Realism vs Jediism

The common practice to become or be a “Jedi” was based around a lifestyle choice to better oneself.  By studying subjects commonly following the “Mind” “Body” & “Spirit” structure in which members developed practices that touched on these aspects of an individual’s everyday life.

• The Mind so that a jedi could learn to communicate, think critically and mediate tough situations.
• The Body so that we could be healthy both in common health and in physical practices that got you up out of your chair and moving actively.   And... course...
• The Spirit. Learning meditation, the force, and understanding the self through the reading of philosophy. These members called themselves “Jedi Realists” because it was their goal to enrich their lives by improving their potentials like “Jedi” in star wars did.

Jediism:  After the founding years of members using the internet to connect with each other and share like interest’s that correlated with the Star Wars philosophical ideals. Some members felt that things needed to go up a notch.  A strong desire to create a Clergy and a Legal Foundation for the practice that was ‘Jedi Like’ To perform weddings, ceremonies and standard practices that defined the level of training and structure of the Jediism way in the form of Doctrines.

Realism:  Came about a few years after Jediism as some of the membership chose to stay away from the sought after ‘religious’ structure and return to the way things began in the founding years. AKA “Lifestyle Choices”

However, in the past things were very random and discussion based so…. some structure was at least agreed upon. But instead of following a clergy based itinerary, others sought to take after college and university styling.  

At the heart of each group - the belief, practice and ideals are very much the same. It is simply the execution that separates them from one to the other and all are dependant on the leader’s of each individual groups.

Temple of the Jedi Order for example has an extensive Doctrine, holds weekly sermons, applies a standard training practice, and has a clergy staff on hand to teach Jedi in the ability to legally marry others. (among other things)

Institute for Jedi Realism however hold classes similar to university studies based around the common practices mentioned above. It is a place to simply study as Jedi without any obligations beyond class work sign up or group associations.

Each has its pro’s and con’s and you will always find a group that takes their definitions a step further in order to distance from either categorization. But no matter how a group is lead or what each individual identifies themselves as. All are simply working towards being Jedi - It is up to you to decide where you choose to hang your cap.

Journal Entry

If you were to create a Jedi Group, what are some common structures you would apply? Would you teach Jedi Studies? Would you hold Sermon’s or group chats? Write a presentation on your own pretend Jedi Group! Remember to have fun with it!