a little something i dug up from philosophy class

i was rummaging through files on my laptop when i came across this. it's the essay i wrote for philosophy class...i got a B on the essay(grammatical errors that word missed got me marked down)....finished the semester with a B as well...and i basically took the final on a wing and a prayer(christmas treed half of it, because my memory was still having problems)....and with no more ado....

In 1976 writer/director George Lucas introduced the world to a new imagining of an old concept. He combined the philosophies of Taoism, Shintoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Mysticism and several others, along with the codes of honor and chivalry associated with European knights, Japanese samurai and Chinese Shaolin monks. The result of this eclectic montage was then named Jedi. Since this concept debuted a whole movement began to get Jediism accepted as a legitimate religion.
In 2005 Texas officially recognized The Temple of The Jedi Order as a non-profit religious educational organization. Not every country recognizes Jediism yet. For instance the Jedi church in Wales while being allowed is still not recognized officially for census.
Upon further study of Jediism you find that it is not so much a religion as a philosophical lifestyle that can be practiced in conjunction with another religion. Jediism seeks to balance the Life Force of Creation, or Force for short. This is similar in nature to the concept of Ki, Chi, Qui, Mana, Prana, or Chakra. The desire to achieve balance with it is brought into other aspects of life such as social interaction; this is similar to Taoism’s concept of Yin and Yang.
Despite being an amalgamated concept it does differ from its multiple sources, in several ways. One major difference between Jediism and other mainstream philosophies / religions is that Jediism puts an emphasis on not only spirituality, but body and mind as well. Where other belief systems neglect the body, Jediism focuses on developing the body as a tool to aid in achieving balance. They do this by using structured exercise routines and incorporating martial arts into their daily lives. This aspect is further encouraged by part of the Jedi code to defend the defenseless.
Another major difference is that Jediism encourages knowledge, and exploration. It is one of the few philosophy/religions that are truly accepting of all views. They currently consist of 5 Rites each rite pertains to a major religion or philosophy. Jediism also encourages the study of science and technology. Many religions admonish the use of science or medicine, where as the Jedi feel that these are gifts to be used accordingly. Jedi feel that all knowledge is good and that not to learn would be a disservice to all of life.
Like most new religions / philosophies Jediism will face its critics and tribulations. There will be naysayers that try to pigeon hole it as a “cult” based upon a science fiction opera simply because they’re unwilling to accept or understand something new and different from what they know. It’s how the Jedi deal with these difficulties that will distinguish them from the many other come and go philosophies, so far it has been successful at staying around since its unofficial inception in the early eighties. Considering the growth rate it has demonstrated since being officially recognized in Texas it’s quite possible that Jediism will not only be around for a long time but will continue to grow and gain acceptance.