Life with the Jedi: Star Wars Spirituality
Eric A. Clayton
240 pages; Loyola Publishing
$19.99
The religiosity of “Star Wars” has been much covered in the 45 years since it hit the big screen and changed the galaxy forever. The monks, meditation, the divine force that connects all living things, and the conflicting belief systems that surround it, make for some very spiritual science fiction, so much so that many religious traditions, from Taoism to Abrahamic religions, find parallels in the “Star Wars” mythology.
Eric Clayton, an author on Ignatian spirituality and a huge Star Wars fan, wrote in his latest book, Life with the Jedi: Star Wars SpiritualityBut by focusing specifically on the connection between the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the wisdom of the Jedi Order, both of which are dedicated to mindfully tuning into the presence of God within, Clayton has carved out a niche not just for Catholics and enthusiasts, but for anyone seeking fresh, personal, action-oriented inspiration in their spiritual life and practice.
It guides the reader through twelve compact chapters, each aptly named “Wayfinder Exercises,” prompting Ignatian-inspired reflection. Life with the Jedi This book will be the ideal companion for anyone who has ever sincerely dreamed of becoming a Jedi, anyone who has been intrigued (or frightened) by Ignatius and his spiritual exercises, or anyone who has ever wondered whether there is really anything to learn from a galaxy far, far away.
Clayton’s breadth of knowledge and love for Star Wars and Ignatius is obvious, and his charm is infectious. He freely delves into the movies, books, video games, and TV shows (even the infamous specials) in enough detail to impress any fan, and he also manages to turn even the most obscure references into thoughtful moments of reflection.
For example, an entire chapter is devoted to “Sand,” a tongue-in-cheek reference to Anakin Skywalker’s awkward complaints about sand in Attack of the Clones, and a subtle way of expressing how the “coarse, rough, frustrating” sand in our lives may actually be guiding us to what we, and as Ignatius teaches, God, truly want.
Clayton also embraces other authors’ insights into the spiritual core of Star Wars with conviction and respect. One of the book’s strongest sections, the chapter “Indifference,” explores the connections between Star Wars, the Ignatian concept of indifference, and the Zen concept of wuwei (“non-attachment”). Using Star Wars as a fulcrum, Clayton uncovers the parallels between these seemingly arcane teachings, explores what they look like in practice, and shows how indifference/wuwei (“detachment” in Jedi terms) is perfectly manifested in the quiet heroism of none other than R2-D2.
These interfaith connections broaden the book’s scope while still respecting the individuality of each tradition.
Likewise, Clayton draws on insights from many other authors into Ignatius’ life and teachings to guide readers deeper into “Star Wars,” Ignatian spirituality, and ourselves.
This Life with the Jedi It’s a great introduction to understanding not only the Spiritual Exercises, but to some extent the saint himself: a soldier turned mystic, driven into self-chosen exile by great loss, who re-emerges when the time is right, forever changed, with a mission to spread peace and connection to the divine. A precursor to Obi-Wan Kenobi and his caves, or Yoda and his swamps. I left this book wanting to know more about him (and to watch Obi-Wan Kenobi again).
Like a true Jedi Master, author Eric Clayton strikes a balance between explanation and observation, thoughtful questions and helpful answers, detailed details and broadly applicable lessons.
I have a deep knowledge of “Star Wars” but only a superficial understanding of Ignatian spirituality. Life with the JediPerhaps I’m the ideal audience, but as I read, it became clear to me that this book’s appeal is much broader than Star Wars nerds who happen to be Catholic.
Clayton’s writing is warm, accessible, and clear. His gentle, self-deprecating humor and obvious love for his subject allow the reader to follow him as he dives into the deepest parts of Star Wars lore. And like a true Jedi Master, he balances explanation and observation, thoughtful questions and helpful answers, essential details and broadly applicable lessons.
Life with the Jedi This book does what the best spiritual guidebooks do: It emphasizes lessons rather than lectures, the journey rather than the destination. It asks good questions, answers lightly, and gently prompts rather than heavy-handed interpretations of both “Star Wars” and Ignatian spirituality. The analogy of Yoda sitting on your back during Force training might be a bit too nerdy, but… Life with the Jedi Indeed, it gives the reader a sense of awakening to an inner cosmic radiance that, in the words of the Jedi, calls us to “light and life.”
This is the way.
