"Focus, too, can be constrictive and restrictive, limiting one's access to various perspectives and options. This is the point at which focus becomes obsession. At this point obsession constricts a person's point of view and it negates all of the advantages that focus awards us. This poses a significant threat to the Jedi. As Jedi it is our obligation and responsibility to leave ourselves open and receptive to the will of the Force. Beyond simply this we must further leave ourselves open to the opinions and perspectives of others. One of the great many complaints often heard of various religions is of their hatred and abhorrence of different religions, opinions, and points of view. This is the great trap of all faiths and as such we, as Jedi, must keep ourselves rom falling into it. To this end we must look to the Force. The Force is accepting and tolerant. It does not judge or condemn and, as such, neither should we. This acceptance on the part of the Jedi, despite our understanding, does not make us better or wiser than those who do not agree with us. This stance, further, does not grant the Jedi special access to the Force. The Jedi are common everyday people and we, like non-Jedi, simply strive to make our way in this world the best way that we know how. The focus of the Jedi is to further our understanding of the Force and to contribute to humanity. We must not let this focus grow so sharp, though, that we become narrow-minded and intolerant as so very many have done down through the ages. This obsession would insulate the Jedi from the pervues and criticisms of the secular world but it would also insulate us from the Force, cutting us off from the very thing that nourishes and protects us.

In summation, the challenge of the Jedi is to leave ourselves open to both the world and the Force. We must guard ourselves from allowing our perspectives to grow too narrow and our focus too tight. Perhaps the greatest Jedi lesson of all is acceptance and, in learning that lesson, we glow ever more brightly as conduits and reflections of the Force"

This is a great post by the way. I didn't write it, Brother Nassik did. Just look at that last sentence. "We must guard ourselves from allowing our perspectives to grow too narrow and our focus too tight." I could not agree more with that statement. And check this one " This is the great trap of all faiths and as such we, as Jedi, must keep ourselves from falling into it. To this end we must look to the Force. The Force is accepting and tolerant. It does not judge or condemn and, as such, neither should we."........Wonderful words, but are we doing that? Are we really accepting of our brothers and sisters? This is not something I can answer for you, the individual must do that. I can say this; If you are not tolerant of another's point of view or the beliefs they hold dear, then I would question if you are truly a Jedi If you are not sensitive to another's hurt then I would not question it, I would know you were not.. You as Jedi should bring peace to a situation, not use it as a soapbox. This is a part of your creed,. Do you know the creed? "I am a Jedi.

I shall never seek so much to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

Look at the first three lines. Is that what you do? Is that how you treat people that don't agree with your own point of view?

Really read that folks. In that is what being a Jedi is. I tell you for certain, It's not when all is well and all agree that your true test comes, it's in the face of turmoil, in the face of intolerance, in the face of hate, that what we are tested. It's in our ability to promote love and peace that we pass such a test. I have heard talk of un-Jedi like behavior, I ask you this. Which is more un Jedi like, Not believing in force powers, or failing to promote peace and thereby letting fall the very foundation of your supposed faith? I again can't answer that for you, only you, through an honest search of your soul, can do that. I leave you all with this thought. If you hold a rose and touch it gently as it's on the bush, it will not wither and it's beauty will be admired from afar, but seek to pluck it from the vine and hold it firm in your hand it will soon wither and it's beauty be lost to all.