How to Share Your Faith Using Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith brings the Star Wars series of six films full-circle. The movie portrays the unfolding events that result in Anakin Skywalker's fall to the Dark Side and transformation into Darth Vader. Despite the fact that virtually every Star Wars III moviegoer already knows the ultimate outcome of Anakin's struggle and Luke and Leia's fate, director George Lucas delivers an awesome movie. Returning to his original strength of mixing great action and special effects with a compelling story, he gives viewers far more entertainment than Star Wars Episodes I or II provided.
The original Star Wars movie (now Episode IV) opened 28 years ago with 60 special effects shots. Revenge of the Sith features 2000 special effects!! A lot has changed in 28 years of movie making technology, but the draw of a good story that depicts the struggle between good and evil still fascinates people. Toss in a few heroic characters and "cosmic Forces" and you have a great discussion starter regarding spiritual realities. Here are a few ideas for launching into conversations with your friends.
First, there really are unseen spiritual forces at work in our universe. Some people have a difficult time believing in what they cannot see with their own eyes. But consider radio/TV or cell phone communication. The air around us is full of "waves" that we can't see or hear - unless we tune in to them with special equipment like a radio, TV or cell phone. If we didn't have possession of the right equipment and know how to use it, we might never realize that all those broadcast channels and cell phone calls could be accessible to us. In the same way, unseen spiritual forces surround us, and whether we or our friends are tuned in to them or not, doesn't change the reality that they exist. But having and using the right equipment enables us to tune in and begin to understand a very real dimension of the world in which we live. As Christians we have three necessary pieces of equipment to allow us to tune in to the spiritual dimension:
- a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus
- prayer, where we can both talk to and listen to God
- the Bible, God's written communication to his followers.
It's up to us to "turn on" this equipment God's provided for us. If we don't bother to use it, we could stumble around, oblivious to the unseen spiritual dimension of the world around us and miss out on much of what God has created us to experience.
Second, there really is a cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil! Ephesians 6:12-13 says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand." Sounds a lot like Star Wars! Sounds like advice Anakin Skywalker could have used!
Ask your friends if they think there really is a cosmic battle being waged between good and evil. Are they clear about which side of the battle they want to fight on? Share what you believe about this battle.
Lastly, everyone loves a hero. Why is that? At least part of the reason is because we are made in the image of God and God is heroic. He is our rescuer and he is the ultimate victor in the cosmic battle. Because we humans are made in his image, we carry in us that capacity to be heroic and we are drawn to those who do heroic things. You might ask your friends if they've ever thought of Jesus as heroic. Perhaps you'll be surprised at what they say. Explain why you think Jesus is heroic. For help with this see the Gospel Journey.
Describing the Force, Obi-Wan Kenobi says, "It surrounds us, it penetrates us, it binds the galaxy together." Ephesians 4:6 describes "One God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness." (The Message) No wonder Star Wars speaks to the human spirit - it presents kernels of truth that the human heart longs to hear. Take the opportunity to share the full-blown Truth with your friends - "The Way, The Truth, and The Life". (John 14:6).
