The force before Jediism?

In my understanding Jediism is a fairly new religion, and I completely understand that it is a seperate entity from Star Wars and only using the name Jedi because the term correlates with already established beliefs (from my understanding, I could be totally wrong ). But when did the concept of a Force first come into play? Thats the main question that seems to intrigue me the most. Is it just assumed that the force has always been there or is it apart of an ancient religion and only revitilized through Jediism? Forgive me if I am being ignorant, I am fairly new to this philosphy/relgion. I did a little research and did not turn up any results. Can anyone give me a link to a site or even explain themselves? It would prove useful when dealing with people in the future who think I worship George Lucas. Thank you for your time!

That would make a good exercise, pick a point in history and work out what the Force was called at that time throughout the world (if at all)!!!

Things like the Tao , Qi , Dharma , Brahman , Holy Spirit , etc are good places to consider.

Maybe even math!! :ohmy:

Mathematical Universe Hypothesis

Tao Te Ching 4 (Goddard translation) :

The [Force] appears to be emptiness but it is never exhausted.
Oh, it is profound!
It appears to have preceded everything.
It dulls its own sharpness,
unravels its own fetters,
softens its own brightness,
identifies itself with its own dust.

Aldersees wrote: But when did the concept of a Force first come into play? Thats the main question that seems to intrigue me the most. Is it just assumed that the force has always been there or is it apart of an ancient religion and only revitilized through Jediism?

You unwittingly already know the answer:

I completely understand that it is a seperate entity from Star Wars and only using the name Jedi[Force] because the term correlates with already established beliefs

You could watch the long version (15 parts), or read the short version .

Alethea Thompson wrote: You could watch the long version (15 parts), or read the short version .

Wow! Thank you! That was incredibly informative and well written!

Despite her Novice rank here, Alethea is a veteran Jedi and has been active for many years.

Always love returning to those videos.

Alexandre Orion wrote: Tao Te Ching 4 (Goddard translation) :

The [Force] appears to be emptiness but it is never exhausted.
Oh, it is profound!
It appears to have preceded everything.
It dulls its own sharpness,
unravels its own fetters,
softens its own brightness,
identifies itself with its own dust.

Ohhhh I like that translation. softens its own brightness.....Very poetic

Jediism, as I see it, is a unifying relgion. Not that it would solve all the religous differences, (though how awesome would that be?!) rather is using those (almost) universal established beliefs that are time proven.

To give an exact time of when the concept, "The Force," was first used to describe them.... Well.... in a reality. I know for a fact, I heard of it back in 2000. Which is what I think you were exactly looking for?

The rest seems to have been covered by Alethea who is, as usual, on the ball!