Customer Reviews

The Gospel according to Star Wars: Faith, Hope, and the Force

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"The Gospel According to Star Wars" would seem to be broad enough in scope to have wealth of discussions in its pages. The first problem is that the author only uses 170 pages to hash out these discussions. The main problem is the author's approach to his thesis. The author contends that elements of Star Wars run parallel to Christianity. Even if I believe the thesis to be true, the author does not support his point.

While their is Christianity contained in the pages of this book, the text runs more like a literary analysis of Star Wars. I believe it may be too watered down for even the most liberal branches of the faith. Scripture is rarely cited compared with literary analysis and social analysis. It would seem world history is referenced more than the bible. While the author does seem knowledgeable on the topic of Star Wars, proving this knowledge seems to be his primary purpose.

I became worried about the contents of this book when the author spent the first two chapters justifying his ability to draw parallels between Star Wars and Christianity. With this build up and no follow through, the book can only be labeled a disappointment.

Star Wars is one of the most beloved movie series of all time, and in this book the author explores the many spiritual themes that weave throughout the six films. From the Force to the dark side, there is a moral and spiritual complexity to the films that, if paid attention to, can help us better understand our place in the world and our relation to others and to God. George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, did not intend for his films to be mere entertainment, the author argues. Rather, he hoped his films would be used as a vehicle for moral education.

Looking at all six Star Wars movies, McDowell investigates the spiritual dimensions of Lucas' famous films, as well as their compatibility with the Christian faith and American culture. Readers may find the work to be surprisingly and refreshingly academic in its orientation, in spite of its obvious slant for the popular interest. McDowell does a good job offering a spiritual, political, and cultural commentary on the Star Wars movies, and how they might be in many ways compatible with the Christian faith. The only negative point I could offer is that his style tends to ramble and wander a bit - jumping form film to film and theme to theme in his rich analysis. Readers will want to be well versed in the Star Wars films, but will find their connection to theology and political culture quite intriguing.

Rather than exploring the parallels of Orthodox Christianity and the Star Wars saga, the author seems more intent on pushing his own social and political agenda on the material. What little actual discussion of Christianity there is is of the tired "social gospel/social justice" far-left variety. The book is also badly organized with the chapter titles having little to do with the content actually found in the chapter. Very disappointing.