A short time ago, in a theatre not so far away, I witnessed the next installment in the Star Wars saga. As usual the film replete with unusual creatures, planets, sounds, ships and alien languages passed by quickly. New sets, new actors, new special effects and yet hidden under the digital feast is an old theme.
The Jedi boast two unfortunate qualities: mind control and telekinesis. These are the ability to change another’s mind and the ability to move objects by thought. I call these “unfortunate” because while Lucas’ good guys develop these qualities, the Bible attributes these powers to the Lord of Darkness – the Devil. The Bible declares that when a person controls another person’s mind or moves things by his thoughts, a force is definitely with him – but it’s not a good one.
According to Lucas, these films are targeted at 10-12 year old boys–impressionable ages. Instead of encouraging young boys to control people’s minds, why not encourage them to be honest, brave, or chivalrous? You could do that and still keep all the technobabble.
If the film makers want to portray supernatural abilities, why not show those that originate from God? That might give a young audience something worth emulating. Consider Jesus Christ. He did things that make mind control and telekinesis look like cheap party gags. A little stroll on the water, a few lepers cleansed, some seeing eye dogs made obsolete, people raised from the dead, numerous limbs replaced, storms calmed, etc. And all this without ever compromising anyone’s freedom of will. Without doubt, Jesus Christ would have given the Jedi Knights a run for their cosmic currency. Even Yoda’s hairy ears might have perked up.
I realize that Star Wars is not a true story. However, though the technology in the film isn’t yet available, mind control and telekinesis are. They’re as old as evil itself. According to the Bible, there is evil in the world that is all too willing to assist the unwary mind in its quest for such power.
The real Phantom Menace then is not the evil warlord after all – it’s the film’s sly message that evil powers are desirous. Should we make Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn role models so kids can aspire to mind control and telekinesis? Speaking for my house, may that galaxy remain far, far away.