stars war 1: the phantom menace - Evangelical Lutheran Church in ...

Movie/Video Study
by Pastor Dennis Sepper
Tacoma, WA
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Star Wars Episode I:
The Phantom Menace
20th Century Fox
PG
In a galaxy far, far away the Trade Federation has created a blockade around the planet Naboo
demanding taxation control of the intergalactic trade routes. The senate of the Galactic Republic, an
alliance of races and planets, is paralyzed by bureaucrats and political loyalties. They cannot resolve
the stalemate. Two Jedi Knights are dispatched to negotiate a settlement, but they sense there is more
to the blockade than meets the eye. There is a disturbance in the Force.
Thus begins the adventure of the first installment of the much awaited "prequel" trilogy of the Star Wars
series. While critical reviews have been mixed, fans of the Star Wars universe will love The Phantom
Menace. The plot is classic Star Wars and the new host of heroes and villains are creative and
awesome. Despite the current controversy, I rather enjoyed the computer generated Jar Jar Binks, a
Gungan who becomes the companion of the Jedi Knights, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The first time I watched the movie was opening day and I purposely just sat back to enjoy the bounty
of George Lucas' creativity. The second time I watched the movie, I kept an eye open for biblical
themes and biblical links. People not familiar with the Star Wars universe might not think religious
themes are woven in to the movie. However, Lucas himself says that his intent is for the movies to get
young people to think about spiritual issues. While not explicitly or intentionally Christian, Star Wars
does include themes to which we can relate and from which we can learn. Christian theologians are
writing articles about the "theology" of Star Wars, noting that Star Wars strikes a deep spiritual cord in
the audience.
Discussion themes
While the struggle between good and evil is a major theme of each Star Wars movie, there are other
themes which bear discussion:
sacrificing for the common good
life having a meaning beyond one's own existence and life as an epic journey
facing the future with trust in a higher power
women as well as men having positions of important leadership
redemption for former sins and mistakes
the wonder and yet ambivalence toward technology
While watching the movie, enjoy the thrill of it--that's what entertainment is all about, after all. And let
these questions be your guide for exploring deeper issues of faith and life.
As always, may the Force be with you!

Discussion questions
1. What religious or biblical themes did you notice in The Phantom Menace?
2. The battle of good and evil takes a central place in The Phantom Menace. The major battle is
between the Jedi Knights and Darth Maul. Who does Darth Maul remind you of? (The devil? If
so, why or why not?)
3. Darth Maul symbolizes the dark side of The Force. When young Anakin Skywalker appears
before the Jedi Council, Yoda tells Anakin that fear is the path to the dark side of the Force.
Yoda notes that fear leads to anger and anger leads to hate and hate leads to suffering. Do you
agree with Yoda? Why do angels who bring messages from God often begin by saying, "Do
not be afraid?" What does Jesus say in John 14 and Matthew 6:25-34 about fear and anxiety?
4. Queen Amidala in The Phantom Menace and Princes Leia in the first Star Wars trilogy are
women leaders who save their people. Can you think of other women leaders who saved their
people? Look at the stories of Deborah, who was like Joan of Arc (Judges 4 and 5), Esther, who
was a queen in her time (the book of Esther) and Lydia, who wasn't royalty but a successful
business woman who helped Paul and was the leader of the church in Phillipi (Acts 16). What
is your reaction to their stories?
5. When the Jedi Knights Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan appear before the leader of the Gungan, they
appeal for the Gungan to help the surface dwellers on the planet Naboo. The leader refuses,
telling the Jedi that the Gungan do not care about the Naboo because the Naboo think the
Gungan are less intelligent. Obi-Wan Kenobi tells the Gungan that they are in a symbiotic
relationship with the Naboo. "What happens to one, happens to the other," he says. Do you
believe that is true? Does that have any relationship to the current ethnic struggles in Kosovo?
In Northern Ireland? In our own country? In your city? In your school?
6. Soon after meeting Anakin, Qui-Gon Jinn feels he is the "chosen one." It is even suggested in
the movie that Anakin is the product of a virgin birth. Since we know that Anakin becomes the
evil Darth Vader, Anakin cannot be likened to Jesus, but the idea of a chosen one is often
present in the Bible. Moses comes to mind first, but Samuel is one that comes the closest to
Anakin. Read 1 Samuel 1 and 2. Do you seen any parallels between Samuel and Anakin? Are
there people through whom God and the Holy Spirit work in special ways? Who might be a
"chosen" person in our own time? Why?
7. The Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn reminds Obi-Wan to be "mindful of the living force." Prior to
the pod race, Qui-Gon also reminds Anakin to "use your instincts." The implications of those
statements are that there is a spiritual side to life that we must be in touch with and must trust.
In Christianity, we say it's the Holy Spirit. How do we become "mindful" of the living Holy
Spirit? How do come to trust the Spirit's guiding? Do you feel the Spirit of God active in your
life? How?
8. When the Trade Federation invades Naboo, they use "battle droids" to do their fighting. How
did you feel about the use of droids to fight the battles? Do you see any relationship between the
battle droids and our "smart" bombs? What are the positive aspects of using technology to fight
wars? What are the negative aspects of using technology to fight wars? Which of the two
answers to the questions above has the more compelling argument?
9. In all of the Star Wars episodes the idea of destiny, of things happening for a reason, is very
prevalent. We Lutherans believe in the notion of "vocation." We believe that God, through the
Holy Spirit, calls us to relationships, roles and occupations in order that we might serve God
and our neighbor. We believe that all relationships, roles and occupations have equal worth
before God, because they work for the common good. In that sense, every life has meaning and
purpose. How do you serve God and neighbor by your vocations as a brother or a sister? As a
son or daughter? As a member of your church? As a member of your school government or one
of your church's boards or committees? As a member of your neighborhood? Do you feel called
to some of these relationships and roles? Why or why not? How does such a calling give
purpose and meaning to life?
Enjoy the movie. The themes are rich and your discussion should be lively!
As with anything, feel free to adapt this guide to your own situation. Enjoy the film, enjoy the
discussion and enjoy one another. And remember, the first word and the last word is
always, “God Loves You.”
http://archive.elca.org/youth/reelworld/starwars1.html[1/3/2012 4:27:56 PM]