Theology and the Star Wars Universe

(Hardback)

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Description

Scholars have been arguing for years that Star Wars is more than light sabers, Wookies, Millennium Falcons, and troubling familial relationships. Star Wars is an exciting space fantasy that we can explore from multiple academic perspectives, such as philosophy and psychology. This volume adds to that conversation by asking, what would it look like if we analyzed the Star Wars universe theologically In Theology and the Star Wars Universe, contributors from various theological traditions take on this task by exploring the nature of the Force, the spiritual role of the Jedi, nonviolent and liberationist readings of the Franchise, and the enduring power of hope. Written for the restless, curious academic but accessible to diehard fans, Theology and the Star Wars Universe is an exciting foray into the study of theology and popular culture.

Reviews

[T]his is an impressive effort. While, overall, it is a scholarly effort most of the essays are accessible to the non-specialist. Along the way, we not only meet up with various Star Wars characters, but we also encounter real persons such as Augustine, Aquinas, and even Camus.

--Robert Cornwall, author of "Called to Bless: Finding Hope by Reclaiming Our Spiritual Roots"

Move over, Darth Vader! Theology and the Star Wars Universe brings definitive balance to the Force. This volume presents the many facets of theology and Star Wars through multiple lenses: ancient and modern Christianity, political engagement with theology, and an examination of various religious traditions and thinkers. This book is sure to become a favorite of fans and scholars who value the depth of philosophy and religion that the franchise has to offer. It's also an enjoyable read, hitting the right notes in its choice of interlocutors, which makes it valuable for classroom use.

--George Tsakiridis, South Dakota State University

Some things in life are indisputable: Han shot first. Boba Fett is a bad-ass. And the Special Edition remasters of Episodes IV-V-VI are NOT canon. Oh, and Theology and the Star Wars Universe is an excellent volume. Whether a scholar of popular culture, a student of theology, or simply a fan of the franchise, readers will find this collection of essays both theologically rich and critically insightful. The Force is truly strong with this one.

--Kutter Callaway, Fuller Theological Seminary

Author Bio

Benjamin D. Espinoza is associate vice president for online education, executive director of seminary administration, and assistant professor of practical theology at Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, New York.