Force of Star Wars

by Frank Allnutt

Vintage movie tie-in religious paperback

Genres: Star Wars, Christianity, Christian, Nonfiction, Religion

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[David Natiuk · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is an analysis of the Christian similarities to the mystical religious aspects of "The Force" as seen in Star Wars. Unfortunately, I believe this book might have fit better when it first came out, but now suffers greatly from analogies that no longer hold true.

You see, while Christianity has held its tenets, the development and further explanation of everything in the Star Wars universe has ruined many of the simple interpretations. For example, one person can not simply "choose" to follow the ways of the Force (aka. follow God)... for we have learned people are simply born as a "force user" or not. Some are even born with a lot more midoclorians (oh goodness, I hate that) than others... which means much more natural ability. That analogy to God does not ring true.

And there are many other analogies that might have worked when the only movie out there was Star Wars Episode 4... where good & evil was cut & dry, and we didn't even know Vader was Luke's father, etc. Ah yes, so much has changed...

As a devout Christian and a fan of Star Wars, I was hoping for some insight... and I did appreciate some of the things spoken of: Jesus's sacrifice for us, how his death & resurrection gives us hope and a guide, the fight against evil and more. It might even be a good introduction into some Christian principles and understanding for a non-believer.

On the other hand, the analogies are both no longer always applicable AND they suffer from overreach. Too many times I got the impression that Frank Allnutt (unfortunate name for a religious writer, eh?) was trying too hard to make a Christian analogy when one was not intended, nor fitting. There's much more religious text than Star Wars text... basically just a brief look at something from Star Wars followed by the analogy and lots of bible texts and explanations.

Overall we don't get any new information about the Star Wars universe, and there are far better works for understanding Christianity (C.S. Lewis, Max Lucado, Ravi Zacharias, etc.) Which leaves this book in an odd place, relegated permanently to the stack of interesting ideas that only worked at the time of its release.

[J.M. Brister · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea how I came to have this book in my possession. It might have been a flea market deal or something. Regardless, the first time I read this book, I really did not care for it. However, since becoming a Christian, the book means a lot more to me.

If you decide to pick this book up because you are either a Star Wars fan, a Christian, or just plain curious, I will warn you that this book was published right after the original Star Wars: A New Hope came out. This means that none of the other movies or books for the Star Wars Universe are factored in. Obviously, things have changed for Star Wars. However, I would not us the fact that the book is old to discredit it.

The author makes a valid point that the original Star Wars movie is a Christian allegory in many ways (whether it was intended that way or not). The author spends the book pointing out these ways by first discussing an aspect of the movie and then using scripture to back up his point.

Obviously, if you are not a Christian, you will most likely be bored or annoyed (like I was when I first read it). The book might not be the best for evangelism because most readers are going to pick up the book for the Star Wars aspect. So if you were just looking for a supplement to your Star Wars books collection, this might not be the book for you. However, I would say, give it a try. You might enjoy it and hopefully get something out of it.

[Robert Lent · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amusingly dreadful.

[Samuel Saul Richardson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this at the used book store and the inside flap led me to think it was going to discuss the Force of Star Wars and an interpretation of it to God. 😅

Instead, this was Christian Nationalist propaganda. Not only does it have an extremely poor knowledge of Star Wars (as the Preface seems to indicate the author saw it one time the year it came out), but has horrible theological takes on a variety of topics.

I also had to share the quote because its, something.

I'm sure this would have been a unique sermon series in 1977 and/or the kind of thing that would be handed out at conventions. Do not recommend.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

An artifact of its time, this book came out in 1977 when the original Star Wars was basically still in theatres. When it’s being casual, it calls the former Anakin Skywalker “Darth,” because no one knew any better. So there’s that.

This book is a thinly veiled primer on basic Christian beliefs, explained through the lens of Star Wars. It will probably not convert anyone, but it might reinforce existing beliefs. It has a bit of entertainment value in its sheer cringe-factor. I would like to have a cup of coffee with the author.

[kesseljunkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is NOT 5 stars. It IS a gem of an experience to read the snapshot in time of Star Wars having SUCH an impact and being so universally accessible that someone saw the opportunity to evangelize through it. The fantastic interpretations of the film, both in how close some of it was AND how far it was from what was presented in the sequels, is a marvelous time capsule. So grateful I encountered this out of print gem.

[James Mortimer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Utter garbage.

[Armando Flores m · Rating 1 out of 5]

un libro malo