To say that I am a fan of Star Wars would be an understatement. One of the reasons I love it so much is because of the light it sheds on the struggle between good and evil. There is a lot of symbolism (at least in the original trilogy) that relates to the gospel. I would like to write about gospel lessons that can be learned from Star Wars. Prepare yourself for some serious pontificating.
(For a more immersive experience, put on some good Star Wars music, such as this or this)
Credit: LucasFilm (Fair Use)
I would like to take the approach of following Luke Skywalker's progression throughout the movies as an allegory for our own lives, and how we can learn to be more Christlike. Luke started out being very whiny, always complaining about what's going wrong in his life, and thinking about where he would rather be instead. "I'm never going to get off this rock!"
He was also quite reckless. Although he knew "the Judland wastes are not to be traveled lightly," Luke thought it would be a good idea to spy on sand people, and had to be rescued by Old Ben. Then, after he discovered that the Stormtroopers would be going back to his uncle's homestead, he rushed back without considering that he might also be killed if they caught him. As Yoda later scolds him: "never his mind on where he was, what he was doing!"
We are often like this. There are all sorts of trials that each of us have to go through in life. Instead of thinking to ourselves that we will be happier once the trial is over, or where we would rather be instead, we ought to live more in the present. If we are too focused on other things, we will miss the incredible miracles that are around us each day. Beyond this, we must also be able to see others who may need our help.
I believe that it was through Obi-wan's teachings that Luke was able to recognize that there are other things in the galaxy besides himself. In their first (and only) training session aboard the Millennium Falcon, Obi-wan told Luke,
"Let go your conscious self and act on instinct... Your eyes can deceive you, don't trust them. Stretch out with your feelings."
This can be likened to following the Spirit. We by ourselves are fallible human beings, but with the guidance of the Holy Ghost, we can be more successful. Stretching out, as it were, can also mean we look to others around us instead of remaining closed in our own shell. Our eyes can deceive us because "man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart"
(1 Samuel 16:7).
One spot where the allegory breaks down is in the likening of the Force to the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost. There is an important difference between the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost. The Force is said to be "an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the Galaxy together." This is similar to the Light of Christ: "Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space" (D&C 88:12-13). In addition to its connecting power, the Force is said to "partially control your actions" but to also "obey your commands." This is more similar to those who receive strong promptings from the Holy Ghost, or who do miracles through the power of the Holy Ghost. Although it isn't a perfect parable, I think we can still learn from the Force. We are all connected to each other, united as children of God. We can receive revelation through the ministration of the Holy Ghost, whose mission it is to testify of truth. But sensing both of these things requires us to reach outside of our own thoughts and concerns, just as Luke stretched out with his feelings to connect to the Force.
The death of Obi-wan aboard the Death Star had a profound effect on Luke; it made everything seem more real to him. Those of us who have experienced the passing of a loved one can resonate with the reality and beauty of the Plan of Salvation perhaps a little differently than those who have not experienced these things. Before I move on to the next part of Luke's journey, I want to include a couple of quotes from Old Ben. These words of wisdom certainly had a positive effect on the young Jedi, and they can certainly help us as well.
"You can't win, but there are alternatives to fighting"
"Who's the more foolish, the fool, or the fool who follows him?"
Credit: LucasFilm
After the first Death Star war destroyed, the rebels moved their operations to the Hoth system. When Luke almost froze to death in a snowstorm, he had a vision of Obi-wan telling him to find Yoda, a Jedi master who could continue his training. Near-death experiences can be very revelatory moments for those who have them. However, the rest of Luke's journey through the story line of Empire Strikes Back is a very telling example of mistaken assumptions.
Luke's first bad assumption was that Dagobah would be a safe place to land. His only experience with a Jedi master up to that point was Obi-wan, who lived in a desert. His expectation that Yoda would be a hermit was correct, but his assumption about the hospitality of the planet cost him. He made the mistake of relying on his scopes for a landing on the swamp planet instead of trusting his instincts, and suffered a crash landing as a result. After landing, and being surprised by a strange small green creature, Luke described his task by saying "I'm looking for a great warrior," to which the small creature replied "Wars not make one great." Luke assumed that a Jedi master would be a great warrior, and also that accomplishments in battle are what grant greatness. But greatness is something that comes from more than just physical actions. The Book of Mormon also shows how leaders and teachers can be valued for more than just their skill in battle:
"it was the custom among all the Nephites to appoint for their chief captains,... some one that had the spirit of revelation and also prophecy"
(3 Nephi 3:19)
Credit: LucasFilm
Thus, the Nephites valued spiritual greatness at least as much as physical prowess. Luke, however, did not yet have this understanding. While Yoda may have been a great warrior earlier in his long life, by the time Luke met him, he was quite old. Nonetheless, his great spiritual wisdom was clearly showcased in the detailed training he gave to Luke. Perspective is one of the greatest helps to wisdom, and after living for 900 years, Yoda had plenty of perspective. After Yoda revealed himself to Luke, he shared some necessary qualifications for becoming a Jedi:
"A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. Adventure, excitement, a Jedi craves not these things."
Do some of these things pertain to participation in the gospel of Jesus Christ as well? Certainly. Keeping covenants with God requires a very deep commitment, especially with all of the voices in the world today trying to sway us from the path of righteousness. Likewise, Luke also had to deal with evil influences, as we will see later.
In our mortal struggle, it is important for everyone to know good from evil. Everyone born on the earth is given the Light of Christ to help them discern these things, but sometimes it is nice to have some clarification. As Yoda explained some of the qualities of the Force, Luke naturally had some questions about the nature of the dark side, as shown in this video clip.
Later on in his training, Luke had a vision of his friends being hurt and decided to leave Dagobah to try and help them, rather than complete his training to become a Jedi. Both Obi-wan and Yoda tried to convince Luke to stay, but to no avail. Luke asserted that he could feel the Force, but Obi-wan said
"But you cannot control it. This is a dangerous time for you, when you will be tempted by the dark side of the Force."
We all face dangerous situations in our lives, but sometimes the wise counsel of parents or leaders can help us avoid the worst situations. Sometimes we insist that we are ready to take on something, when those who know better can save us pain and hardship.
Ultimately, Luke went to Bespin in search of Han and Leia, despite the counsel of his masters. Another false assumption he had was that he could defeat Darth Vader without having completed his training. Not only was he wrong about his skills, but he was also mistaken about the identity of the mysterious Sith lord. Vader's revelation about Luke's parentage caused great emotional grief to go along with his intense physical pain from losing his hand. Fortunately for Luke, he was granted a second chance when his friends came back to save him. Likewise for us, even though we also make mistakes in life, we often get a second (or third of fourth) chance at things. Thank goodness for that! If we had to get things right the first time, there would be little hope for any real progress in life. It is often through these trials that we can become more mature.
Credit: LucasFilm
Luke's trial at the hands of Darth Vader, along with his success in rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt seem to have given Luke a better perspective on life. When he returned to speak with Yoda on Dagobah, Luke could have been very upset with the old Jedi for not telling him the truth about Vader. Luke did come seeking the truth, but he did not rage or complain about it like he would have before his experience on Bespin. This shows that he had begun to learn humility. After Yoda's passing, when he met Obi-wan's ghost, Luke again was humble and willing to hear what his friend had to say. This ability to put seeking truth over his own prideful desires is an important skill that Luke learned through his trials. We should also try to develop this skill.
To contrast what Luke learned from the Jedi masters, let us now examine the doctrine of the Sith. If you want a good example of how the Devil works to turn us to evil, just take a look at how the Emperor tried to seduce Luke to the Dark Side. Normally, the Devil will whisper softly and tempt us with small things. However, if we allow ourselves to be taken into an evil environment or situation, as when Luke allowed himself to be taken before the Emperor, the Devil will attack most viciously to get us to sin.
Credit: LucasFilm
Once he has us trapped in these situations, the first thing the Devil will do is try to get us to turn to evil. One way he will attempt this is by putting us in an incredibly frustrating situation. In these kinds of circumstances, it can be easy to give in to base emotions, such as anger, fear, or hate. What happened to Job (such as in Job 2) is a good example of this. The Emperor, in trying to turn Luke, set up a trap for the Rebel Alliance just to make him angry. He whispered such things as “In time, you will call me master,” and “Give in to your anger. With each passing moment you make yourself more my servant. It is unavoidable. It is your destiny.” The scary thing is that he is correct! The longer we allow ourselves to listen to evil enticements, the harder it will become to resist them.
Credit: LucasFilm
Even though Luke temporarily gave in to his anger, he was able to overcome the temptation to destroy Darth Vader by focusing on his compassion for his father. The Emperor's response to Luke's resolve perfectly captures how the Devil feels when he doesn't succeed: “If you will not be turned, then you will be destroyed!” And although Luke's “feeble skills are no match for the power of the dark side,” he was not entirely helpless. Even though the parallel is not perfect, this is akin to the time Joseph Smith was attacked by Satan while praying. Both were saved by calling on their father for help.
There is a significant weakness in the Dark Side that must be noted, which was on full display in Return of the Jedi. When Luke first arrived on the Death Star, he told the Emperor, "Your overconfidence is your weakness," to which Palpatine replied, "Your faith in your friends is yours." This was the Emperor's attempt to tear down what trust Luke had in those he cared about. Satan does the same thing to us; he tries to isolate us from people are watching out for us, making us think we are completely alone. It is much easier to pick on someone when they think that no one will help them. However, the opposite is also true: if we act unitedly, the Devil cannot overpower over us. This is the idea of Zion (Moses 7). The Emperor underestimated the combined power of the rebels and the Ewoks, who were able to take down the shield generator, allowing Lando Calrissian and the other Alliance pilots to take out the Death Star.
Credit: LucasFilm
There are so many beautiful lessons to be learned from Star Wars that I cannot highlight them all. However, I want to point out a few overarching themes from this great saga. As we've looked at Luke's progression through the three films, you can see him develop patience, humility, and other Christlike attributes. It is because of his trials that he was able to learn these lessons.
Skip this paragraph if you haven't seen The Last Jedi. When we meet Luke on Ahch-To Island, he is quite bitter and does not want anything to do with the Jedi anymore. We must be careful that we do not end up like this. Once you have learned an important lesson, or had a spiritual experience, write it down so you don't forget. The great thing is that this is not the end of Luke's story. He realized the importance of standing up for what is right, and returned to help the Resistance escape the First Order.
Darth Vader's redemption is also an important lesson to be learned from this trilogy. Although he seemed to have a dead heart, Luke's persistent compassion paid off, and his father turned again to the Light. Even Vader himself thought it was impossible to escape the clutches of the Dark Side: "You don't know the power of the dark side. I must obey my master... It is too late for me son." Do not let the Devil trick you into believing this! There is always a way back, even if you must pass through purifying fire.
Credit: LucasFilm
The stories of Star Wars embody the deepest human struggle, the light vs the darkness. We are all fighting against the power of the evil one; some are doing better in the fight than others, and some have even given up. As the Light side of the Force was the antidote for Vader's lost soul, so the gospel of Jesus Christ is for us the antidote to any spiritual sickness we may have contracted. As I hope you can see by my exposition, it is possible to find gospel parallels anywhere. All things testify of Christ.
May theFourth Force be with you.
(For a more immersive experience, put on some good Star Wars music, such as this or this)
I would like to take the approach of following Luke Skywalker's progression throughout the movies as an allegory for our own lives, and how we can learn to be more Christlike. Luke started out being very whiny, always complaining about what's going wrong in his life, and thinking about where he would rather be instead. "I'm never going to get off this rock!"
He was also quite reckless. Although he knew "the Judland wastes are not to be traveled lightly," Luke thought it would be a good idea to spy on sand people, and had to be rescued by Old Ben. Then, after he discovered that the Stormtroopers would be going back to his uncle's homestead, he rushed back without considering that he might also be killed if they caught him. As Yoda later scolds him: "never his mind on where he was, what he was doing!"
We are often like this. There are all sorts of trials that each of us have to go through in life. Instead of thinking to ourselves that we will be happier once the trial is over, or where we would rather be instead, we ought to live more in the present. If we are too focused on other things, we will miss the incredible miracles that are around us each day. Beyond this, we must also be able to see others who may need our help.
Credit: LucasFilm
"Let go your conscious self and act on instinct... Your eyes can deceive you, don't trust them. Stretch out with your feelings."
This can be likened to following the Spirit. We by ourselves are fallible human beings, but with the guidance of the Holy Ghost, we can be more successful. Stretching out, as it were, can also mean we look to others around us instead of remaining closed in our own shell. Our eyes can deceive us because "man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart"
(1 Samuel 16:7).
One spot where the allegory breaks down is in the likening of the Force to the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost. There is an important difference between the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost. The Force is said to be "an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the Galaxy together." This is similar to the Light of Christ: "Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space" (D&C 88:12-13). In addition to its connecting power, the Force is said to "partially control your actions" but to also "obey your commands." This is more similar to those who receive strong promptings from the Holy Ghost, or who do miracles through the power of the Holy Ghost. Although it isn't a perfect parable, I think we can still learn from the Force. We are all connected to each other, united as children of God. We can receive revelation through the ministration of the Holy Ghost, whose mission it is to testify of truth. But sensing both of these things requires us to reach outside of our own thoughts and concerns, just as Luke stretched out with his feelings to connect to the Force.
The death of Obi-wan aboard the Death Star had a profound effect on Luke; it made everything seem more real to him. Those of us who have experienced the passing of a loved one can resonate with the reality and beauty of the Plan of Salvation perhaps a little differently than those who have not experienced these things. Before I move on to the next part of Luke's journey, I want to include a couple of quotes from Old Ben. These words of wisdom certainly had a positive effect on the young Jedi, and they can certainly help us as well.
"You can't win, but there are alternatives to fighting"
"Who's the more foolish, the fool, or the fool who follows him?"
After the first Death Star war destroyed, the rebels moved their operations to the Hoth system. When Luke almost froze to death in a snowstorm, he had a vision of Obi-wan telling him to find Yoda, a Jedi master who could continue his training. Near-death experiences can be very revelatory moments for those who have them. However, the rest of Luke's journey through the story line of Empire Strikes Back is a very telling example of mistaken assumptions.
Luke's first bad assumption was that Dagobah would be a safe place to land. His only experience with a Jedi master up to that point was Obi-wan, who lived in a desert. His expectation that Yoda would be a hermit was correct, but his assumption about the hospitality of the planet cost him. He made the mistake of relying on his scopes for a landing on the swamp planet instead of trusting his instincts, and suffered a crash landing as a result. After landing, and being surprised by a strange small green creature, Luke described his task by saying "I'm looking for a great warrior," to which the small creature replied "Wars not make one great." Luke assumed that a Jedi master would be a great warrior, and also that accomplishments in battle are what grant greatness. But greatness is something that comes from more than just physical actions. The Book of Mormon also shows how leaders and teachers can be valued for more than just their skill in battle:
"it was the custom among all the Nephites to appoint for their chief captains,... some one that had the spirit of revelation and also prophecy"
(3 Nephi 3:19)
"A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. Adventure, excitement, a Jedi craves not these things."
Do some of these things pertain to participation in the gospel of Jesus Christ as well? Certainly. Keeping covenants with God requires a very deep commitment, especially with all of the voices in the world today trying to sway us from the path of righteousness. Likewise, Luke also had to deal with evil influences, as we will see later.
In our mortal struggle, it is important for everyone to know good from evil. Everyone born on the earth is given the Light of Christ to help them discern these things, but sometimes it is nice to have some clarification. As Yoda explained some of the qualities of the Force, Luke naturally had some questions about the nature of the dark side, as shown in this video clip.
Another one of Luke's false assumptions happened when his X-Wing sank into the swamp. "We'll never get it out now!" He thought that, because the ship was bigger than him, he would not be able to move it. Yoda had wise words for this situation too, as seen in the second video clip below.
A couple of important quotes from that beautiful scene:
"Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter!"
"I don't believe it!" - "That is why you fail."
Yoda's teachings to Luke have gospel parallels. First, we are all the offspring of God (Romans 8:16), and so it is no surprise that we could be described as "beings of eternal light". Secondly, the reason for all of Luke's failures up to this point, and perhaps some of our own failures, is lack of belief. In some respects, Luke's behavior was similar to that of "doubting Thomas," one of Jesus Christ's apostles. He wouldn't believe that Jesus had been resurrected unless he was able to see and feel for himself (John 20:26-29).
A couple of important quotes from that beautiful scene:
"Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter!"
"I don't believe it!" - "That is why you fail."
Yoda's teachings to Luke have gospel parallels. First, we are all the offspring of God (Romans 8:16), and so it is no surprise that we could be described as "beings of eternal light". Secondly, the reason for all of Luke's failures up to this point, and perhaps some of our own failures, is lack of belief. In some respects, Luke's behavior was similar to that of "doubting Thomas," one of Jesus Christ's apostles. He wouldn't believe that Jesus had been resurrected unless he was able to see and feel for himself (John 20:26-29).
Later on in his training, Luke had a vision of his friends being hurt and decided to leave Dagobah to try and help them, rather than complete his training to become a Jedi. Both Obi-wan and Yoda tried to convince Luke to stay, but to no avail. Luke asserted that he could feel the Force, but Obi-wan said
"But you cannot control it. This is a dangerous time for you, when you will be tempted by the dark side of the Force."
We all face dangerous situations in our lives, but sometimes the wise counsel of parents or leaders can help us avoid the worst situations. Sometimes we insist that we are ready to take on something, when those who know better can save us pain and hardship.
Ultimately, Luke went to Bespin in search of Han and Leia, despite the counsel of his masters. Another false assumption he had was that he could defeat Darth Vader without having completed his training. Not only was he wrong about his skills, but he was also mistaken about the identity of the mysterious Sith lord. Vader's revelation about Luke's parentage caused great emotional grief to go along with his intense physical pain from losing his hand. Fortunately for Luke, he was granted a second chance when his friends came back to save him. Likewise for us, even though we also make mistakes in life, we often get a second (or third of fourth) chance at things. Thank goodness for that! If we had to get things right the first time, there would be little hope for any real progress in life. It is often through these trials that we can become more mature.
Luke's trial at the hands of Darth Vader, along with his success in rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt seem to have given Luke a better perspective on life. When he returned to speak with Yoda on Dagobah, Luke could have been very upset with the old Jedi for not telling him the truth about Vader. Luke did come seeking the truth, but he did not rage or complain about it like he would have before his experience on Bespin. This shows that he had begun to learn humility. After Yoda's passing, when he met Obi-wan's ghost, Luke again was humble and willing to hear what his friend had to say. This ability to put seeking truth over his own prideful desires is an important skill that Luke learned through his trials. We should also try to develop this skill.
To contrast what Luke learned from the Jedi masters, let us now examine the doctrine of the Sith. If you want a good example of how the Devil works to turn us to evil, just take a look at how the Emperor tried to seduce Luke to the Dark Side. Normally, the Devil will whisper softly and tempt us with small things. However, if we allow ourselves to be taken into an evil environment or situation, as when Luke allowed himself to be taken before the Emperor, the Devil will attack most viciously to get us to sin.
Once he has us trapped in these situations, the first thing the Devil will do is try to get us to turn to evil. One way he will attempt this is by putting us in an incredibly frustrating situation. In these kinds of circumstances, it can be easy to give in to base emotions, such as anger, fear, or hate. What happened to Job (such as in Job 2) is a good example of this. The Emperor, in trying to turn Luke, set up a trap for the Rebel Alliance just to make him angry. He whispered such things as “In time, you will call me master,” and “Give in to your anger. With each passing moment you make yourself more my servant. It is unavoidable. It is your destiny.” The scary thing is that he is correct! The longer we allow ourselves to listen to evil enticements, the harder it will become to resist them.
Even though Luke temporarily gave in to his anger, he was able to overcome the temptation to destroy Darth Vader by focusing on his compassion for his father. The Emperor's response to Luke's resolve perfectly captures how the Devil feels when he doesn't succeed: “If you will not be turned, then you will be destroyed!” And although Luke's “feeble skills are no match for the power of the dark side,” he was not entirely helpless. Even though the parallel is not perfect, this is akin to the time Joseph Smith was attacked by Satan while praying. Both were saved by calling on their father for help.
There is a significant weakness in the Dark Side that must be noted, which was on full display in Return of the Jedi. When Luke first arrived on the Death Star, he told the Emperor, "Your overconfidence is your weakness," to which Palpatine replied, "Your faith in your friends is yours." This was the Emperor's attempt to tear down what trust Luke had in those he cared about. Satan does the same thing to us; he tries to isolate us from people are watching out for us, making us think we are completely alone. It is much easier to pick on someone when they think that no one will help them. However, the opposite is also true: if we act unitedly, the Devil cannot overpower over us. This is the idea of Zion (Moses 7). The Emperor underestimated the combined power of the rebels and the Ewoks, who were able to take down the shield generator, allowing Lando Calrissian and the other Alliance pilots to take out the Death Star.
There are so many beautiful lessons to be learned from Star Wars that I cannot highlight them all. However, I want to point out a few overarching themes from this great saga. As we've looked at Luke's progression through the three films, you can see him develop patience, humility, and other Christlike attributes. It is because of his trials that he was able to learn these lessons.
Skip this paragraph if you haven't seen The Last Jedi. When we meet Luke on Ahch-To Island, he is quite bitter and does not want anything to do with the Jedi anymore. We must be careful that we do not end up like this. Once you have learned an important lesson, or had a spiritual experience, write it down so you don't forget. The great thing is that this is not the end of Luke's story. He realized the importance of standing up for what is right, and returned to help the Resistance escape the First Order.
Darth Vader's redemption is also an important lesson to be learned from this trilogy. Although he seemed to have a dead heart, Luke's persistent compassion paid off, and his father turned again to the Light. Even Vader himself thought it was impossible to escape the clutches of the Dark Side: "You don't know the power of the dark side. I must obey my master... It is too late for me son." Do not let the Devil trick you into believing this! There is always a way back, even if you must pass through purifying fire.
The stories of Star Wars embody the deepest human struggle, the light vs the darkness. We are all fighting against the power of the evil one; some are doing better in the fight than others, and some have even given up. As the Light side of the Force was the antidote for Vader's lost soul, so the gospel of Jesus Christ is for us the antidote to any spiritual sickness we may have contracted. As I hope you can see by my exposition, it is possible to find gospel parallels anywhere. All things testify of Christ.
May the
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