My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars

Maria Morera Johnson reviews Eric A. Clayton's exploration of the epic sci-fi adventure that reflects the human experience.

In this insightful book from Loyola Press, My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars, author Eric A. Clayton takes us on an Ignatian journey around the Star Wars universe.

A little self-disclosure, I saw Star Wars when it was first released. I was a teenager soaking up all the Sci-Fi I could get my hands on, so you can imagine I fell instantly in love with these heroes and villains. The unique gift of the Star Wars universe is how subsequent generations have delved into the adventure. Parents have introduced it to the children, and it has become a multigenerational experience for the family. What better opportunity to also use it for a little evangelization and instruction?

null

As Catholics, we always enjoyed the inside joke response anytime we heard “May the Force be with you.” We cleverly kept up with the new translation, too, just in time for new generations to join in the fun. So it comes as no surprise that Clayton would delve into Ignatian spirituality in concert with the many iterations of the Star Wars canon. After all, Star Wars is an epic adventure that takes us across the universe, only to take us interiorly in a study of the Human Condition. 

We're familiar with the battle of Good versus Evil—and all the gray that fills the space between the two extremes, but Clayton explores all the many stories that make up the canon. While I have seen all three of the trilogies and read a good many of the books, I haven't watched all of the new series. I will, however, express my opinion that “The Mandalorian” is the best of the best.

Nevertheless, you don't need to be familiar with all the characters; Clayton does a fine job of providing context for his exploration of Ignatian spirituality through the lens of Star Wars. It works.

Clayton sets the framework of his spiritual discussion within the narratives, analyzing motives and growth with a parallel discussion of the Ignatian perspective. The sections end with an examen-like exercise that encourages the reader to put into action the lessons learned.

I enjoyed the book, as I imagine many Star Wars fans would, but you don’t have to be a super-fan to enjoy how Clayton weaves the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius through a storyline that already explores the human condition. 

Ask for My Life with the Jedi at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Loyola Press.

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

null