Ever wondered about "Star Wars" Bible study ideas? Incorporating modern media into a Bible study can open up great dialogues, especially with young people. The "Star Wars" movies are a great jumping off point for this type of study. When George Lucas wrote the "Star Wars" saga he drew on many different myths and faith traditions. So, while the movies aren’t specifically aimed at a Christian audience, there are many facets that can be drawn upon for use in Bible studies. Here are five ideas you could expand on for your own Bible studies.
- The power of God. This "Star Wars" Bible study would be good to open a series of studies. Discuss ways in which the force is like God. Both are ever present and allow for a deeper level of interconnection. Both God and the force can be drawn on. You can also discuss differences. Is the Force, like God, an entity? If not, what difference does this lack of personality make?
- The power of Evil. This "Star Wars" Bible study would focus on opposing forces. The Force, like God, has an antitheses. God’s opposite is Satin, or evil, while the force is opposed by the Dark Side. Discuss these opposing forces. What would it be like if good reigned unopposed in the "Star Wars" universe? In ours? Are opposition and resistance a necessary part of life? Why is evil, or the Dark Side, so appealing? Discuss how various "Star Wars" characters either resisted or gave in to the power of the dark side.
- The power of faith. This "Star Wars" Bible study could focus on the character of Luke Skywalker. As you discuss the movie, have participants talk about ways Luke grew as his faith grew. You can also discuss the character of Anakin Skywalker and how a lack of faith led him down a different path. You could also draw comparisons with people of faith in the Bible.
- The fruits of the Spirit. This "Star Wars" Bible study would focus on fruits of the Spirit. Galatians 5: 22-23 (NIV) says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Many of these qualities are also the qualities of a Master Jedi. How many of these qualities do we see in Qui-Gon Gin, Obi-Wan, or Yoda? Which do we see increase in Luke as he progresses? Which fail to grow in Anakin? Which are lacking entirely in other Sith Lords?
- Fall and redemption. This "Star Wars" Bible study would focus on the characters of Han Solo and Anakin Skywalker. Han begins his role as a smuggler and is open in his disbelief in the Force. As the journey continues, he is still a bit skeptical, but in choosing to help his friends, rather than save his skin and get richer, he makes a major step towards embracing the Force. Anakin begins as a faithful character, but is led astray by those who promise him the power over death. This study could center on the fall of Adam and Eve.
There are many other possible topics that could be covered in "Star Wars" Bible studies. As you get started, you may find your participants are the best source of new ideas. There are also other resources to draw on like the book “ Star Wars Jesus” by Caleb Grimes and “The Gospel According to Star Wars” by John C. McDowell.