Jediism
| Jediism | |
|---|---|
| Family | Modern / Fiction-based or popular-culture-inspired religion |
| Origin region | Internet-based communities influenced by Star Wars |
| Founding period | Late 20th and 21st centuries CE |
| Estimated adherents | Unknown; census responses and online organizations exist, but many identifications are symbolic or humorous. |
Jediism is a modern movement and philosophy inspired by the Jedi of Star Wars, often centered on discipline, service, mindfulness, ethics, and belief in or symbolic interpretation of the Force.
Overview
Jediism developed through online communities, popular culture, and census phenomena. Some participants treat it as a sincere religious or spiritual path, while others treat Jedi identity humorously or culturally. Modern Jedi groups often stress ethical discipline, self-knowledge, service, meditation, and the Force understood in diverse ways. Neutral documentation should distinguish real-world Jediism from fictional Jedi religion in Star Wars stories.
Key beliefs
- The Force may be understood spiritually, symbolically, pantheistically, or ethically
- Personal discipline, mindfulness, and self-control are central virtues
- Service, compassion, and responsibility are often emphasized
- Popular culture can inspire sincere spiritual practice
- There is no single universal Jedi church or creed
Practices
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Study of Jedi codes or teachings
- Service and ethical training
- Online discussion and mentorship
- Personal vows or initiatory study in some organizations
Places of worship
- Online temples or forums
- Private meditation space
- Study group
- Community service setting
Sacred texts
- Jedi codes and doctrines from real-world groups
- Star Wars source material as inspiration
- Modern Jedi essays and training documents
- Comparative philosophy and religious texts
Holidays and observances
- May the Fourth in some communities
- Personal training milestones
- Community-defined observances
- No universal liturgical calendar
Branches and related traditions
- Matrixism - Another modern fiction-influenced religion.
- New Religious Movements - A broad category for modern religious innovation.
- Unaffiliated and Secular Worldviews - Some Jedi identify philosophically rather than religiously.