Not so long ago, on a computer not so far away..

I'm not sure what the really real topic of this blog post is going to be, but I just wanted to point out a few things.

Ah, Star Wars. Many a time I've enjoyed these movies. Not so much anymore, but there's a wealth of memories in there somewhere. If this sudden intrusion of topic seems random to you, forgive me. I came here to talk about the implications and inner workings of Star Wars, and then as a footnote, add some Star Trek commentary to the mix.

[Overly sensitive] Christians have always complained that Star Wars is a tremendous advocate of New Age propaganda. And, in fact, many of these claims do not go unfounded: The Star Wars universe is not unlike one steeped in cosmic humanism. First, you have this unspeakable energy that surrounds all living things, and through the help of random genetics (Lucas' ill-conceived 'midichlorians') and finding yourself, you can harness this energy with supernatural-esque powers. You also have the ascension to a higher plane of being after death, if you have the ability. Otherwise you'll just become reincarnate, but that's what George Lucas doesn't tell you.

I've always thought that something rooted in fiction and fantasy is never a good way to show off your religious beliefs. I see it as more a disservice to the idea. It's like saying, 'Hey, look! Here's something that could never ever happen in real life, but if you look closer you can see religious principles that apply to us! Whoopee!' That's why I didn't so much as hiccup over the controversy surrounding such things as The Golden Compass (yes, I read all of them) as 'dangerous' as they may be.

Aside from that, I just think George Lucas is incredibly confused. It's like he got too caught up in promoting modern religion that he decided to throw the whole pot into the mix. We learn in Episode 1 that Anakin Skywalker was conceived of a virgin birth. And, as we all know, he progresses into becoming the main antagonist, who becomes worthy of redemption at the very end...through sacrifice. And while Christ was never ever ever the villain of our Bible, the comparisons are interesting.

I also want to discuss a particular line that had at least some Christians up in arms on message boards. It takes place in the final battle on Mustafar at the end of Episode 3 between Obi Wan Kenobi and his turned padawan, the soon to be Darth Vader. With the green swirling of a foreign planet's atmosphere behind him, Kenobi looks past the camera and says to his changed student, 'Only a Sith deals in absolutes.' (Going crazy with the formatting today, eh?)

Wait, wait, wait. Rewind. That has got to be one of the stupidest lines that Lucas has ever written, only surpassed by the 'Anakin, you're breaking my heart' that came just a few minutes previous. Why? Because Lucas figured since he'd already thrown most other religions into the mix, he might as well sprinkle some postmodernism. Why does this not work? The thing is, when you have a working religion within a world that deals with standards, a throwaway line that's meant to be important is simply not acceptable. Not to mention that it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. Why would only a Sith deal in absolutes? The Star Wars universe is divided into the light side and the dark side (if you're a force user, anyway). There is no in-between. Are we supposed to believe that the Republic was 'evil' all along?! DOES ANYTHING MATTER ANY MORE!!

I'm probably missing some subtleties since I haven't seen the series in a while, and won't for a while either, but these are things that have annoyed me for a while. And like I mentioned, as a footnote, I will be discussing a little Trek.

Star Trek directly contrasts with Star Wars' religious melting pot sensibilities, and moves directly into the age where God is no longer relevant, and all religions eradicated. I fear we are reaching this age quicker than others might think, but Star Trek is the utopia of futuristic thought. Poverty, famine, most diseases, have all been terminated, all without divine intervention. The humans have conquered themselves and usher in a new age of prosperity. While there are some episodes that touch on the idea of God ('Who Watches the Watchers,' TNG) most are for the purpose of showing that God is an outdated and foolish concept. We now worship the higher powers of technology and interspecies diplomacy.

Don't get me wrong, I have poured hours and hours into each individual Trek series (*blushes*), and I've grown fond of Star Trek, but sometimes the unreality of this situation sickens me. More technology, more advanced weapons. More advanced weapons, more ways to kill people, and more wars. The cycle never ends, and never will end until it eventually destroys us.

I choose that positive note to end this blog. I fear for it's relevance and importance, but in the end it's just more nonsensical blogstuff that I choose to ramble about.

Live long and prosper,
Ben