Jediism

Jediism (pronounced /ˈdʒɛ.daɪ.ɪzəm/) is a non-theistic non-organized 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 at least three registered and organized Jedi churches exist in the USA and the UK.

Jedi Philosophy
The Jedi listen to and read the Philosophic teachings found in Star Wars movies and books to interpret and use in every day life. The philosophy of Jediism is a blend of Taoism, Buddhism, the teachings of Alan Watts and Joseph Campbell. 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.

The Force
The Force is what most Jedi believe everything comes from, what everything currently exists within, and what everything returns to. Many refer to it as an "energy field", and can be compared to qi or to the idea of Gaia. It is the energy behind the existence of everything known or not to man, and is also known as the answer to the "theory of everything", a theory in philosophy and theoretical physics. 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.

Sides of the Force vs. the Potentium theory
Many Jedi groups share different views regarding the Force and it's 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 never mentioned two "sides" of the Force. The movies themselves only refer to the Force, and the "Dark Side", which can be perceived as the corruption within a follower of Jediism and not a corruption of the Force itself.

Census
In 2001, around 500,000 people in the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia recorded their religion as "Jedi" on their national census. While the Jedi community already existed around this time, the results were exclusively interpreted as a joke by the Governments of those Countries at the time.

The media
Jediism is often reported on the internet and in news articles in a negative or satirical way. Newspapers and websites often use this to fuel even more bad publicity: some people believe Jedi worship the script of Star Wars as a holy book, perpetuating the myth and lack of understanding.

Politics
Despite the census' failure at making Jediism an official religion in 2001, classifying it as a joke in the UK, some British politicians tried to "attack" Jediism while some others defended it. In 2005, a draft of the "racial and religious hatred bill" specifically excluded Jedi Knights from any protection, alongside satanists, scientologists, sexists, racists and believers in animal or human sacrifice.

Criticism
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".

In April of 2008, Arwel Hughes, wearing a black garbage bag as a cape and wielding a crutch, hopped over a garden wall and attacked two members of the Holyhead Jedi church. Hughes later admitted to two charges of common assault. The District Judge originally sentenced Hughes to two months in prison, but suspended the sentence for one year. Hughes was also ordered to pay damages and court costs.