'Many of the truths that we cling to depend on our point of view.' [Obi-Wan Kenobi]

Watching the Star Wars movies, and reading the books; particular in the Jedi training scenes, it is not hard to see why some people have adopted the Jedi philosophy and adapted it for a religious way of life.

Take a look at these Star Wars quotes:
"Do or do not - there is not try." ~ Yoda
"Your focus determines your reality." ~ Qui-Gon
"Sometimes, we must let go of our pride and do what is requested of us." ~ Anakin Skywalker
"There is no shame in falling. There is only shame if you refuse to rise once again." ~ Jedi Master Pernicar (Darth Bane: Path of Destruction)
"Before one can learn truth, one must unlearn lies." ~ Nom Anor, Traitor
"Life is more a matter of choosing than of knowing. You can never know the eventual destination of your path, but you can always choose in which direction to take each step." ~ Jacen Solo, Traitor
"An understood emotion is not unreasoning. That is why the route to mastery is through self-knowledge." ~Vergere (Traitor)
...some where taken from the films and some were taken from the books, but all could be adopted and adapted for Jedi spirituality.

The formation of Jedi Churches and individuals claiming the Jedi faith, is a simple transition of adopting a spirituality and way of life portrayed in films and books into reality.
Is this for everyone? maybe not. However while the emergence of the Jedi philosophy as a faith has proved controversial it must be remembered that the Jedi philosophy and faith already existed, even if it was only fictional.
The books and films portrayed the structure of the ways of the Jedi, their beliefs, ritual and practices; it could be said that George Lucas was the founder of this fictional 'religion'. With all this evidence does any of it make Jediism less of a religion? After all what is religion?

To finish up the very memorable scene of Luke's training scene with Jedi master Yoda on the planet Dagobah.

'Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.' [Han Solo]

“To be a Jedi, you must construct your own lightsaber. Finding the right crystals and metal pieces to forge your own weapon can be difficult, but the Star Wars Force FX Lightsaber Construction Set makes it easy for you. In just seconds, you can assemble 5 pieces, a blade, and some batteries to forge one of over 700 possible configurations of lightsaber! Use a variety of pommel, handle, and detail parts to create a personalized weapon that looks just like the ones that belong to Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker, or Obi-Wan Kenobi… or something totally new that’s uniquely you!”

This was said in the star wars section of fanboy.com by Michael Pinto on Jun 4, 2008.

Various lightsaber constructions sets are available for purchase on the Internet, as well as videos for constructing a lightsaber, customising a lightsaber, demos, training manuals and training videos.
The following video is the first from a series of lightsaber training videos available on youtube, which starts with teaching the basic strikes and forms need to fight using a lightsaber and continues on to more advanced moves.

'You must unlearn what you have learned.' [Yoda]

I suppose that I am a product of the modern Internet age, for when I am faced with something new I always have to go and...
... that's right wiki it. (well the logos a really big clue)
Come on! It's what we all do.
At first I couldn't find it on wikipedia when searching for 'Jedi,' 'religion' & 'faith'. I started to hyperventilate, how could wikipedia not have an entry on the Jedi faith? It knows everything, it's a god of knowledge...hmm...now that would have been interesting a blog on wikipedia - the god of knowledge, I feel a sequel blog coming on...but at a later date.
Anyway don't worry kids I found the entry I was looking for under 'Jediism'.

According to wikipedia 'Jediism' is a 'non-theistic new religious movement based upon the philosophical and spiritual ideas of the Jedi as depicted in Star Wars media.
The real-world Jedi assert the existence of the Force, and advocate adherence to the Jedi code. According to recent censuses in some English-speaking countries, over 500,000 people declared their religion as Jedi, and at least three Jedi churches exist in the USA and the UK.' (Holyhead Jedi Church, Temple of the Jedi Order, and the Jedi Praxeum.)
The wikipedia entry then goes on to list the Jediism philosophy - the Force and the side of the Force vs. the Potentium theory, and the controversy that Jediism has had with censuses, the media and politics.

All the facts of 'Jediism' is listed here, but what do you as readers of this blog make of the wikipedia entry?
The wikipedia entry appears to be quite short and basic, maybe someone whose reading this and is a practicing Jedi could add to it.

Getting married by a Jedi minister...

- a serious expression of faith or the latest craze?

'I'm out of it for a little while, and everybody gets delusions of grandeur.' [Han Solo]

A section on The Jedi Church's website contains links to websites of Jedi ministries and ordained Jedi ministers; as well as a page for each ministry/Jedi minister to advertise their services. In order to advertise on The Jedi Church's website it is necessary to be certified by the site (which simply involves purchasing a certificate of membership for the Jedi Church). Advertised on the Jedi Church is:

• the New Zealand Jedi Ministry - Auckland City Order
• the UK Church of the Jedi/ Church of Jediism
• the Maryland Jedi Order
• the Order of the Jedi Canada
• the East of England Jedi Ministry
• the Jedi Wikkia
• the Rev. Todd Modgling OCP (Ordained Clergy Person) (advertising the Temple of the Jedi Order)
  
• Mark Chalifoux
• Br1mm Stone
  
• Simon Dunn
  
• Mike Ursu
• the House of Sith
• Master Puejo Gonmad
• the UK Scotland Jedi Order - Jedi Mike
  
• Master Grigori
• David E. Pittman SR
• The First Jedi Church of California
• the Jedi Order of Nashville, Tennessee
• Aaron Johnson
• Kristine Foley
• Jedi Jed
• Tom Warren
• Neil Rothwell
• Jedi Benjamin Simon Dunn

Some of the ministries and Jedi ministers that advertise on The Jedi Church's website are well established with detailed and organised public websites; some required initiation and are private; while others (mostly the Jedi ministers) list a few details and communication is possible through the email provided by The Jedi Church.
Looking at the varied ministries and Jedi ministers who advertise on The Jedi Church's website it is possible to see that the Jedi Church is viewed by followers of the Jedi faith as a established and credible source of information, communication within the Jedi faith community. The Jedi Church appears to be a source of authority for a faith which has no certified offline authoritative leader or hierarchy.