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(0)Star Wars has become one of the best epic tales of all time; a classic film of good vs evil. "Episodes I, II, and III (the Clone Wars) chronicle the downfall of the Old Republic and the rise of the Galactic Empire. It is also the story of Anakin Skywalker's rise as a gifted young Jedi (the chosen one) and his eventual fall to the Dark Side of the Force."
The strategic theme that is foundational for the storyline revolves around the Force. "It is described by Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars film as, 'An energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together.'"
Those who can use the Force, such as the Jedi, can perform feats of telepathy, psychokinesis, prescience, clairvoyance, and mental control. Two aspects of the Force are emphasized: the light side and the dark side. The light side of the Force is the facet aligned with good, benevolence, and healing. The dark side of the Force is aligned with fear, hatred, aggression, and malevolence. The dark side seems more powerful, especially to those who use it, because it is driven by rage and hatred — its effects are more direct and easier and faster to achieve. In reality, neither the light nor the dark side of the Force is stronger than the other, each possessing its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, the dark side conveys an inherent disadvantage to its users, which is arrogance and overconfidence in their own abilities. However, this aggression allows its acolytes to become more formidable warriors — illustrated when Luke is able to finally overcome his father in battle because of his anger at the thought of his sister turning to the dark side. On the other hand, Jedi can occasionally become crippled by their compassion and act "soft." This is balanced by an ability to remain calm even in extreme circumstances" (Wikipedia).
The philosophy driving the theme of the Force is none other than Dualism with influences of other non-Christian thought. Dualism's fundamental thought is two opposing sides of equal quality. Theologically speaking the opposing forces are good and evil; one pot of "power" so to speak, but it depends on how you wield that power.
Sadly, many Christians think within the realm of dualism even though they do not articulate it with the exact terms -
- Good Works = God's love showing upon me vs Sin = God does not love me as well
- Corporate worship vs "secular" life
- Spiritual life vs Physical life
- Grace vs Nature
- Heavenly vs Earthly
- Truth vs Love
just to name a few. Dualism has entered the life of the Christian to such an extent that to even suggest we think dualistically is an unfathomable idea. But we often think in terms of dualism because, it seems, we think our spiritual life and our physical life are separate realities and ne'er the twain shall meet.
Truth be told, there is only one reality; not two. I believe Dietrich Bonhoeffer said it best, "There are not two realities, but only one reality, and that is the reality of God, which has become manifest in Christ in the reality of the world."
It is the Gospel-Imperative that our paradigm of thinking be changed to Christian thinking.
We must remember that "he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” How is this possible? How is the Triune God making all things new?
The Gospel.
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
Continued....
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