Why Jediism, the Jedi Religion, Fails:

Since 2001 I have been a rather outspoken individual against Jediism, the Jedi Religion. There have been several factors to my arguments over the years. Beginning with simply a bad feeling about it all and not liking the quality of people attracted to "Jediism." Over the years I have developed a better understanding of Jediism, why exactly it is a farce. And the clear differences between Jedi Religion and Jedi Idealism. And perhaps one day I or someone else will release the final argument against Jediism, this so-called Jedi Religion. Until that time, perhaps their own actions and words will speak louder than any logical and factual argument in which I can give.

If the JAO is going to stand against Jedi Religion, claiming it a falsehood, these claims must be backed by actual facts and evidence. And perhaps Opie Macleod is simply Captain Ahab after his Religious White Whale. In order to resolve such an issue a member of the Jedi Academy Online went in search of answers from the Jediists themselves. Here is the exchange that took place between Jasta T'Kara (from the JAO) and Aryas (Jediist from the Jedi Sanctuary) -

First the questions posed to the Jedi Religion:
"I've been on a quest for some time now to track down members of the Jedi Religion who would consider answering a few questions for me, and might be willing to discuss some parts of it. So far I have been unsuccessful - I have been training in the Jedi Philosophy for several years now, and I believe that is daunting to a few people.

The Jedi Religion itself is not something I know much about however, and am just very curious to actually ask questions of actual followers of this Path, rather than just rely on what I find on Youtube, etc.

Off the top of my head, a few of the things I wonder are:
1) Do you view the Force as a "sentient" Deity to be honored/ worshipped?
2) Do you, like other religions, have specific Jedi holidays?
3) Do you have specific rituals/ practises written by Jedi, for use within this religion?

I will also give my email for any who would like it: **edited**.
I really hope to hear from someone soon."
- Jasta T'Kara

A reasonable request and questions, I am sure we can all agree. I doubt any real religious group would take any offense to the questions. Nor would they find them difficult to answer at all. These questions also directly deal with the issue of religion. If Jediism is indeed a religion, as so many claim, than it would have to met the criteria of religion. Remember, belief is protected under religious freedom (in the United States), meaning an Atheist is protected under Religious Rights, however Atheism is not considered a religion. Something to be touched on in another post.

Now lets view the very first response from the Jedi Religion.
"To answer your questions:
1) Yes, and we understand that Hitler was a divine avatar of the force, to fight the evil of global jewry.
2) Yes, April 20th the birthday of our prophet Adolf Hitler.
3)Yes, the Holy rituals of the SS."
- Aryas
This is the allowed response of the Jedi Sanctuary (www.jedisanctuary.org/).

Now people may be quick to point out that anyone is able to reply on a message board. This is true in and of itself. However there are a few points against this being a random flamer or even a resident trouble-maker (or class clown).

1.) Who the questions were addressed to. Jasta clearly states, "[i]members of the Jedi Religion who would consider answering a few questions for me[/i]" and "[i]to actually ask questions of actual followers of this Path[/i]" which define the parameters of who is to reply.
Again though, any member of the Jedi Sanctuary has the ability to reply. So lets look at other more telling elements.

2.) The member in question, Aryas, has 451 posts to their name. They hold the membership title Jedi Mystic. And the account has been around since September 2009.

3.) 21 views on the topic. Two replies of Jedi Sanctuary Members since Aryas's own reply. No corrections have been made. No explanations have been made. No disclaimers, nothing stating Aryas is not a voice of the Jedi Religion. In fact it seems everyone from the Jedi Sanctuary is fine with his reply.

Now I am sure there is already thoughts starting out, "yeah, but..." So allow me to make my case. And point out why this clearly shows the caliber of the Jedi Religion.

1.) First, I am sure there are many looking at this and saying, "Opie, this is clearly a joke. The person was clearly being facishist. They did not offer it as a real explanation. You cannot take it seriously."
I have two objections to this line of thinking. First, it excuses poor behavior on the part of an individual representing the Jedi (Religion or otherwise). It was laughed off, sure. But no one attempted to explain or write-off the inicdent. This cannot be excused or allowed, we must take such things seriously. Why, brings us to the second point - You never know who someone is asking questions. A reporter, a concerned parent? The Jedi Path has a hard enough up-hill battle without incidents like these making it worse.

This took place in a public area of the board, open to visitors who may just be browsing and curious about this Jedi Belief. And when they stumble across it, what will the reaction be? Do they laugh it off. "Ahh, the Jedi have a sense of humor." Or do they take it out of portion and write an article on it? Do they ban their philosophically curious teenagers from Jedi sites? Spouses? We do not know the extent of such actions, thus why we must be aware and wise with our actions.

2.) One Jedi represents ALL Jedi. The entire Jedi Community has been represented by this singular individual. Just as we have been represented by Daniel Jones seeking legal action against Tesco. Just as we were represented by four "Jediists" getting beat-up by a drunk kid in a Darth Vader mask. Just as we were represented by the Jedi Creed's post "Vomit: Disgusting body function or life lesson?" Just as we were represented by the Census of 2001.

Continually the Jedi Path is disgraced. Continually the stereotypes are reinforced. Continually the reporters and naysayers are given material to prove their case against anyone who feels the Jedi Philosophy has some solid ground to stand on.

Eventually we have to step-up ourselves. Eventually the community as a whole must say, "These people do not represent us." Eventually the Jedi are going to have to confront the waste of our community and have them straighten up or be put on the spot as the fakes they are.

It is question of standards. Shall we continually allow the Jedi Path to be humiliated by the bad apples, because the so-called "Jedi" cannot even stand up and defend their own path. The Jedi are so ruled by fear of acceptance , they cannot even bare to correct one of their own? Are we to allow the Jedi to simply be an after-school club for pseudo-philosophers who want to pretend they are more important than they are.

Or can we, as a group, as a community, as a path, finally stand up and say enough is enough. No longer will stupidity be accepted as the norm. No longer will stupidity be accepted as Jedi. Do something stupid, own up, apologize, learn from it, or get out.

Shall we be defined by people like the Jedi Church (kids unable to defend themselves, news press about wearing robes in public) and Jedi Sanctuary (kids who cannot even describe Jediism properly)? Shall we simply allow ourselves the definition; Jedi, people who have nothing better to do or offer in life.

I began my journey on the Jedi Path over ten years ago. I have grown a lot in that time. Met some great people. I have learn many things and really bettered myself as a person. The Jedi Path has been an inspiration to me. It has helped me. And I often rack my brain as to how I can re-pay the Jedi as a whole and I can never come up with anything.

I define the Jedi as this: Individuals who follow and live by the philosophical ideologies of the Jedi Knights as portrayed in the Star Wars Media. Advanced by the individuals who have applied and lived by said knowledge for years.

To me that definition means something. It shows our inspiration and our ability to grow beyond it. We are not Star Wars geeks - we are individuals who hold ourselves to ideals we cannot find all in one path, except Jedi. We live a lifestyle which betters ourselves as well as offers the chance to better the world around us.

So which side will you chose? What label will you put upon yourself? Shall you be defined, by acceptance, by Jediism (your clear representation Church of Jediism and Jedi Sanctuary)? Or shall you stand up for something more? Shall you demand that Jedi act like Jedi? Will you be an example of the Jedi Path or one more 'lets-have-a-laugh' news article?

I say no more. I say it is time for the Jedi to make a stand for better standards. Allow the Jedi to be represented by actual Jedi, by people who truly live it. Not children who wear robes, or cannot even answer simple questions in regards to their path.

Reference Link: http://www.jedisanctuary.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=2520