101 observations and commentaries on Christian spirituality in the Star Wars movies that chronologically follow the movies. Structured in entry format to make it easy to go directly to your favorite parts of the movies, pick up and put down without losing your place. Winner of Honorable Mention in Writer's Digest Book Award in the category of Inspiration.
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In the final analysis, what makes this book stand or fall is the commentary found inside. As Grimes duly notes, the movies have a decidedly Eastern religion feel to them in places. At the same time, he correctly states that there are definite Christian undertones as well...Grimes commentary is quite intriguing and thoughtful as he deftly navigates among various topics. Star Wars Jesus may be best enjoyed with the book in one hand and a remote in the other. --J. Alan Sharrer, hollywoodjesus.com
From the Inside Flap
"Clearly driven by a love of both Star Wars and Jesus, the author works to do justice to both. The result is not what you are expecting. The extended interpretation of the six films will get you thinking about them - and your understanding of Jesus - in a fresh way. It might even help redeem Episodes I-III."
Peter Edman Editor, Metaphilm.com
"An exegesis on Star Wars at its finest! Caleb has managed to cleverly bridge the dichotomy between sacred, sci-fi, faith and force. This book will bring revelation to you as you explore Jesus principles through Jedi perspectives. May His Spirit be with you!"
Glenn Lim, Youth Counselor and Ambassador - Singapore Youth Pastor - Church of Our Saviour - Singapore
Caleb Grimes has lived in many different places, and currently resides in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, USA. He saw the first Star Wars movie at the age of 7 in a drive-in theater in Southern California. From that moment on, Star Wars has affected how he sees life and faith.
Caleb Grimes sees many truths, both spiritual and practical, reflected in the Star Wars movies. Sound nerdy? Yeah, it kind of is, but Grimes brings out in Star Wars Jesus how this is partly because of the modern myth that is Star Wars, and partly because George Lucas created real characters who interact with their world in a similar way to how we interact with ours.
Grimes is the first to say that all art, especially the Star Wars movies, can be enjoyed first and foremost for what they are. Star Wars is not about Christianity, it is an epic tale of space battles, different worlds, warriors and secret powers. Grimes also believes, however, that no appreciation of art is complete without a solid analysis of how that art is valid to its audience. It is with this perspective that Grimes approaches the work he has subtitled,"a spiritual commentary on the reality of the Force."
Although there are several books out looking at the spiritual dimension of the Star Wars movies, and although there is even a subsection of Christian ones, this one has the most insight and usefulness. The author does not stick with just one or a few of the movies but takes on all six. Christians will be amazed to see how much inspiring spiritual truth can be found in these films, some of the most popular ever created. I daresay this book could be used along with the films as a devotional. I think non-Christian readers will be challenged. It is de rigeur to find Eastern thought in the works of George Lucas. But a "strong reading" such as Grimes supplies is going to turn the world upside down for a lot fans.
As an avid reader of the Star Wars expanded universe and a Christian pastor and theologian, I hoped for more out of this ebook. I found that Mr. Grimes simply held up scenes from the movie and then commented how it could be seen as similar to particular Christian experiences. The writing also seems to jump from thought to thought without any real unifying transitions, which made it difficult for me to maintain any prolonged interest in the book. This ebook superficially explores the similarities between the Force and human divine relationship rather than diving in deep to the matter.
Star Wars Jesus is a book about the "spiritual reality of the Force" by Caleb Grimes. It goes through numerous scenes from each Star Wars film (sans Clone Wars) and provides spiritual commentary. I have read through the "A New Hope" section and I have to say, it's fascinating.
The book is divided into easy to digest, small sections - a few pages at a time to review individual sections / scenes from the Star Wars films. In each section, Grimes reviews individual scenes describing Biblical parallels. The comparisons are apt, descriptive, and make you seriously think. It is difficult to describe without providing examples.
In Section 23, Grimes discusses the scene where Luke is approached by the ghost of Obi Wan Kenobi while flying in his X-Wing to destroy the Death Star. Ben Kenobi tells him to trust in the Force, not in his equipment. What does Luke do? He trusts in the Force an dnot in man. This entire scene is used as an analogy to trust in the Lord. Kenobi, Grimes compares to the Holy Spirit - the internal action of the Lord. Luke is like any one of us. We're in a true struggle with an enemy that is far greater than us. An enemy that is trying to destroy us and everything that matters to us. What do we need to do to handle an enemy that is this much greater than us? Trust in the Lord. As Grimes likes to point out, Force is much like the presence of the Lord in our life.
He's right. The Force and the presence of the Lord are similar. The parallels are there and worth noting.
Christ is everywhere, whether you realize it or not. All throughout art. All throughout literature. All throughout movies, including Star Wars. His truth is written on the hearts of all men. What this book does is remind us of that simple truth.
What it also does is provides us a way to discuss the truth of Christ with Star Wars fans who may not know Him just yet. It shows metaphors for Christ, His truth, and the Lord in a language in which they speak. I can see this as a useful tool, an interesting study, and something that I'm seriously considering reaching out to the author to turn into something for a Bible study group.
