Jediism

Jediism is a non-theistic new religious movement based upon the philosophical and spiritual ideas of the Jedi as depicted in Star Wars media.

The real-world Jedi assert the existence of the Force, and advocate adherence to the Jedi code. According to recent censuses in some English-speaking countries, over 500,000 people declared their religion as Jedi, and a few Jedi churches exist around the world.

Philosophy
The Jedi interpret and use the Philosophic teachings found in Star Wars media in every day life. The philosophy of Jediism is a blend of Taoism, Buddhism, and the teachings of Joseph Campbell and Alan Watts. It also shares basic ideals with many other religions, the Code of Chivalry, and spiritual aspects of some martial arts. In spite of holding different views and having different interpretations of the abundant Star Wars material and life experiences, the Jedi share a set of core values essential to their path.They assert the existence of the Force, and most Jedi follow a code of conduct similar to the chivalry code, also known as "The Jedi Code". However, as there is no set path, or no "holy book" in Jediism, there are many codes more or less based on the philosophy and lessons found within the Star Wars media. Some Jedi claim to use mind tricks for good in their daily lives and professions.

The Force
The Force is what most Jedi believe everything comes from, what everything currently exists within, and what everything returns to. It is the energy behind the existence of everything known or not to humanity, a "unified field theory", a theory in philosophy and theoretical physics, and may be compared to the pantheist god. The Force does not require prayer, worship, or other such actions as some other religions might, though most Jedi practice some forms of meditation.

Most Jedi choose to focus on the Force through one or more of the four widely accepted spiritual aspects: the Personal Force, the Living Force, the Cosmic Force, and the Unifying Force.

The dark side and the potentium theory
Many Jedi groups share different views regarding the Force and its nature. Some Jedi groups view the Force as having a "Dark Side" and a possible "Light Side", while others prefer the "Potentium" theory, which states that there are no distinct "sides" of the Force.

The "Dark Side" of the Force was first depicted in the Star Wars movies as the evil aspect of the force, a corruption created by the greed, fear and hate of the Force user. In contrast, the "Light Side" of the Force requires the Jedi to keep their own emotions in balance to prevent the "Dark Side" from corrupting them, in order for good to triumph over evil.

In Jediism, the most accepted explanation is that the Light and Dark "sides" of the Force are reflected by the individual's true intent and emotional state within their heart. Jedi are compassionate and care about improving the world and helping others, while "Dark Jedi" or "Sith" focus on selfish gain and personal growth only. The Shadow Jedi argue that "good" and "evil" are points of view, and that both Jedi and Sith are wrong, making "sides" of the Force out to be nothing more than superstition or metaphors.

Regardless of the view one takes when following the path of Jediism, some have debated that the Star Wars movies do not mention two sides of the Force, only the Force and the "Dark Side", which can be perceived as the corruption within a follower of Jediism and not a corruption within the Force as a whole.

Census
In 2001, around 500,000 people in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia recorded their religion as "Jedi" on their national census, following an e-mail campaign inviting people to do so. The e-mail messages claimed that Jedi would then become an official religion, when in fact, the UK for example does not "officially recognize" religions. The Jedi community had existed for some time before the consensus, but the results were interpreted exclusively as a joke by the governments of their respective countries.

In March 2009, it was revealed that eight officers of the Strathclyde Police force in Scotland, in addition to two of its civilian staff, have their religion officially recorded in the force's records as "Jedi".

The media
Jediism is often reported on the internet and in news articles in a negative or satirical way.

Famous Jedis
The top three most famous would have to be 1. Master Yoda 2. Master Dylan 3. Master Jacob

who are all well known for their strong belief in the force and are famous for there wisdom and there light saber skill was said to be matched only bye the most powerful sith lords. Of the three Master Yoda (may the force be with him) is the only one not with us today Master Dylan and Master Jacob have retired to the council after a long kick ass career.

Politics
In 2005, a draft of the "racial and religious hatred bill" in the UK specifically excluded Jedi Knights from any protection, alongside Satanists, Scientologists, sexists, racists, and believers in animal or human sacrifice.

In November of 2006, two self-proclaimed Jedi wearing Star Wars robes and a third person disguised as a Wookiee demanded that the UN change the "International Day of Tolerance" to "Interstellar Day of Tolerance".