedi believes in the greater good, and always tries to follow the light or positive energy. Jedi do not discriminate, all are welcome.”

As I stated previously, Jediism isn’t without its critics. Members have also been subject to some highly publicized religious discrimination. In the video posted below, a news station provides coverage of a Jedi follower who was asked to remove his hood at a job center. He was subsequently escorted from the premises when he refused to comply. Self-proclaimed Jediism founder, Daniel Jones is also interviewed in this segment.

May the Force be with you…

M. xo

Jedi follower discriminated against & Jediism Founder interviewed:

Image Source: Temple of the Jedi Order