My girlfriend wants me to convert to her family's religion. Should I do it?

Question

Her family is all Jedi.
I do not know much about Jedis.
I hope they not a cult.
They said it is the second largest religion in New Zealand and the fourth largest religion in England and Wales.
Are there any Jedis who can tell me about the religion?

I can keep it secret.

Answer 1

Go & ask Obi Wan Kenobi...............................................................

Answer 2

Religion is a very personal thing, it is where you find solace when bad things happen and how you can explain the world around you. For different people, different religions work better. Hopping to a new religion should be a carefully made choice, and not to be done without good reason. Changing for a woman isn't the best reason in the world.

The Jedi phenomenon started a few years ago as a grass roots movement against the census. Rather than write in "other" people were encouraged to write in "Jedi" to see if they could get it recognized. That being said the religion actually does have a few merits and as time went on it became less of a joke and more of a way of life for some of the participants. The religion is based after the ideas of the force from the Star Wars movies. That there is a balance in the universe of light and dark, that we are all interconnected to everything around us, living by the codes of chivalry and self improvement, highly nature based, etc...

I find the whole thing mildly amusing since it has long been believed the Jedi order was based loosely off of my own religion: Wicca. But that's just a rumor and parallels could probably be seen to many of the more positive faiths.

Since the Jedi religion means many different things to the participants, everything from a joke on the government to a living, breathing religion, you should talk to her about what the religion means and what conversion entails. But be careful before making a decision like this; when the worst thing in the world happens (whatever that may be) can you find comfort and solace in this religion? If so then follow your heart.

Answer 3

Jedi is like taoism here read te of piglet or Tao of pooh to get a good idea as to what Jedi is:) and may the Force be with you!

oh btw dear all religions are cults.
cult Audio pronunciation of "cult" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (klt)
n.

1.
1. A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
2. The followers of such a religion or sect.
2. A system or community of religious worship and ritual.
3. The formal means of expressing religious reverence; religious ceremony and ritual.
4. A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease.
5.
1. Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing.
2. The object of such devotion.
6. An exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest.

Answer 4

More than 70,000 people in Australia have declared that they are followers of the Jedi faith, the religion created by the Star Wars films.
A recent census found that one in 270 respondents - or 0.37% of the population - say they believe in "the force", an energy field that gives Jedi Knights like Luke Skywalker their power in the films.

Answer 5

1. Do not get converted for the sake of your Girl friend. If she loves you so much, both of you can practice their religion separately. However, when it comes to mating, there is only one religion !!!
2. Jedi is a familiar name in STARWARS movie. Apart from this, I have not heard this as a religion and more as a cult only.

Answer 6

People have made this fictional Star Wars religion into an actual, living philosophy and it is actually very popular in New Zealand and Australia.

As far as converting, this is something I would advise against until you are considering marriage, but it's probably best to think about these things in advance of that stage in your relationship. If your current religion does not prevent you from adding on these beliefs, try that.

Answer 7

Look into the religion and see if it's right for you. Then, if you think it is, go ahead and convert. If not, tell her you won't and go from there. But, religion is such a personal thing, you shouldn't convert for someone else.
As for the Jedi religion being fictional, it is, but Lucas modeled it off Eastern religious beliefs, especially Buddhism. The two are closely related.

Answer 8

If you have to ask, you aren't very committed to your current religion. In such a case it wouldn't hurt to learn more about Jedi. Who knows, maybe it will turn out to be the correct spiritual path for you. But don't convert just because someone else wants you to. You will be no better off than you are now.

Answer 9

Judging from the other answers, I think it's a cult. I agree with some of the people there that your girlfriend should respect your decision even if you don't want to convert. She should love you the way you are. Good luck!

Answer 10

I'd stay away from Jedism unless you are a huge Star Wars fan. No, I would not make any commitment to convert. You would only live to regret it , and would probably be forced into service to wage inter galactic war.

Answer 11

I would be very cautious about such a move if I were you. You might wind up dead while being involved in one of their rituals. Who really knows what goes on inside these cults? Brainwashing, torture, or whatever else.