Theology and the Star Wars Universe

Benjamin D. Espinoza is associate vice president for online education, executive director of seminary administration, and assistant professor of practical theology at Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, New York.

Move over, Darth Vader! Theology and the Star Wars Universe brings definitive balance to the Force. This volume presents the many facets of theology and Star Wars through multiple lenses: ancient and modern Christianity, political engagement with theology, and an examination of various religious traditions and thinkers. This book is sure to become a favorite of fans and scholars who value the depth of philosophy and religion that the franchise has to offer. It's also an enjoyable read, hitting the right notes in its choice of interlocutors, which makes it valuable for classroom use.

• Introduction: Theologizing Star Wars: Engaging the Galaxy Far, Far AwayBenjamin D. EspinozaOpening Essay1 The Word of God and the W(h)ill of the Force: Canon and Authority within the Star Wars UniverseJames F. McGrathPart II: Theologies of the Jedi2 Use (the) Force: Jedi, Monks, and Unexpected ViolenceZachary B. Smith3 And What More Shall I Say? Heroism in Hebrews 11 and Star WarsBethany Keeley-Jonker and Robert Keeley4 Rediscovering the Sith and the Jedi: A Spiritual Analogy in Renaissance Humanism and Desert AsceticismNathan Garcia5 From Padawan to Jedi: The Theological Premise for the Necessity of the Master-Apprentice Relationship in the Path of Spiritual AscensionAbdallah Rothman6 And Also With You: An Examination of the Demystification of the Jedi and the ClergyNettie Brock and Josiah BrockPart III: Political Theologies7 Subverting the Ancient Religion: The Gray Ecclesiology of Ahsoka Tano and Old Man LukeTimothy Posada8 In Defense of the Nonviolence Luke: A Confron