While Claiming Mythic Significance, Star Wars Portrays No Admirable Religious or Ethical Beliefs
For the Prosecution: John C. Wright
For the Defense: Scott Lynch
John C. Wright asserts that the films make no efforts to address “metaphysics, spiritual powers, martyrdom, ethics, fate, salvation miracles, and life after death,” which thereby means that there is no “real religion” in Star Wars. He also claims that the so-called “ethics” of the Force in Star Wars are simply “what the script forces,” and have no significance beyond moving the plot.
Scott Lynch makes no claims about the “religiosity” of Star Wars, but instead focuses his argument on ethics. He argues that the original and prequel trilogies show two parallel paths of corruption and redemption, with the path that Luke Skywalker takes serving as the “moral” road. Lynch even goes so far as to describe Obi-Wan and Yoda as villains that “Luke must confront and overcome,” and he does this by rejecting their commands to disregard his emotions. Instead, when Luke senses his loved ones are in danger, he immediately rushes to help, no matter the consequences.
Now it’s your turn—discuss this charge in the comments below by drawing from your own Star Wars expertise and utilizing new evidence from The Force Awakens. And be sure to always be respectful of your fellow Star Wars fans!
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