Ohh, I was not aware of any government attitudes. Can you refer me to a article love to read it or your source...? Thanks

PloKoon wrote:
I read it on Wikipedia, which isn't the most reputable source out there. It's usually correct though.

That's from the 'reactions' section. I think that the UK may be the only government doing this, now that I think of it.

But I realize that I do not know enough...does anyone else know what general worldwide responses to Jediism are?

There was also a two-part video on youtube about it. Should I post a link?

Does anyone actually have even a group of just five Jedi who can get together regularly for a once a month meeting? If not what is a building going to accomplish?

The amendment was proposed to make a point and then withdrawn. It never become a law. The UK has nothing against Jediism. It merely does not recognize it along with plenty of other minority religions.

And yes post the videos.

Br. John wrote:
Yes. Ally and I have Heartland jedi that meet that criteria. Chicago jedi does as well. But these are chapters not affiliated with TOTJO.

Right. So when there's a local group with enough interest and need for a building they'll fund, build, rent or buy one.

In the meantime, how do those of you with local groups manage to get by?

Frankly, I don't see the point.

That is not to say that I would take a stance against anyone with the interest and the means to build or buy a structure and dedicate it to Jedi functions. After all, real churches and temples are rather beautiful. The old ones, anyway ...

On the other hand, they were built not only as places of worship, but as meeting places in general, often used for other sorts of meetings in the parish or community, as they afforded the space necessary for public assembly. This was also in the time before internet was there to afford planet-wide assembly, at least of communication.

If we think about it in that way, we're rather fortunate, not handicapped. For instance, as our fellowship stretches across several time zones (actual churches can't do that), I can get out of my bed, or the shower, at any time of the day or night, and there is someone sitting on my desk with whom to talk. I don't even need to get dressed. On the other hand, if I walk over to the church at 3 a.m., it is more than likely deserted and locked. Other benefits are that I will never come to our Temple and forget my keys or anything else I may need ... as I do when I "go" nearly everywhere else.

And that is just it, "going". No one has not skipped a class or a church service which are held in 'actual buildings' because one was just too tired or ill to "go". As it were, the Temple is here with me at home, so the only time I'm not at Temple, is when I "go" somewhere else. It is even with me at work ...

Ergo, this is really much more available, accessible and effective than an actual temple building would be. Realise that every time "I" appears, it could also read "one", for it is general. We may just still be a bit stuck in that protestant reformation mindset of being pressed into "going" to church that we haven't yet adapted to the technology which permits us to always be at Temple.

A/O

Sometimes I think it would be kewl to have a personal physical structure, somewhere to go in the forest etc designed specific for meditation and training with sufficient facilities to support extended stays. Being empty most of the time visiting Jedi could use it as a temporary accomodation. Sort of like a safehouse thing. If we had a few of these around the world (being idealistic here mind you) a Jedi could travel the world and have a refuge. Just a crazy idea which, while theoretically possible, would have to be carefully managed and operated by the local Jedi and only accessible to trusted persons etc. Now I'm not suggesting this as a plan, just what I feel would be kewl.

I know that there are many dimensions to being a Jedi. The "online" community is wonderful. It allows us to gather from around the world in one place and to learn from eachother. I do know that we are social beings and we strive to be in physical community with one another. I think the reason this topic appears from time to time is that Jedi long to be in company with eachother. We do not physically have that. I do know those who have it are estatic to meet. The buildings are not important, we are in agreement. Places of worship (not buildings) with one another are a realistic vision. It requires we come out of our self and open our love for the Force to others and naturaly, the meetings will bloom. It requires that we, wherever we are, invite others into our community.

Meetings in parks, backyards, living rooms, pubs, forests, church halls are very doable.

My challenge to everyone is to create a community of Jedi wherever we live. It starts with a vision.

I agree with Adder, myself. It would be very cool to have safehouse/retreat places in a few places worldwide. But then there's the matter of how to make sure that some random stranger doesn't try to finagle his/her way in.

Maybe certificates? Anyway, it's probably never gonna happen. Cool idea though!

The difference, though, is REALLY being with the people. YES, you can learn and worship on your own. But, I went to church all my life... there is NO substitute for singing or speaking in unison with 500 other people all by your side in a similar pursuit. It's incredible.

If Jedi were to experience that, they would maybe put fellowship over the internet as secondary. I mean, YES, it's great to be able to share across the world. It's something else to just BE with people.