Jediism Research Paper

I am doing a paper on Jediism for my world's religions class and I am required to interview someone who follows this particular religion. I have several questions that need to be answered for my paper and I would love to have anyone answer them.
1.) What does it mean to be human? Each religion has it's own view of what constitutes human nature and the relationship between humans and other beings. Is jediism considered anthropocentric (human dominance over the rest of the world), biocentric (centered on all living beings together), or ecocentric (centered on all reality together and embracing the spiritual interconnectedness and ultimate identity of all life).
2.) What is the basic human problem? Each religion identifies a situation which results in the need for transformation. Example: some religions see the human problem as a lack of harmony with the rest of life, other religions may see the human problem as being separated from a personal god.
3.) What is the cause of the problem? Religions include understandings of what is at the root of the basic human problem. Example: Those religions who say the basic human problem is separation from a personal god might say the cause of that is from disobedience of the deity's will. Another example: Religions who think a lack of harmony is the human problem say the cause of that problem is forgetfulness of the way of harmony.
4.) What is the end or goal of transformation? Basically, what is the ideal state for humans? Example: Religions who claim the human problem as being disconnected with a personal god because of disobedience wish to see humans reconnect with the deity and enjoy life beyond earthly existence.
5.) What are the means of transformation? What do humans (in this case, jedi's) have to do to get to that ideal state?
6.) What is the nature of reality? How does jediism view time and space? Is it cyclical (you believe in a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth) or linear (a beginning and definitive end).
7.) What is the sacred and how may the sacred be known? The "sacred" being the perceived ultimacy that distinguishes each religion. The sacred may be a personal god/s of a theistic religion or an impersonal energy or force. And how may it be known? Self-revelation? Disciplined pursuit of spiritual knowledge?

Any answer would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

When do you need the answers ?

How would you like them ? Here in the forum thread, or sent to you by e-mail ?

I would like them as soon as possible. They do not need to be long answers. And which ever way is easiest for you! Thank you so much!

I suggest you research the FAQ and Doctrine pages on this website for contents regarding how this, the Temple of the Jedi Order (a new religious movement), addresses many of your posted questions.

Another source of information for your research are the Journals that are written by Apprentices, Novices and Initiates. Within these Journals you will find a wide variety of opinions regarding many of the questions you posted for your research.

The academic advantage of practicing a broad-based research methodology and referencing multiple sources - your essay will:

• have more depth and detail,
• be more representative of a variety of opinions within the religion, and
• will make for a better read by your Professor by showing your research skills.

Alan Shear*
Department of Philosophy
Harper College

*teaching World Religions, Philosophy of Religion, World Mythology

I've sent you a PM *bows*

I'm more interested in what you think

But I'm happy to share some of my own personal thoughts;

1. For me ecocentric beats biocentric to the line, but I dont nail myself down to one belief - through active exploration I hope to grow and that means I welcome change.

2. Probably a few things, but most people learn one thing at a time and learning is often best done with realisation of somethings value, rather then strict application of prescribed values. Since the focus needs in some part to be on ones own development, it's good to heal and balance oneself as the first solution to 'human problems'.... that then could be a basis to try and help other humans to be healthier, happier and more effective.

3. Lots of things, but it varies dramatically. Distraction and degrees of mindless belief and action influence the face of ones capacity to attend to mindfulness, and once a person is out of balance then all natures of complex rituals and habits can prop up the person to various degree's of success.

4. That's a more personal thing. The fiction for which the name is inspired shares attributes with monks, yogi's, warriors, academia, scientists, diplomants etc in part as represented throughout history, which all seem to share a common theme of directed application for the improvement of oneself and ones environment - but not in a selfish way.

5. Walk the path of the inner Jedi I guess

6. Nature of reality for me is the process of perception. I don't try to dictate parameters on how the object world might exist (beyond its apparent structural nature). The doctrine here has enough objective parameters for me, which are suitably minimal to allow exploration, learning and even change if it becomes needed.

7. I don't make a distinction, and instead view all things as 'sacred', so its rather a term for how I might behave to things which I might otherwise have authority or control over.... note not me as sacred, but me viewing them as sacred LOL, wouldn't want to get that backwards.

Im game...please remember these are only my own opinion and other may vary but is is the variations that make us who we are.
The FORCE in which I believe in is in everything. It is a part of everything, It lives in everything. In me in trees in animals in the earth and wind.Its a part of life itself and even death. Knowing this we are but a piece of a whole. Being human is a category in the existence role call. To me to be human is to complex what is not so complex. Animals and plants live in harmony with everything, but us. We are the ones who dont get it lol .
As i see it the basic human problem is the knowing of the strength of ones self. ill explain. We are capable of doing as we will. This does not mean malice actions but a general control of ones own life and direct actions. We as humans have been some how conditioned to mimic robotic feelings...do this...do that....wake now...sleep now, and the worst part is we think we have no control over any of it. We do!
What is the cause...we as humans are to blame. I my self am to blame for my demise.I believe what i see and hear. I put in my mind junk and stuff not repeating for the sake of "entertainment or amusement". The moment a person realizes that is is them that is the enemy than they can make the difference, to be the change you want in your life.
To be JEDI is to know the FORCE and be one with it. This includes but not limited to being one with everything, including yourself. To find out who and what you truly are, your strengths and weaknesses and to re evaluate what you are filled with as far as information and what you believe and why. A JEDI in touch with the FORCE is a Knight worth following.
Physically and tangentially we have meditation and the pursuit of knowledge.
everything is part of the FORCE. Time space everything we are all a part of it.
What is sacred, JEDI are in tune with the FORCE and with everyone. WE respect everything, and everyone. We never force or judge anyone, on the contrary we encourage others to see out what is truth to them. Sacred means a personal set of feelings on things, and if that is the case as a JEDI i respect those things people find to be personal and sacred. If i can be any further help just pm me
CARLOS

Alan wrote: I suggest you research the FAQ and Doctrine pages on this website for contents regarding how this, the Temple of the Jedi Order (a new religious movement), addresses many of your posted questions.

I believe the key piece of the request was "I am required to interview someone who follows this particular religion."

Just an observation, not sure how key it is...

As you'll no doubt have several responses by now, I'll just give you some brief answers as you may have also gathered by now, opinions on these questions vary widely. As such the answers below are my personal opinions, not attempts to give some definitive account of Jediism - that would be impossible.

1.) Ecocentric.

2.) A lack of harmony with the underlying nature and flow of reality - oneness.

3.) I suppose the cause isn't so much forgetfulness, as being conditioned to consider oneself as "seperate" or "distinct" from the rest of the universe in the first place. It is a feature of our habitual, human mindset.

4.) A wider recognition of and experience of the underlying unity of reality.

5.) Cultivating an openness to the experience of unity, and going with it when it (eventually) happens. This is achieved through self knowledge, studying wisdom from throughout human history, meditating and developing compassionate awareness.

6.) All is one, and that one is called The Force.

7.) The Force is sacred, meaning everything is sacred - even the "problem" we identified earlier. All that is is as it must be, constantly unfolding, blossoming anew in each moment.

Just a note - the plural of "Jedi" is "Jedi" (like sheep ), not "Jedi's"

Good luck with the assignment!

An essay on this topic would be great with your own insight, facts about it, personal experiences, and some cause and effects. be real, not fake. Avoid starting sentences with and or because unless it's grammatically acceptable. write something that readers are interested in and would like to read. It helps if your point is clear and precise. A overall universal statement that connects to the point your proving. A strong conclusion that summarizes your points, and related to the theses as simple as possible. Make your analysis thick and fill it with lots of supporting evidence. Use quotes as evidence if needed. That's a good essay. Before you submit it, edit it over a couple of times to make sure everything is right, and that it is the best it can possible be.