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The Gospel According to Star Wars: Faith, Hope, and the Force
In a new and updated version of this best-selling book, John McDowell explores the many spiritual themes that weave throughout the Star Wars films. From the Force to the dark side, the issues discussed in the films have a moral and spiritual complexity that, if paid attention to, can help us better understand our place in the world and our relation to others and to God. George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, did not intend for his films to be mere entertainment, McDowell argues. Rather, he hoped his films would be used as a vehicle for moral education.
This new version has been thoroughly revised to include discussion of The Force Awakens and other new developments in the Star Wars universe.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2007
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316 people want to read
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October 30, 2017
Star Wars has been a huge part of American culture for decades and even more so in recent years since they began adding to the Saga. It is of little surprise then equating Star Wars with Christianity would come about particularly Star Wars talks about faith, good and evil so often. When a popular trend takes over the US it’s not hard to understand why someone would want to ride the bandwagon.
I’ve read many books that used popular themes to try and teach Biblical stories and principles so McDowell has many years’ worth of time tested material in order to help him understand what works and doesn’t; apparently he chose to go his own direction.
First, despite the subject matter being used this IS a serious academic work and not for the weekend, need to kill some time reader. It can be heavy and you need to focus in order to follow his arguments; this is not going to be for every Star Wars fan.
He uses pieces of the Saga from the prequels and ‘sequels’ through Force Awakens along with added info from the books that have provided more story filler in between movies. Like many Star Wars fans who have spent hours if not decades debating the BIGGER meanings, actions and motivations McDowell imitates their enthusiasm by delving into the spiritual side of things to compare Jedi values, ethics and morals to Christian ones.
My complaint of his passionate attempt is that too often it feels like he’s assigning things that aren’t there almost as if he’s trying find a way to justify applying his Christian beliefs towards the Jedi religion. In defense of his thought process though George Lucas did grow up in the Methodist faith so it’d be easy to believe he wrote the Skywalker Family History as some kind of ode to the Christian faith. However, he became very interested in Eastern philosophies and been known to say he’s a "Buddhist Methodist" which did actually influence his work from Star Wars to Indiana Jones. If you read the book, Star Wars: The New Myth they trace the aspects of the first few films that came from cultures and religions around the world which shows they are actually NOT Christian based.
A subset of this issue is that Christianity itself took things or took credit for things that existed FAR before its creation so even when McDowell tries to stretch plot points, characters actions and or motivations to be examples of Christianity they actually aren’t. For example something as basic as “The Force” is more Buddhist in nature. Good versus evil tropes are in practically EVERY faith system, Christianity does not own the copyright. Sacrifice and redemption can be traced to older Pagan beliefs pre-Christians. The idea of a Chosen One can be found in Greek mythology. The idea of a Wise Old Man AKA Obi Wan can be found in Greek, Asian, Scandinavian and more. Luke and Vader were not the first to lose an arm to have it replaced with something silver, that honor went to an Irish mythic hero named Nuada – again PRE-Christianity.
McDowell definitely shows a great fandom and intellect for the Star Wars universe but it just doesn’t feel like his heart is into tying it to Christianity, it almost feels like he’s being forced to as if to prove that Christians SHOULD be watching these movies because they are somehow SO VERY Christian.
The only other minor issue, and I can’t say this is too much his fault, is that it’s now slightly outdated as it only goes through Force Awakens and so much has happened since then which would alter some of his comments. He would have been better served to wait until the latest movie comes out then use that and publish after since the last movie is now put off for a while.
If you’re a Star Wars fan you’ll probably like this book because there is a whole lot about SW in it. If you’re a SW fan who is hoping this will help you convince people why the Saga is Christian then not so much and any liberal, not so conservative friends you try to win over are only going to get irritated as they point out the fallacies in your arguments. Although if you’re a Christian who needs help convincing family, friends or your church why you should be allowed to be a SW fan and they don’t care how much of Christianity isn’t even Christianity then you’re going to find plenty to back up your argument and get you a guilt free ticket to the next movie coming out in December.
For a book that markets itself as being about the Gospel there isn’t a whole lot of Gospel and scripture to be found unless you want to view it as the Gospel of Our Lord and Savior George Lucas – may God forgive me for making that crack.
I’ve read many books that used popular themes to try and teach Biblical stories and principles so McDowell has many years’ worth of time tested material in order to help him understand what works and doesn’t; apparently he chose to go his own direction.
First, despite the subject matter being used this IS a serious academic work and not for the weekend, need to kill some time reader. It can be heavy and you need to focus in order to follow his arguments; this is not going to be for every Star Wars fan.
He uses pieces of the Saga from the prequels and ‘sequels’ through Force Awakens along with added info from the books that have provided more story filler in between movies. Like many Star Wars fans who have spent hours if not decades debating the BIGGER meanings, actions and motivations McDowell imitates their enthusiasm by delving into the spiritual side of things to compare Jedi values, ethics and morals to Christian ones.
My complaint of his passionate attempt is that too often it feels like he’s assigning things that aren’t there almost as if he’s trying find a way to justify applying his Christian beliefs towards the Jedi religion. In defense of his thought process though George Lucas did grow up in the Methodist faith so it’d be easy to believe he wrote the Skywalker Family History as some kind of ode to the Christian faith. However, he became very interested in Eastern philosophies and been known to say he’s a "Buddhist Methodist" which did actually influence his work from Star Wars to Indiana Jones. If you read the book, Star Wars: The New Myth they trace the aspects of the first few films that came from cultures and religions around the world which shows they are actually NOT Christian based.
A subset of this issue is that Christianity itself took things or took credit for things that existed FAR before its creation so even when McDowell tries to stretch plot points, characters actions and or motivations to be examples of Christianity they actually aren’t. For example something as basic as “The Force” is more Buddhist in nature. Good versus evil tropes are in practically EVERY faith system, Christianity does not own the copyright. Sacrifice and redemption can be traced to older Pagan beliefs pre-Christians. The idea of a Chosen One can be found in Greek mythology. The idea of a Wise Old Man AKA Obi Wan can be found in Greek, Asian, Scandinavian and more. Luke and Vader were not the first to lose an arm to have it replaced with something silver, that honor went to an Irish mythic hero named Nuada – again PRE-Christianity.
McDowell definitely shows a great fandom and intellect for the Star Wars universe but it just doesn’t feel like his heart is into tying it to Christianity, it almost feels like he’s being forced to as if to prove that Christians SHOULD be watching these movies because they are somehow SO VERY Christian.
The only other minor issue, and I can’t say this is too much his fault, is that it’s now slightly outdated as it only goes through Force Awakens and so much has happened since then which would alter some of his comments. He would have been better served to wait until the latest movie comes out then use that and publish after since the last movie is now put off for a while.
If you’re a Star Wars fan you’ll probably like this book because there is a whole lot about SW in it. If you’re a SW fan who is hoping this will help you convince people why the Saga is Christian then not so much and any liberal, not so conservative friends you try to win over are only going to get irritated as they point out the fallacies in your arguments. Although if you’re a Christian who needs help convincing family, friends or your church why you should be allowed to be a SW fan and they don’t care how much of Christianity isn’t even Christianity then you’re going to find plenty to back up your argument and get you a guilt free ticket to the next movie coming out in December.
For a book that markets itself as being about the Gospel there isn’t a whole lot of Gospel and scripture to be found unless you want to view it as the Gospel of Our Lord and Savior George Lucas – may God forgive me for making that crack.
June 6, 2024
A THEOLOGIAN LOOKS APPROVINGLY AT THE STAR WARS MOVIES
Author John C. McDowell (who is a professor of Systematic Theology) wrote in the “Acknowledgements” section of this 2007 book, “I, a relatively typical seven-year old, became a fan of Star Wars… Actually… ‘fanatic’ would probably better suit my passions of the time. I unhesitatingly confess to being one of the so-called Jedi generation, as having spent … many of the early years of my youth… deeply engrossed in watching, reading and talking about the films… My wife… [complained] that I talk more to the boys about Star Wars than I do about theological matters. It was this… that directly led me to undertake this project…. This book is largely my wrestling with the theologico-educational value of the two trilogies of epic material, and partly… a self-justification to my wife that my conversations with our boys really can be more theologically profound than she otherwise believes.”
He explains further, “like many biblical tales, Star Wars was full of lessons about life… I am exploring the ethically interesting material in the movies… But is a ‘theological’ reading an appropriate one?... [This] could be asked … from a second perspective---that of a Christian worried that SW is occultic…From this perspective, the saga is apparently unable, even in some small way, to point helpfully to God… There are several possible ways of responding… Some Christians…. Have argued that a number of ‘moments’ and even a perspective within SW are broadly compatible with Christianity… My theological use of the saga, however, is more radical than this strategy… We should consider at least two things that justify seeing SW---and indeed any non-Christian text---as potentially illuminating: (1) the range of God’s speaking and (2) the partiality of Christian witness to the truth.” (Pg. xvii-xix)
He points out, “the blessing ‘May the Force be with you’ echoes an old Christian one, ‘May God be with you… the spectral Obi-Wan’s voice proclaims to Luke, ‘Remember, the Force is with you always,’ reflecting Jesus’ comforting of his disciples: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ [Mt 28:20] … a failure to listen to non-Christian philosophies is a THEOLOGICAL mistake. There is no good reason instinctively to reject Lucas’s Force BEFORE we assess its place and role in the movies. But there is something else worth mentioning. The Force is in fact more Western than many realize, and even importantly parallels some theological matters that Christians would do well to think harder about.” (Pg. 16-17)
He acknowledges, “Lucas portrays the Force in quasi-pantheistic terms as ‘an energy-field created by all living things’ that ‘surrounds us and penetrates us’… We should be careful, though, not to overemphasize this Eastern quality, lest we miss the presence of numerous Christian images… Lucas’s borrowing seems to be ECLECTC and more postmodern than specifically Eastern. Quite simply, the Force is a slippery idea that can sound at times like the personal psyche and at other times like a transcendent and unknowable Absolute One. The driving spirit… assumes a hypothetical commonality in all religions underneath their less important differences. Even if he is not intending to produce a new religion… the ideas and values that shape Lucas’s Force reveal his modern pluralistic mentality.” (Pg. 20-22)
He explains, “Obedience to the Force is not blind acquiescence to a powerful but morally ambiguous god, and certainly is not a giving absolute significance to one’s own desires. On the contrary, it is becoming responsible for the well-being of the galaxy… This means that the virtues of coresponsibility, compassion, and so on, are ultimately the truth of life. The Force has to do with dependence and creative self-giving, not autonomy and possessiveness.” (Pg. 25)
He observes, “Evil is not something that just HAPPENS TO US, or worse, to so-called evil people. It arises amid the nature of our relations and complex choices, amid the pressures that ‘conspire’ to make us into something less than we are and should be as God’s creatures. The question of why some of us become as dark as Vader, while others do not, has no simple answer. Suggestively Lucas comments, ‘Most of … [those who do wicked] think they’re good people doing what they do for a good reason.’” (Pg. 66)
He suggests, “SW is well placed to offer something of an insight into the sophisticated Augustinian doctrine of original sin, a doctrine that speaks clearly of the distorted network of relations which we already find determining us at every stage of our lives, even while it is still we who act wickedly…. But even while all relations between persons are distorted by evil… Lucas envisages a flourishing of right relations---an ORIGINAL and ULTIMATE good that creates active hope for its coming manifestation.” (Pg. 84-85)
He notes, “SW has nothing in common … with those who privatize religion or relegate it to something less than public practice. In SW movies those whose spirituality is in the Force are, in fact, the main movers and shakers in the shaping of galactic public relations, and the Force is presented as the universal life-giving energy that Qui-Gon describes as the symbiosis of all that exists… The saga does not ask about how we should handle particular religious commitments in pluralist societies, but it can at least remind us that the nature of the religious is to be publicly engaged… and that the ‘public’ needs the religious (because ‘secular’ politics has little capacity for asking or answering questions about the common good.” (Pg. 87)
He states, “There is arguably no single Christ figure in SW but many who are in a sense Christlike, meaning they possess the qualities of the human that are fulfilled in Israel’s Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. Obi-Wan is one such figure: he gives his life for the freedom of others, while his death is mysterious, it is certainly not his end, since ‘he rises’ to a new life and presence to Luke… Nevertheless, it is Luke who particularly appears most Christ-like, especially when his characterization is connected with the Anakin of the prequels… But with his tragic fall… Anakin himself ultimately becomes more an INVERSION of the Christ form.” (Pg. 111-112)
He explains, “Yoda occasionally speaks as if he does indeed have the ability to foresee (and therefore control) events… The idea of prescient Jedi invokes images of an overwhelming destiny underlying history. This would suggest that some can see the future because that is the way the future WILL BE… Christian apocalyptic generally denies that we can control our futures, precisely because they are controlled by Another. So Christians at best are consequently rendered little more than spectators, though they may be comforted and secured by the knowledge they have been given. In this way the apocalypticists KNOW the outcome of future events, which will be bad for the world… but will be good for the Christian seer…” (Pg. 157)
He concludes, “Read in light of their tragic quality, the redemptive therapy provided by the SW saga is not comforting as such and accordingly does not support any desire that strengthens self-centeredness. Hope cannot… provide a self-securing consolation; offer a ‘compensating heaven’; soothe the wounded soul with knowledge of a resolution to the so-called problem of evil; or provide an escape route into a different world that disposes us to be indifferent to this one. Indeed, while it intensifies the sense of the fragility and tragic nature of moral endeavor in a messy world, it vitally helps us identify and resist evil and prompts us to charity. We are therefore forced to ‘unlearn’ our ways of dominating others… that destructively subvert the original and final symbiosis of all life-forms.” (Pg. 166)
This is a more “theologically” sophisticated Christian treatment of the Star Wars saga, that will be of great interest to Christians and to Star Wars fans.
Author John C. McDowell (who is a professor of Systematic Theology) wrote in the “Acknowledgements” section of this 2007 book, “I, a relatively typical seven-year old, became a fan of Star Wars… Actually… ‘fanatic’ would probably better suit my passions of the time. I unhesitatingly confess to being one of the so-called Jedi generation, as having spent … many of the early years of my youth… deeply engrossed in watching, reading and talking about the films… My wife… [complained] that I talk more to the boys about Star Wars than I do about theological matters. It was this… that directly led me to undertake this project…. This book is largely my wrestling with the theologico-educational value of the two trilogies of epic material, and partly… a self-justification to my wife that my conversations with our boys really can be more theologically profound than she otherwise believes.”
He explains further, “like many biblical tales, Star Wars was full of lessons about life… I am exploring the ethically interesting material in the movies… But is a ‘theological’ reading an appropriate one?... [This] could be asked … from a second perspective---that of a Christian worried that SW is occultic…From this perspective, the saga is apparently unable, even in some small way, to point helpfully to God… There are several possible ways of responding… Some Christians…. Have argued that a number of ‘moments’ and even a perspective within SW are broadly compatible with Christianity… My theological use of the saga, however, is more radical than this strategy… We should consider at least two things that justify seeing SW---and indeed any non-Christian text---as potentially illuminating: (1) the range of God’s speaking and (2) the partiality of Christian witness to the truth.” (Pg. xvii-xix)
He points out, “the blessing ‘May the Force be with you’ echoes an old Christian one, ‘May God be with you… the spectral Obi-Wan’s voice proclaims to Luke, ‘Remember, the Force is with you always,’ reflecting Jesus’ comforting of his disciples: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ [Mt 28:20] … a failure to listen to non-Christian philosophies is a THEOLOGICAL mistake. There is no good reason instinctively to reject Lucas’s Force BEFORE we assess its place and role in the movies. But there is something else worth mentioning. The Force is in fact more Western than many realize, and even importantly parallels some theological matters that Christians would do well to think harder about.” (Pg. 16-17)
He acknowledges, “Lucas portrays the Force in quasi-pantheistic terms as ‘an energy-field created by all living things’ that ‘surrounds us and penetrates us’… We should be careful, though, not to overemphasize this Eastern quality, lest we miss the presence of numerous Christian images… Lucas’s borrowing seems to be ECLECTC and more postmodern than specifically Eastern. Quite simply, the Force is a slippery idea that can sound at times like the personal psyche and at other times like a transcendent and unknowable Absolute One. The driving spirit… assumes a hypothetical commonality in all religions underneath their less important differences. Even if he is not intending to produce a new religion… the ideas and values that shape Lucas’s Force reveal his modern pluralistic mentality.” (Pg. 20-22)
He explains, “Obedience to the Force is not blind acquiescence to a powerful but morally ambiguous god, and certainly is not a giving absolute significance to one’s own desires. On the contrary, it is becoming responsible for the well-being of the galaxy… This means that the virtues of coresponsibility, compassion, and so on, are ultimately the truth of life. The Force has to do with dependence and creative self-giving, not autonomy and possessiveness.” (Pg. 25)
He observes, “Evil is not something that just HAPPENS TO US, or worse, to so-called evil people. It arises amid the nature of our relations and complex choices, amid the pressures that ‘conspire’ to make us into something less than we are and should be as God’s creatures. The question of why some of us become as dark as Vader, while others do not, has no simple answer. Suggestively Lucas comments, ‘Most of … [those who do wicked] think they’re good people doing what they do for a good reason.’” (Pg. 66)
He suggests, “SW is well placed to offer something of an insight into the sophisticated Augustinian doctrine of original sin, a doctrine that speaks clearly of the distorted network of relations which we already find determining us at every stage of our lives, even while it is still we who act wickedly…. But even while all relations between persons are distorted by evil… Lucas envisages a flourishing of right relations---an ORIGINAL and ULTIMATE good that creates active hope for its coming manifestation.” (Pg. 84-85)
He notes, “SW has nothing in common … with those who privatize religion or relegate it to something less than public practice. In SW movies those whose spirituality is in the Force are, in fact, the main movers and shakers in the shaping of galactic public relations, and the Force is presented as the universal life-giving energy that Qui-Gon describes as the symbiosis of all that exists… The saga does not ask about how we should handle particular religious commitments in pluralist societies, but it can at least remind us that the nature of the religious is to be publicly engaged… and that the ‘public’ needs the religious (because ‘secular’ politics has little capacity for asking or answering questions about the common good.” (Pg. 87)
He states, “There is arguably no single Christ figure in SW but many who are in a sense Christlike, meaning they possess the qualities of the human that are fulfilled in Israel’s Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. Obi-Wan is one such figure: he gives his life for the freedom of others, while his death is mysterious, it is certainly not his end, since ‘he rises’ to a new life and presence to Luke… Nevertheless, it is Luke who particularly appears most Christ-like, especially when his characterization is connected with the Anakin of the prequels… But with his tragic fall… Anakin himself ultimately becomes more an INVERSION of the Christ form.” (Pg. 111-112)
He explains, “Yoda occasionally speaks as if he does indeed have the ability to foresee (and therefore control) events… The idea of prescient Jedi invokes images of an overwhelming destiny underlying history. This would suggest that some can see the future because that is the way the future WILL BE… Christian apocalyptic generally denies that we can control our futures, precisely because they are controlled by Another. So Christians at best are consequently rendered little more than spectators, though they may be comforted and secured by the knowledge they have been given. In this way the apocalypticists KNOW the outcome of future events, which will be bad for the world… but will be good for the Christian seer…” (Pg. 157)
He concludes, “Read in light of their tragic quality, the redemptive therapy provided by the SW saga is not comforting as such and accordingly does not support any desire that strengthens self-centeredness. Hope cannot… provide a self-securing consolation; offer a ‘compensating heaven’; soothe the wounded soul with knowledge of a resolution to the so-called problem of evil; or provide an escape route into a different world that disposes us to be indifferent to this one. Indeed, while it intensifies the sense of the fragility and tragic nature of moral endeavor in a messy world, it vitally helps us identify and resist evil and prompts us to charity. We are therefore forced to ‘unlearn’ our ways of dominating others… that destructively subvert the original and final symbiosis of all life-forms.” (Pg. 166)
This is a more “theologically” sophisticated Christian treatment of the Star Wars saga, that will be of great interest to Christians and to Star Wars fans.
January 25, 2018
I love Star Wars. I didn’t become a fan until a few years ago. Having a son will open your world up a bit. I never watched the original series as a kid, it did not look interesting.
But when I finally watched the original series and then the prequels I was hooked. I haven’t watched all of the new ones so I won’t give an opinion.
When I saw these movies I easily could make connection to my faith and the enemy so when I saw this book I was really excited to read it and see someone else’s preservative.
This is book is for die-hard fans. I am not that. This book was really over my head with Star Wars facts and history and I was bored. I just wanted to get to the Jesus stuff and those connections. I felt like it was weighted down with Star Wars facts.
So this book wasn’t for me. However, if you are a die-hard fan you might really enjoy this book, it just wasn’t for me.
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.
But when I finally watched the original series and then the prequels I was hooked. I haven’t watched all of the new ones so I won’t give an opinion.
When I saw these movies I easily could make connection to my faith and the enemy so when I saw this book I was really excited to read it and see someone else’s preservative.
This is book is for die-hard fans. I am not that. This book was really over my head with Star Wars facts and history and I was bored. I just wanted to get to the Jesus stuff and those connections. I felt like it was weighted down with Star Wars facts.
So this book wasn’t for me. However, if you are a die-hard fan you might really enjoy this book, it just wasn’t for me.
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.
December 4, 2019
I rarely ever give a book this low of a rating. It almost got a two actually. This book fell short of so many expectations. From including different materials to philosophy references and not nearly enough scriptural reference, it just fell flat. While there were one or two good points made, overall it was hard to keep track due to the style of writing and lack of joy in the reading. While I like the Star Wars films, and the Bible, this book did not really satisfy either of those. I am disappointed to say the least.
June 16, 2020
I was expecting a book about some themes in Star Wars being compared to some biblical themes, but that wasn't what the majority of this book was about. He could have talked about the redemption of Anakin Skywalker, the triumph of Luke Skywalker or the concept of the dark vs. the light side of the force, all of which can be tied into religious concepts. However, that wasn't really talked about, it was more a star wars fan who is also a Christian talking to you about Star Wars for a few hours.
June 19, 2020
My favourite nonfiction Star Wars book. I've read it two or three times now and its packed with a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and insight about Lucas's Saga. Essential for any fan who wants to go beyond viewing the films as mere entertainment and understand them as a sturdy guide into the world of ethics and morality.
May 6, 2019
A lot of Star Wars story and backstory with some vague ties into the gospel. It was okay.
December 31, 2019
Fascinating. As retired Pastor interesting in theology behind the movies
April 24, 2020
A fact that borders on common knowledge: George Lucas based the original Star Wars oeuvre on a Christian worldview. McDowell expands that view in great, easily readable detail. Highly recommended.
November 21, 2016
With 390,000 claiming their religion as Jedi in the 2001 census and 176,000 maintaining that belief 10 years later, it’s perhaps hardly surprising that someone would want to relate “Star Wars” and Christianity, as it’s not entirely uncommon for Christian authors to jump on the latest trends and see if they can put a Christian spin on them. What is rarer is for someone to miss their aim quite as much as John C. McDowell seems to have done with “The Gospel According to Star Wars”.
McDowell gives a very long and impassioned look at the “Star Wars” universe, covering the first two trilogies and often diverging into related books and novels. He is attempting to show that the films go much deeper than just the typical battle between good and evil and that the Force has a spiritual side that encourages Jedi in particular to act in a way that is often consistent with Christian values and morals.
The problem McDowell seems to have is that he’s either making something out of nothing, or his area of expertise doesn’t stretch as far as linking one of his chosen topics with the other. He does a very fine job of showing the themes and motifs in “Star Wars” and in picking out things that appear just under the surface. He is especially at home running through the politics of the “Star Wars” universe and of the motifs of heroism and fallen heroes that run through the films. What he isn’t terribly good at is linking any of it with Christianity.
McDowell clearly knows his “Star Wars”, so I think the problem he has is that there isn’t essentially any Gospel to be found in “Star Wars”. As he observes early on, a number of character and place names appear to have links to Eastern religions and the Force has aspects of a number of differing spiritual beliefs and very little to do with any one particular organized religion, even less so a Western one.
McDowell spends so long covering the themes behind “Star Wars” that once he does try to slip in a little more of a Christian context, it is far too late in the book for the subject to be covered in any depth and there isn’t enough of a link to make even a chapter out of it, much less a book. When McDowell refers to Luke Skywalker as making a “profoundly Christ-like move”, I was hoping this would be the beginning of drawing links between “Star Wars” and Christ, but he simply left that comment hanging and unexplored and leaves the Christian reader particularly unfulfilled.
For fans of “Star Wars”, this is a decent look into the film universe, although it does suffer now from being slightly dated, written as it was before the sale of “Star Wars” to Disney and the release of “The Force Awakens”. This is amusingly noted where McDowell remarks on something that “prevents Lucas from filming his originally planned Episodes VII-IX”. However, Christian readers may feel that McDowell has missed the mark of his title fairly spectacularly, given that there is an awful lot of “Star Wars” here, but next to no Gospel. This is seen quite clearly in the index where you can find more references to mentions of George Lucas, Yoda, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader – each, this is, not altogether – than there are Bible passages, which shows how heavily the book is weighted towards “Star Wars” and away from the Gospels. Effectively what the book should have been titled is “Star Wars According to Star Wars”, such is the width of the subject areas covered.
This is a book that states that “Star Wars” may be “more theo-ethically interesting than viewers…may imagine”, but fails to back that statement up in all the pages that preceded it, covering a lot of ethics, but no discernible theology.
McDowell gives a very long and impassioned look at the “Star Wars” universe, covering the first two trilogies and often diverging into related books and novels. He is attempting to show that the films go much deeper than just the typical battle between good and evil and that the Force has a spiritual side that encourages Jedi in particular to act in a way that is often consistent with Christian values and morals.
The problem McDowell seems to have is that he’s either making something out of nothing, or his area of expertise doesn’t stretch as far as linking one of his chosen topics with the other. He does a very fine job of showing the themes and motifs in “Star Wars” and in picking out things that appear just under the surface. He is especially at home running through the politics of the “Star Wars” universe and of the motifs of heroism and fallen heroes that run through the films. What he isn’t terribly good at is linking any of it with Christianity.
McDowell clearly knows his “Star Wars”, so I think the problem he has is that there isn’t essentially any Gospel to be found in “Star Wars”. As he observes early on, a number of character and place names appear to have links to Eastern religions and the Force has aspects of a number of differing spiritual beliefs and very little to do with any one particular organized religion, even less so a Western one.
McDowell spends so long covering the themes behind “Star Wars” that once he does try to slip in a little more of a Christian context, it is far too late in the book for the subject to be covered in any depth and there isn’t enough of a link to make even a chapter out of it, much less a book. When McDowell refers to Luke Skywalker as making a “profoundly Christ-like move”, I was hoping this would be the beginning of drawing links between “Star Wars” and Christ, but he simply left that comment hanging and unexplored and leaves the Christian reader particularly unfulfilled.
For fans of “Star Wars”, this is a decent look into the film universe, although it does suffer now from being slightly dated, written as it was before the sale of “Star Wars” to Disney and the release of “The Force Awakens”. This is amusingly noted where McDowell remarks on something that “prevents Lucas from filming his originally planned Episodes VII-IX”. However, Christian readers may feel that McDowell has missed the mark of his title fairly spectacularly, given that there is an awful lot of “Star Wars” here, but next to no Gospel. This is seen quite clearly in the index where you can find more references to mentions of George Lucas, Yoda, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader – each, this is, not altogether – than there are Bible passages, which shows how heavily the book is weighted towards “Star Wars” and away from the Gospels. Effectively what the book should have been titled is “Star Wars According to Star Wars”, such is the width of the subject areas covered.
This is a book that states that “Star Wars” may be “more theo-ethically interesting than viewers…may imagine”, but fails to back that statement up in all the pages that preceded it, covering a lot of ethics, but no discernible theology.
January 19, 2018
Before you read, be aware that this probably isn’t going to be something you’ll fly through. It’s a heavy work on the SW universe, and McDowell’s diving deep into the ideas and themes presented; particularly, how Christians can view these films to start with and not come into conflict with their beliefs, why they should, and what they should be looking for. Note that he’s not in any way commandeering the film series and planting a Jesus flag in it—he’s just pointing out that, as a SW fan himself, there’s a lot to be mined out of the saga that Christians can benefit from if they so choose.
I’m the target demographic for the book. I’m both a Christian and a SW fan. That being said, I learned an incredible amount that I’ll be able to apply to the series, and, believe it or not, should be able to watch the prequels in a more favorable light, which is truly a testament to McDowell and this work.
If you’re not a Christian, there’s still much to be found here. Oodles of thematic comparisons, historical context, and info about the inner sanctum as they made these films are pocketfuls of gold for any SW fan worth their salt. Many sections hardly mention religion and simply compare and contrast interpretations of character arcs, subtext, etc.
With books like these, the way to reach a final verdict is pretty simple: Did it accomplish what it set out to do? For me, it’s a big yes. I’m better for having read it, and it has absolutely helped to enrich my experience with the SW movies.
I’m the target demographic for the book. I’m both a Christian and a SW fan. That being said, I learned an incredible amount that I’ll be able to apply to the series, and, believe it or not, should be able to watch the prequels in a more favorable light, which is truly a testament to McDowell and this work.
If you’re not a Christian, there’s still much to be found here. Oodles of thematic comparisons, historical context, and info about the inner sanctum as they made these films are pocketfuls of gold for any SW fan worth their salt. Many sections hardly mention religion and simply compare and contrast interpretations of character arcs, subtext, etc.
With books like these, the way to reach a final verdict is pretty simple: Did it accomplish what it set out to do? For me, it’s a big yes. I’m better for having read it, and it has absolutely helped to enrich my experience with the SW movies.
May 19, 2015
For years, my Christian friends and I have talked about how "STAR WARS" has all the themes of the Gospel. Now...there's proof of it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and found it to be real, true, and very well written. I would highly recommend it to my Christians friends, and my friends who aren't Christian, but still adore the "STAR WARS" movies in general.
At times, it was difficult to follow his argument, or see where he was going, but he never lost me, be honest...we have all read books that were much worse than this. And all you have to do is keep reading, and it will all come clear.
Think about it, he's basing a Sci-Fi/Fantasy movie on the Word of God, cut the author some slack.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and found it to be real, true, and very well written. I would highly recommend it to my Christians friends, and my friends who aren't Christian, but still adore the "STAR WARS" movies in general.
At times, it was difficult to follow his argument, or see where he was going, but he never lost me, be honest...we have all read books that were much worse than this. And all you have to do is keep reading, and it will all come clear.
Think about it, he's basing a Sci-Fi/Fantasy movie on the Word of God, cut the author some slack.
February 5, 2011
In this book, McDowell explores the possibility that Lucas formed his films around spiritual and moral ideals. The differing themes throughout the two separate trilogies revealed different ideologies, and McDowell attempts to explain them. Sometimes it was difficult to follow his arguments, but they were very compelling and thought-provoking. A good read for Star Wars addicts or those who like to read about different spiritual ideologies.
February 26, 2008
Not enough of a Star Wars geek to appreciate this one.
December 17, 2012
As much as I wanted to like it - as a Star Wars fan and armchair theologian - I couldn't finish. Too academic for me.
October 5, 2016
A serious book, not a light study as the title suggest.
January 9, 2018
Good ideas generally, but too deep in the weeds for me.
August 18, 2018
Profound, deep and easy to read
An easy to read, yet profound analysis of theological, ethical, historical and other topics all related to the SW saga.
An easy to read, yet profound analysis of theological, ethical, historical and other topics all related to the SW saga.
August 15, 2020
DNF at 21%
I can't do this anymore.
The writing is dense.
It's impossible to follow.
And it doesn't make sense.
I can't do this anymore.
The writing is dense.
It's impossible to follow.
And it doesn't make sense.
March 3, 2008
Don't laugh too hard. It's a serious book. Really.
February 20, 2018
The latest Star Wars installment is in theaters everywhere. It has solidified its reputation as a top-selling movie franchise. With its popularity, many are renewing their love for characters such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, as well as the newer characters like Rey and Kylo Ren, and many more. It is amazing how the 70s franchise had lasted till now, where each of the episodes had sold-out crowds on their opening days. Beyond the entertainment aspect, is there a hidden message in the Star Wars saga? Is it more than simply a movie written for kids? How did such a movie franchise grow to be so popular? If there is a secret message, how do we make sense of it without misrepresenting the original storyteller's intentions? For those who say no, they would probably not even bother to pick up this book. For those who say yes, they have to sieve through the many complex interpretations, symbolism, religious undertones, and cultural understanding. For those who are unsure, perhaps, this book would offer not just an alternative look at the SW stories but invites them to consider the religious and spiritual messages hidden within the movies.
John McDowell has been a long-time fan of the Star Wars movies, not only as an interpreter of the messages but a movie-goer like the rest of us. He is also keen to understand the movie from a Christian perspective. He combines his interest in the movies as well as the interpretation of the messages in this very fascinating look at the films released so far.
Episode 1: The Phantom Menace (TPM)
Episode 2: Attack of the Clones (AOTC)
Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith (ROTS)
Episode 4: A New Hope (ANH)
Episode 5: The Empire Strikes back (ESB)
Episode 6: Return of the Jedi (ROTJ)
Episode 7: The Force Awakens (TFA)
Episode 8: The Last Jedi (TLJ) (latest released but not included in this book)
The structure of the book mirrors the chronological order of movie release instead of the episode numbers, that is; Episode 4,5,6, 1, 2, 3, and 7. The author begins chapter 1 that offers the film-makers the benefit of the doubt. He recognizes that it is easy to read too much into Lucas's stories and to say things that were not the film maker's intentions. Rather than trying to presume Lucas's understanding, McDowell focuses on spiritual messages from the perspectives of different cultures and religious outlooks, with frequent reference to Christian theologies. He spends a substantial amount of time to interpret the Force, about the two sides of the divide. Trying to see the Force as something divine proves tricky because it is seem more like an impersonal energy source rather than a personal being. Plus, there is a risk of dualism and gnosticism if we are not careful. Is the Force deemed good, while the "dark side" is evil? Semantics could muddle the whole matter. So McDowell notes how each reference to evil is rendered as "the dark-side of the Force." In fact, viewed under the lens of good vs evil, the Force could easily be utilized by all religions for their own purposes. Truth is, Lucas wanted to instill some openness to the presence of spirituality in an increasingly secular world. There are things far more profound than what modern science and technology could offer. In fact, Lucas's brilliance is in telling a story with wide-ranging applications and interpretations, especially from a pluralistic worldview. He looks at the treatment of evil in the movie by navigating carefully the philosophies of dualism; Manicheanism; anti-semitism; the cultures of blame and self-serving motives. He concludes by seeing evil as a breakdown of relations and dehumanization. This is highlighted in the Skywalker family. From Anakin to Luke, SW is a powerful platform to show the depravity of humans and the extent in which evil could devastate life, both physical and non-physical forms. Lest we think all jedis are good, it is important to remember that the worst enemies are former jedis. Even the Jedi council have shown signs of arrogance and ignorance. It reminds us that we are all susceptible to such arrogance and pride, which are the seeds of downfall. Sin has made us flawed people. It makes us reject the people we love. McDowell spends more than four chapters just outlining and describing the expressions of evil inside and outside of the stories and characters. He does this so as to drive home the need for hope in the midst of intense evil, which should bring those of us astute readers of the Bible to Revelation.Other themes include the continuing battle between good and evil; the need for salvation and hope; and how powers and principalities could be used and abused by all sides.
Three Thoughts
First, movies are excellent platforms for discussion about real life. In our secular and atheistic world, where religious topics are often avoided, SW could be an entry point for fruitful conversations about spirituality, life, the after-life, and various aspects of human relationships that the SW movies represent. We could discuss about the role of sacrifice, like how Rogue One's heroes gave up their lives for the sake of the greater good. We could analyze the temptations of the world which could turn us into people entering the dark side. We could ask about our decisions that dictate our future. At the same time, if we are not theologically certain about our own beliefs, entering into theological interpretations could be a problem. Any cultural or religious interpretations presume we already have our theological foundations laid. Otherwise, we would become wrapped up in controversies and uncertainties which might even pull us deeper into the dark side of doubt and despair. Christians, read your Bibles and ask your spiritual mentors if you are unsure about the basic tenets of your faith.
Second, SW showcases the depravity of human beings, something Calvinists would be most happy to talk about. It is a classic display of Augustine's definition of original sin, that we cannot save ourselves. We need something bigger than us. We need God. We need the gospel. So depraved is the human heart that even the most well-intentioned heart could turn wayward. Look at how Anakin Skywalker turned to the dark side, and how Luke was nearly tempted into submission. While movies often require a plot that has a villain where viewers loved to hate, it subconsciously highlights our inner conflicts. While sin is tempting, with its offer of power and invincibility, it seduces us into falling for deceptions and lies, just like how Anakin was deceived into thinking his journey into the dark side could save his beloved wife. There is only one hero who is pure and blameless, and that is Jesus. All of us are subject to sin and error. We need help and only God can help us. If we let Him.
Third, we all need hope. While SW presents a general need for hope, that good will eventually triumph, there is a strong representation of the deepest hunger of the human heart for hope of a better tomorrow. McDowell is spot on when he says Lucas's movies are eclectic and reflect the pluralistic cultures of our age. The title of the book is about the "gospel" which essentially means hope. It means good news. Read this book with the good news in mind, not just any good news but the Bible's message of hope, which is much deeper and more complete than anything the world has to offer. Christ died for all that all may live. If we reject Christ, we reject the Giver of all hope.
This is one of the best spiritual analyses of the SW saga, presenting some possible theological themes of each of the movies. Perhaps, after reading this book, watch all the movies again and interpret wit
John McDowell has been a long-time fan of the Star Wars movies, not only as an interpreter of the messages but a movie-goer like the rest of us. He is also keen to understand the movie from a Christian perspective. He combines his interest in the movies as well as the interpretation of the messages in this very fascinating look at the films released so far.
Episode 1: The Phantom Menace (TPM)
Episode 2: Attack of the Clones (AOTC)
Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith (ROTS)
Episode 4: A New Hope (ANH)
Episode 5: The Empire Strikes back (ESB)
Episode 6: Return of the Jedi (ROTJ)
Episode 7: The Force Awakens (TFA)
Episode 8: The Last Jedi (TLJ) (latest released but not included in this book)
The structure of the book mirrors the chronological order of movie release instead of the episode numbers, that is; Episode 4,5,6, 1, 2, 3, and 7. The author begins chapter 1 that offers the film-makers the benefit of the doubt. He recognizes that it is easy to read too much into Lucas's stories and to say things that were not the film maker's intentions. Rather than trying to presume Lucas's understanding, McDowell focuses on spiritual messages from the perspectives of different cultures and religious outlooks, with frequent reference to Christian theologies. He spends a substantial amount of time to interpret the Force, about the two sides of the divide. Trying to see the Force as something divine proves tricky because it is seem more like an impersonal energy source rather than a personal being. Plus, there is a risk of dualism and gnosticism if we are not careful. Is the Force deemed good, while the "dark side" is evil? Semantics could muddle the whole matter. So McDowell notes how each reference to evil is rendered as "the dark-side of the Force." In fact, viewed under the lens of good vs evil, the Force could easily be utilized by all religions for their own purposes. Truth is, Lucas wanted to instill some openness to the presence of spirituality in an increasingly secular world. There are things far more profound than what modern science and technology could offer. In fact, Lucas's brilliance is in telling a story with wide-ranging applications and interpretations, especially from a pluralistic worldview. He looks at the treatment of evil in the movie by navigating carefully the philosophies of dualism; Manicheanism; anti-semitism; the cultures of blame and self-serving motives. He concludes by seeing evil as a breakdown of relations and dehumanization. This is highlighted in the Skywalker family. From Anakin to Luke, SW is a powerful platform to show the depravity of humans and the extent in which evil could devastate life, both physical and non-physical forms. Lest we think all jedis are good, it is important to remember that the worst enemies are former jedis. Even the Jedi council have shown signs of arrogance and ignorance. It reminds us that we are all susceptible to such arrogance and pride, which are the seeds of downfall. Sin has made us flawed people. It makes us reject the people we love. McDowell spends more than four chapters just outlining and describing the expressions of evil inside and outside of the stories and characters. He does this so as to drive home the need for hope in the midst of intense evil, which should bring those of us astute readers of the Bible to Revelation.Other themes include the continuing battle between good and evil; the need for salvation and hope; and how powers and principalities could be used and abused by all sides.
Three Thoughts
First, movies are excellent platforms for discussion about real life. In our secular and atheistic world, where religious topics are often avoided, SW could be an entry point for fruitful conversations about spirituality, life, the after-life, and various aspects of human relationships that the SW movies represent. We could discuss about the role of sacrifice, like how Rogue One's heroes gave up their lives for the sake of the greater good. We could analyze the temptations of the world which could turn us into people entering the dark side. We could ask about our decisions that dictate our future. At the same time, if we are not theologically certain about our own beliefs, entering into theological interpretations could be a problem. Any cultural or religious interpretations presume we already have our theological foundations laid. Otherwise, we would become wrapped up in controversies and uncertainties which might even pull us deeper into the dark side of doubt and despair. Christians, read your Bibles and ask your spiritual mentors if you are unsure about the basic tenets of your faith.
Second, SW showcases the depravity of human beings, something Calvinists would be most happy to talk about. It is a classic display of Augustine's definition of original sin, that we cannot save ourselves. We need something bigger than us. We need God. We need the gospel. So depraved is the human heart that even the most well-intentioned heart could turn wayward. Look at how Anakin Skywalker turned to the dark side, and how Luke was nearly tempted into submission. While movies often require a plot that has a villain where viewers loved to hate, it subconsciously highlights our inner conflicts. While sin is tempting, with its offer of power and invincibility, it seduces us into falling for deceptions and lies, just like how Anakin was deceived into thinking his journey into the dark side could save his beloved wife. There is only one hero who is pure and blameless, and that is Jesus. All of us are subject to sin and error. We need help and only God can help us. If we let Him.
Third, we all need hope. While SW presents a general need for hope, that good will eventually triumph, there is a strong representation of the deepest hunger of the human heart for hope of a better tomorrow. McDowell is spot on when he says Lucas's movies are eclectic and reflect the pluralistic cultures of our age. The title of the book is about the "gospel" which essentially means hope. It means good news. Read this book with the good news in mind, not just any good news but the Bible's message of hope, which is much deeper and more complete than anything the world has to offer. Christ died for all that all may live. If we reject Christ, we reject the Giver of all hope.
This is one of the best spiritual analyses of the SW saga, presenting some possible theological themes of each of the movies. Perhaps, after reading this book, watch all the movies again and interpret wit
March 16, 2018
Interesting read for fans of Star Wars.
My E-Book version was badly formatted which was a bit of a hassle to read.
My E-Book version was badly formatted which was a bit of a hassle to read.
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