Tesco Policy of Anti-Jedi-ism

Elliemental · 04-10-2009 10:17AM #1

Just reading about this Guy, a `Jedi Knight`. He says his hood is just as important as a Muslim veil. I mean, OK, its` kinda funny that there`s a bunch of saddos` out there styling themselves after fictional characters, and claiming that they`re some sort of religion. But to them compare themselves to a real religion, and demand equal respect? What do you all think?
(NB this guy`s also on a talk show atm claiming his hoods as important as the muslim veil!)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/18/jedi-religion-tesco-hood-jones

damnyanks · 04-10-2009 10:24AM

Maybe George Lucas came to the planet and wrote the history of the jedi to make ends meat.

Therefore I agree

Poor Uncle Tom · 04-10-2009 10:27AM

and it begins.......

DeVore · 04-10-2009 10:32AM

Its no more ridiculous then any other "imaginary friend club".

I wonder if they will force muslim women to remove their "hoodies"... I'm thinking not. (nor should they, but they should treat all equally).

DeV.

Jicked · 04-10-2009 10:33AM

DeVore wrote: »

Its no more ridiculous then any other "imaginary friend club".

Actually, it is more ridiculous.

Bloody nerds.

Mmcd · 04-10-2009 10:35AM

Elliemental wrote: »

But to them compare themselves to a real religion

I challenge you to find any proof that either of those religions are more real than the other!

ejmaztec · 04-10-2009 10:40AM

DeVore wrote: »

Its no more ridiculous then any other "imaginary friend club".

I wonder if they will force muslim women to remove their "hoodies"... I'm thinking not. (nor should they, but they should treat all equally).

DeV.

Imaginary friends never get thrown out of shops, because no-one knows what they're wearing. That's my experience anway.:o

Elliemental · 04-10-2009 10:44AM

Mmcd wrote: »

I challenge you to find any proof that either of those religions are more real than the other!

Well yes, I understand that as an atheist myself, but Jedi-ism is clearly based on the fictional works of George Lucas (erm..I think. I`m not too clued up on sci-fi and Star Wars stuff). Its not quite so simple with more established faiths.

DeVore · 04-10-2009 10:44AM

OP: What is the criteria to call a religion "real"?? Is scientology real?

DeV.

Elliemental · 04-10-2009 10:48AM

DeVore wrote: »

OP: What is the criteria to call a religion "real"?? Is scientology real?

DeV.

I`m no theologian, but I`d begin by not basing that `religion` entirely on a Hollywood film.

MagicMarker · 04-10-2009 10:48AM

''Jediology'' is no more ridiculous than Christianity or any other form of religion tbh.

Dord · 04-10-2009 10:53AM

Elliemental wrote: »

I`m no theologian, but I`d begin by not basing that `religion` entirely on a Hollywood film.

Not much different than someone basing one on a book of fiction.

04-10-2009 10:53AM

http://www.allaboutreligion.org/definition-of-religion-faq.htm

What is the definition of religion?

The definition of religion is not easy to find. There are many interpretations of what defines a religion but not one that can be said to be the most accurate.

Some of them are:

* A strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny.
* An institution to express belief in a divine power.
* A belief concerning the supernatural, sacred, or divine, and the practices and institutions associated with such belief.
* The sum total of answers given to explain humankind’s relationship with the universe.

Where does jedi fit into this? is it any different than any other religion, for some, going to the bookies could fit into some of these definitions.

/strokes beard thoughtfully.

Jicked · 04-10-2009 10:53AM

DeVore wrote: »

OP: What is the criteria to call a religion "real"?? Is scientology real?

DeV.

Well if it was to be decided in a Court of law (which may be deciding if an org, perhaps one such as Scientology, is a cult or sect for tax exemption purposes), they'd probably have regard to the criteria laid down by Brancato who after much research found that to be considered a religion the following should really be in place;

Moral beliefs which are prima facie religious in nature
A psychological commitment to those beliefs on the part of the members
Tenets and rituals concerning those beliefs
Moral practice manifest in the lives of the believers, resulting from their commitment
Formal organisation or "society" of the believers which is non-secret and open to the public.

Which doesn't really apply to Jedi-ism, which is just a load of rather sad people who want to act as if real life was the internet, where they probably feel somewhat less cut off from normality. It was kinda funny when you'd hear people would put it down in a census, it's just plain sad if people are arguing that it should be on the same basis as Islam or Christianity. Yes I see what they're doing arguing that all religion is as made up as a Star Wars movie, but try to do it in a more clever, less cringeworthly nerdy way, eh?
(I'm an atheist, for what it's worth).

WindSock · 04-10-2009 10:58AM

People who are willing to die for their faiths. And to kill. Thats prolly what makes a religion more real over another. Prolly also alms and charity work. And recieving funding. I don't know what Jedi-ism entails but for a bunch of trouble making nerds who think they are being clever by poking fun at others real beliefs. Not that I agree with other religions and some of the things that are carried out in their names, btw. But religion is an important part to ones culture. If a persons culture has them wearing a great big towel on their head then let them to it. There are very few people here who's culture has them swinging around a lighted stick and saying 'vwoooom', over the age of 10. If there are then so be it. But there aren't. Just trouble making nerds.

Elliemental · 04-10-2009 10:58AM

Dord wrote: »

Not much different than someone basing one on a book of fiction.

The problem with the ancient superstitions is, that no one can prove that they`re fiction. Or they`ll argue (like a lot of people of faith that I know),that yes, the bible is written by man, and religion is created by man, but is was all inspired by God. And I can`t disprove the existence of God, any more than Richard Dawkins can. You can`t prove a negative.
Now, this Jedi-ism, is completely different in that it can, very easily, be disproved, simply because it`s lifted from a Hollywood film, that doesn`t even pretend to be inspired by a diety.

MagicMarker · 04-10-2009 11:00AM

Jicked wrote: »

Well if it was to be decided in a Court of law (which may be deciding if an org, perhaps one such as Scientology, is a cult or sect for tax exemption purposes), they'd probably have regard to the criteria laid down by Brancato who after much research found that to be considered a religion the following should really be in place;

Moral beliefs which are prima facie religious in nature

A psychological commitment to those beliefs on the part of the members

Tenets and rituals concerning those beliefs

Moral practice manifest in the lives of the believers, resulting from their commitment

Formal organisation or "society" of the believers which is non-secret and open to the public.

Which doesn't really apply to Jedi-ism, which is just a load of rather sad people who want to act as if real life was the internet, where they probably feel somewhat less cut off from normality. It was kinda funny when you'd hear people would put it down in a census, it's just plain sad if people are arguing that it should be on the same basis as Islam or Christianity. Yes I see what they're doing arguing that all religion is as made up as a Star Wars movie, but try to do it in a more clever, less cringeworthly nerdy way, eh?
(I'm an atheist, for what it's worth).

Well, my simple dictionary says that...

religion |riˈlijən|
noun
the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or gods : ideas about the relationship between science and religion.
• details of belief as taught or discussed : when the school first opened they taught only religion, Italian, and mathematics.
• a particular system of faith and worship : the world's great religions.
• a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance : consumerism is the new religion.

The Jedi Church appears to fit the bill.

MagicMarker · 04-10-2009 11:02AM

Elliemental wrote: »

The problem with the ancient superstitions is, that no one can prove that they`re fiction. Or they`ll argue (like a lot of people of faith that I know),that yes, the bible is written by man, and religion is created by man, but is was all inspired by God. And I can`t disprove the existence of God, any more than Richard Dawkins can. You can`t prove a negative.
Now, this Jedi-ism, is completely different in that it can, very easily, be disproved, simply because it`s lifted from a Hollywood film, that doesn`t even pretend to be inspired by a diety.

Fictional book written, religion created.

Fictional movie made, religion created.

What exactly is the difference?

Jicked · 04-10-2009 11:02AM

Well, my simple dictionary says that...

religion |riˈlijən|
noun
the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or gods : ideas about the relationship between science and religion.
• details of belief as taught or discussed : when the school first opened they taught only religion, Italian, and mathematics.
• a particular system of faith and worship : the world's great religions.
• a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance : consumerism is the new religion.

The Jedi Church appears to fit the bill.
MagicMarker is online now Report Post Reply With Quote

Yes but that's a simple dictionary definition, as opposed to one that has is the result of much research by an academic, and which would probably be used to define a religion in a court of law. Which do you think takes precedence and is a better judge of what a religion is?

MagicMarker · 04-10-2009 11:05AM

Jicked wrote: »

Yes but that's a simple dictionary definition, as opposed to one that has is the result of much research by an academic, and which would probably be used to define a religion in a court of law. Which do you think takes precedence and is a better judge of what a religion is?

Well the answer is obvious.*But a court of law hasn't ruled that The Jedi Church is not a religion that I am aware of.

Jicked · 04-10-2009 11:07AM

MagicMarker wrote: »

Well the answer is obvious.*But a court of law hasn't ruled that The Jedi Church is not a religion that I am aware of.

:rolleyes:

It's not a religion, the others are religions. You might not agree with them, they may be based around bull****, but they are religions.

davyjose · 04-10-2009 11:10AM

Elliemental wrote: »

Just reading about this Guy, a `Jedi Knight`. He says his hood is just as important as a Muslim veil. I mean, OK, its` kinda funny that there`s a bunch of saddos` out there styling themselves after fictional characters, and claiming that they`re some sort of religion. But to them compare themselves to a real religion, and demand equal respect? What do you all think?
(NB this guy`s also on a talk show atm claiming his hoods as important as the muslim veil!)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/18/jedi-religion-tesco-hood-jones

At least he wasn't going for the ol' Chewbacca/three day beard look. I hear that offends some folk.

DeVore · 04-10-2009 11:11AM

Jicked wrote: »

Actually, it is more ridiculous.

Bloody nerds.

No, really... its really not!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ9sJVJMiYM

DeV.

MagicMarker · 04-10-2009 11:13AM

Jicked wrote: »

:rolleyes:

It's not a religion, the others are religions. You might not agree with them, they may be based around bull****, but they are religions.

Why are they religions, but this is not? Seriously, what is the difference?

MagicMarker · 04-10-2009 11:15AM

By the way, The Jedi Church realizes that Star Wars is fictional, you should really read about their doctrine. It's quite simple, they appear to be one of the nicer religions.

Elliemental · 04-10-2009 11:23AM

MagicMarker wrote: »

Fictional book written, religion created.

Fictional movie made, religion created.

What exactly is the difference?

Fictional book claims to be inspired by God. Belief system becomes on integral part of culture, and lifestyle.
Fictional film has never claimed to be anything but a fictional film.

Is that clear enough?

MagicMarker · 04-10-2009 11:24AM

Elliemental wrote: »

Fictional book claims to be inspired by God. Belief system becomes on integral part of culture, and lifestyle.
Fictional film has never claimed to be anything but a fictional film.

Is that clear enough?

A long lasting belief system doesn't provide credibility.
They don't claim their fictional film is anything more than a fictional film.

Is that clear enough?

Elliemental · 04-10-2009 11:30AM

MagicMarker wrote: »

A long lasting belief system doesn't provide credibility.
They don't claim their fictional film is anything more than a fictional film.

Is that clear enough?

Then why are they whinging that people don`t take them seriously, and saying that they`re just as important as any other faith? So no, they`re about as clear as mud.
And I`m sorry, but say what you like about the ancient superstitions, they`re nothing to the likes of you and I, but a lot of the population completely disagree. It is a huge part of thier culture, lifestyle and day to day lives.

Clare_Guy · 04-10-2009 11:33AM

these are not the nerds you are looking for...

DubTony · 04-10-2009 11:34AM

It can be confirmed as a real religion when Jones starts collecting "donations" from his followers. Half a million of them should provide a nice house, a few decent holidays every year and a couple of fancy cars. Sweet.

Elliemental · 04-10-2009 11:37AM

DubTony wrote: »

It can be confirmed as a real religion when Jones starts collecting "donations" from his followers. Half a million of them should provide a nice house, a few decent holidays every year and a couple of fancy cars. Sweet.

If Jones can pull that off, then fair play to him! Plenty have done it before, and if anyone`s dumb enough to fall for it, more fool them!

Tesco Policy of Anti-Jedi-ism

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