Though we have separated these dimensions out for the purpose of this lesson, please note that these dimensions are interconnected and interrelated. For an explanation of the seven dimensions of religion, see this article by Luke Burns.
Part 1: Practical and Ritual Dimension
The practical and ritual dimension of religion allows for all practitioners to have shared, grounding behavior(s). Examples of these historically have included common liturgy, the practice of yoga as part of vedic faith, sacrifice, ritualized prayer such as the rosary, etc
In an essay of at least 500 words, answer the following: Do you believe in a practical or ritual dimension to the Force? If so, explain your current thoughts, and if not explain why.
Part 2: Experiential and Emotional Dimension
Through actions associated with the practice of Jediism we physically feel in our bodies that connection to the transcendent, which is the Force
In an essay of at least 500 words answer the following: How do you connect with the experiential and emotional dimension of the Force?
Part 3: Mythic and Narrative Dimension
Note: the terms “myth” and “mythological” in this context are not to be construed as something “false”, but rather “meta-true” (a metaphor which is almost always applicable).
In our religion we work to embrace all myths, all cultures (not in a multicultural sense, but in a pan-cultural sense). We also take our cue from the Hero’s Journey and the archetypes explored therein, which were laid out in the Star Wars saga
In an essay of at least 500 words, answer the following: How do you relate to the Hero’s Journey described in a wide variety of myths.
Part 4: Doctrinal and Philosophical Dimension
The doctrinal and philosophical dimension assists us in gaining access to the mythical dimension through learning certain principles that underpin the social constructs within our religion and society.
In an essay of at least 500 words, answer the following: What benefit have you gained so far in studying the doctrinal and philosophical principles of Jediism?
Part 5: Ethical Dimension
Jedi don’t have “sin”, We believe that as we grow and develop our knowledge will necessarily transform our behavior such that we treat ourselves and others more humanely and with greater compassion.
In an essay of at least 500 words, explore: as you have been studying Jediism during the IP have you noticed changes in your behavior? Explain.
Part 6: Social Dimension
The temple structure (its ranks, its offices, its manner of being, and certainly its people) is the social construct in which Jediism (as TOTJO practices it) finds itself. A fundamental truth here also is that the Temple is a microcosm of the world. Learning how to interact here, where the consequences are not very severe, is one of the ways that we learn to interact with the world.
In an essay of 500 words or more consider the ways in which the social dimension impacts your experience online or offline.
Part 7: The Material Dimension
Whatever we can experience with our senses in the physical world that can connect us symbolically to the Force, this could be anything from lightsabers to the trilogies, does help deepen our connection therein. We don’t have physical Temples, sacred spaces, or sacred things, historically, so we make them, but that doesn’t make them any less real or meaningful.
In an essay of at least 500 words, explore the ways in which you have used the material dimension to connect to the Force.
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