I have finally found a religion that represents me philosophically and spiritually. The Jedi Way can be found here. That link is short, and I strongly suggest you read it before continuing reading or contributing to this thread. (I describe myself as Pure Land, btw)
Jedi Oaths can be found here. I'm going to repost the 16 Basic Teachings of the Jedi here to start some discussion.
Here are my personal thoughts on those.
1. This is entirely true if the Force is a synonym for Nature. We battle nature constantly, and actually train ourselves to combat with it. With, not against.
2. You might attribute this to age or immaturity, but I tend to live minute to minute. One of the biggest drawbacks of conventional religions is maintaining certain behaviors to eventually achieve the nirvana you want. You focus on the future, not the now. By concentrating on the present (but still being mindful of the future), we better ourselves. The Jedi nailed it.
3. Also true. There is no practicality to dwelling on thoughts that obstruct our ability to think by triggering emotional responses (like internet trolls). By clearing our minds, via meditation or whatever your preferred method is, we cleanse ourselves and are more capable of dealing with situations.
4. True without dispute.
5. Okay. No. Disagree. Being a "feeler" as opposed to a "thinker" can lead to potentially hazardous life destroying situations. Maybe your initial impulse is to "feel", but without backing it up with conscious reasoning, it's hard to take seriously.
6. Mhm.
7. Agree.
8. Very true. Healthy minds and bodies are essential to a happy living.
9. Yep.
10. Okay, disagree. Randomness occurs. I don't know if I can wholly explain that, so won't try. But.. Yeah.
11. Mhm.
12. ..This depends on whether the universe is flat, open, or closed. I do not personally believe physicists or astronomers have progressed enough to give a conclusive answer for this. If we are infinitely expanding, or expanding and then remaining at a constant immensity, then yes, life is eternal, but not our lives, simply the existence of the universe (which is beautiful enough).
13. Hmm. Well, this is a prerequisite for not appearing like a jackass, but I don't know if it should be required. It definitely.. sounds nice. I don't make conscious strides to practice humility.. Maybe I should.. pick that up. >_> Undecided.
14. Yeah.
15. Yessssh.
16. <3
So.. with the exceptions of 5, 10, and possibly 12 and 13, I can totally back this. I consider it the embodiment of how a person should behave anyway, without the attachment of some super natural entity for good (*cough* bad *cough*) measure. The religion is simply a name for like minded people.
What do you guys think?
Ich war in Deutschland geboren, aber in Amerika ausgewachsen, und leider habe ich viele Deutsch verlernt. =/ (Spellcheck ftw. >_>)