Force of argument: why Jediism should be recognised as a religion

[trotsky]

https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2016/dec/21/why-jediism-should-be-recognised-as-a-religion-charity-commission-decision

The Force is not with them! The Charity Commission for England and Wales has stated that Jediism isn’t a “real” religion and, as such, cannot be registered as a charitable incorporated organisation. That’s a hell of a thank you to the brave knights who died defending the galaxy from the dark side!

...

Some kudos must be given to the commission for at least going through the formality of taking this task seriously. (Perhaps you’ll be reminded of the galactic senate’s vote-for-appearance’s sake granting Senator Palpatine increased executive powers, the final transformation of a benevolent Republic into a dark, malignant Empire.) But even those with a low midichlorian count (or those who don’t much care for Star Wars films) may see this as a foolish decision tainted with bigotry.

To wit: the Temple of the Jedi Order is deemed not acceptable because of its belief in the Force. Though Jedi edicts state that the Force is “the ubiquitous and metaphysical power that a Jedi believes to be the underlying, fundamental nature of the universe” and that “Jedi believe in eternal life through The Force”, the commission feels that this observation does not show enough fealty to be considered “a belief in one or more gods or spiritual or non-secular principals or things”.

While you are scratching your head about what that means, the report is quick to point out that Buddhism and Jainism is still cool. Just not Jediism.

Previously covered here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1218241438

You can begin to see why many believers in "accepted" religions react so viscerally when a new one comes on the scene, while those of us in the non-believing camp generally shrug and think "Meh, sounds as reasonable as all the others."

[hrmjustin]

1. Can't say I give a shit about it too much.

Seems the commission saw this for what it was.

[okasha]

10. Now, this is just me,

but I think the folks who want to establish Jedism as a recognized religion need first to demonstrate that there are actual Jedi. How are these guys with light sabres?

[hrmjustin]

11. Good point! I wonder if they know how to construct one.

[okasha]

13. I have my doubts.

[MattP]

2. You should be able to believe any fantasy you want

[HAB911]

3. react so viscerally

They react so viscerally because they are supremacists and any other religion drives a stake in the heart of their beliefs.

[nil desperandum]

4. Geez

you'd think that Obi-Wan would get at least as much consideration as the rest...

[rug]

5. If he thinks the "Temple of the Jedi Order" is as coherent as Buddhism, he doesn't know Buddhism.

trotsky, why do you react so viscerally when obvious bullshit is called obvious bullshit?

I can't wait for you to defend the coherence of the Church of Bacon too.



Previously covered here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1218241409

[AtheistCrusader]

6. I'm an ordained minister in the United Church of Bacon.

[rug]

7. I am not in the least surprised.

[AtheistCrusader]

8. Yeah, turns out to officiate a marriage in the State of Washington, you have to be

an ordained minister or a circuit court judge.


Law school seemed like a bit of a burden, so I went with $20.

[hrmjustin]

12. May the bacon be with you!

[Iggo]

9. No more or less ridiculous than any of the others.

And boy, are they ridiculous.