Devotees couldn't wait to see the latest Star Wars movie: "Episode II: Attack of the Clones."
In fact, many have become so attuned to the messages in George Lucas' films that they have taken their devotion to a higher, more spiritual level -- including considering themselves Jedi knights.
Some theologians may describe this as an unorthodox approach, but the widespread interest gives them reason to take notice and enter the debate over whether Star Wars and its teachings have become a new religion.
When the first movie in the saga was released, "May the Force be with you" became a pop culture blessing as common as "Have a nice day."
Perhaps unintentionally, one man's science fiction has become others' faith.
Consider the Jedi knights -- Zenlike warriors from another universe who believe that a "Force" exists in all things. They keep the peace and fight evil with powerful light sabers.
This theme of good and evil can be found in the Bible, as well as mythology and folklore.
"Just about every religion, cult or spiritual system was initially written off by people who thought the founders were a pack of nutbags," said Sally Childs-Helton, Butler University archivist, who has a doctorate in folklore and has taught college-level courses in science fiction.
Of those who view Star Wars as a religion, Childs-Helton said, "A lot of religions are born out of people who have been disenfranchised or outcast, especially when you talk about prophets and other people who say they have the truth. Some stand the test of time; others haven't."
She points to Indiana cult leader Jim Jones, who led his followers first to California and then to Guyana, where more than 900 died in a mass murder-suicide in 1978. His followers, believed to have been taken in by his charisma, were typical of people searching for religious systems to help them make sense of life. For some believers, she said, religion offers answers.
"This goes back to thousands of years ago, when illiterate people made up stories about their surroundings to make sense of the world they didn't know much about," said Childs-Helton. "We're not afraid of thunder and lightning any more because we know what causes it. We have an explanation."
Big-screen mythology
"Those stories were told around campfires. Now we're telling the stories on big screens with Surround Sound."
Childs-Helton said she can see how the allure of the Force can be a basis for a belief system. "It acknowledges that there is a higher power or force that holds the universe together, and it acknowledges a good side or light side and a dark side or a bad side."
The difference in the Star Wars belief system is that it is constructed by media, said Childs-Helton.
"I see this as society dealing with technology by trying to incorporate it into daily life. It's a response to the media we live with. We personify virtual constructs and treat them as if they were real."
Lucas has said publicly that he does not see the saga as profoundly religious, but rather as a vehicle to prompt viewers to question their beliefs and to examine the mysteries in life.
Universal truths?
In taking that to a mystical level, some followers -- such as those who practice Jediism and consider themselves Jedi knights -- say that their faith has ties not to Lucas' vision but to "the truths of every major religion, philosophy and meditative path."
A Web site, shadowolf.net, says:
"The Star Wars Trilogy is like a religion that teaches great wisdom about the nature of our lives in this vast universe. From watching this mythological Trilogy, one can gain important insight into the nature of the human heart as well as a realization of our deepest shared mutual longing to find truth, goodness, beauty and peace inside ourselves, in others and outside, in this infinitely unfolding universe."
It also draws direct parallels between the attributes of Star Wars characters and biblical principles. Compassion, temptation, redemption and devotion are all highlighted as traits depicted in the movies. For example, shadowolf.com says, devotion is portrayed when Han Solo comes to care for Luke during Luke's darkest hour.
Such parallels aren't overlooked by Greenfield resident Scott Kern, a Star Wars enthusiast who teaches history at Greenfield Central High School. But as a parent, youth pastor and Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsor, he begins to worry when young viewers compare the movie with Christianity.
No set standards
"Those who don't have something else to fall back on could be persuaded to think of Star Wars as a religion," Kern said.
"It's a lack of foundation that is similar to people who get involved in cults. If they don't have anything else to turn to, Star Wars seems like a catch-all. There's no doctrine; you don't have to adhere to certain standards to be considered part of the group."
Kern said unlike the Bible, where believers know good will win out, Star Wars presents situations where viewers don't always know if good will conquer. Other critics have said that a flaw in Star Wars as religion is that evil is overcome by violence. They say that it demonstrates to young viewers that the way to defeat evil is to annihilate it.
"I like Star Wars because it's science fiction and it's fun," said Kern. "It's something my son and I can enjoy together; but if it comes to the point where he has an unhealthy interest, then we need to talk about it. The danger comes when people go overboard with something that is purely fiction."