This will possibly be a disputed Lecture. Some of you will cheer and applaud it...others will be against it. But it is one that needs to be addressed...the role religion plays in the Force, how the Force Academy deals with it, and the personal interpretations that go into speaking of the nature of the Force.
The Force is, by our definition, an energy field. It is present in everything...a constantly flowing and moving field of energy that flows through us, and joins us. The debate is not in WHAT the force is, but WHERE it comes from...and the techniques that are best suited for learning a better control of the Force.
Unfortunately, many of these techniques that are seen as a way of strengthening use of the force, lead others to look upon what we learn as "cultish". When you look upon the Force, where do you believe it comes from? When I take a student, this is one of the first questions that I ask. If they are of like religion as myself, I tend to integrate their own beliefs into their force training, as a way of truly expanding on their own beliefs. If my religion is not the same as thiers, I avoid the religion topic altogether. The true proving ground comes in respect. Respecting and being true to your own beliefs, while not infringing on others. This is the great challenge. In my own lectures and postings, I make the best attempt to be respectful to all involved...if I ask members to wish well for someone, I ask them to pray or to meditate, whichever or whatever their beliefs ask of them.
So what is the best form of study for a Force Adept? Is it the study of the Christian religion? Or perhaps the Eastern Philosophies? Wiccan studies? The Greek gods?
The answer is rather straightforward. None of the above. There is no "best". The best form of study, if you even wish to connect religion or belief with your studies of the Force, is the study of how your own beliefs interact with your knowledge of the Force. I have seen many posts of varying natures dealing with religion...some who are wise in the force promote and heavily endorse Eastern, Christian, Wiccan, and many other forms of study for the enhancement of one's force abilities, just as many students of the various religion institutions either support or condemn the study of the Force. Support of your own beliefs is an attribute...but impressing them heavily onto others, or an expression of disrespect towards others of different beliefs shows that you are indeed weak in the Force.
So, thus examined, examine yourself and your postings. Are you tolerant in your own religion? There is a great strength in having pride and dedication to your own religion...but also a great weakness in judging others religions. Also, examine whether or not how you phrase your beliefs would be construed as negative...whether it would lead others on the board to believe wrongly of what you feel. The entire purpose of this lecture is to gain a better enlightenment in respecting other's feelings regarding their religion, as well as understanding what certain topics will cause the board to be misunderstood.
In the end, the Force is the Force. We discuss it as the Force, and not on a religious term. It is up to the individual student of the Force to define it's uses and origins for themselves. All a Master can do is speak in general, and guide a student to a better understanding of themself. It is up to you, as a student of the Force, to not quarrel over matters of religion with other students. This is a first sign of weakness. Part of our strength comes through understanding and acceptance. So look inside of yourself, and look in what words you have written, and be honest with yourself...as Jedi, this is all you can do...be strong, be tolerant...........and be fair, always and forever.
JediKnightG
PradseLost@aol.com
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