Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book. While I love Star Wars and the blurb intrigued me, I have been unable to get into this book.

I know what you are thinking, then again, I am not God who knows the minds of all. You might be thinking why am I doing a review of a book that is trying to apply the gospel to Star Wars. For starters, I love Star Wars. I was born one month after the release of the first movie. I have been a fan of the films since I was a kid. The only Star Wars film I can remember seeing as a kid was "Return of the Jedi" before the special editions came out in 1997. So when this book, The Gospel According to Star Wars came out, my curiosity was killing my cat so I decided to review it.

I wish I had some clever way to make this book sound like it is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but it really is not. What the author tried to do was take elements of the films (Episode 1 to The Force Awakens) and put some biblical application to it. It sounded like a good idea, but the more I read the book, the more confused I was getting. Where was the author going? What was the point?

I get what the author was trying to do, but as the same time, I just gave up. Yes, I gave up on a book because it seemed it was going nowhere. The gospel does apply to everything in our lives but not everything needs to be applied to the gospel. Can we get the gospel from a song by a non-Christian band? Can we get the gospel while attending a sporting event? The gospel helps us response to what God has done through the finish work of Christ and how we are to live our lives for the glory of God.

In regards to my review for The Gospel According to Star Wars, I would pass on this one.

Reading his book reminded me that the Star Wars stories and movies have always been steeped in Myth and religious imagery and undertones. The stories go beyond spaceships and lightsabers, but appeal to a wider audience with it's messages and themes. I recommend this book to any fan of Star Wars and those who seek messages beyond the superficial.
Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher for a copy for my honest review.

I saw this book I was really excited to read it and see someone else’s preservative.
when I saw the title of this book I was intrigued and excited, this is the theme for the kids camp this summer that I am director of. I thought the book had a lot of info but it was really hard for me to get in to. It has a lot of Star Wars facts in it and I wanted more of the Jesus stuff. I can see the parallels in the movies to a Christian walk and that is what I was looking for. I thought the book was okay but a little over my head.

The latest Star Wars installment is in theaters everywhere. It has solidified its reputation as a top-selling movie franchise. With its popularity, many are renewing their love for characters such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, as well as the newer characters like Rey and Kylo Ren, and many more. It is amazing how the 70s franchise had lasted till now, where each of the episodes had sold-out crowds on their opening days. Beyond the entertainment aspect, is there a hidden message in the Star Wars saga? Is it more than simply a movie written for kids? How did such a movie franchise grow to be so popular? If there is a secret message, how do we make sense of it without misrepresenting the original storyteller's intentions? For those who say no, they would probably not even bother to pick up this book. For those who say yes, they have to sieve through the many complex interpretations, symbolism, religious undertones, and cultural understanding. For those who are unsure, perhaps, this book would offer not just an alternative look at the SW stories but invites them to consider the religious and spiritual messages hidden within the movies.


John McDowell has been a long-time fan of the Star Wars movies, not only as an interpreter of the messages but a movie-goer like the rest of us. He is also keen to understand the movie from a Christian perspective. He combines his interest in the movies as well as the interpretation of the messages in this very fascinating look at the films released so far.

Episode 1: The Phantom Menace (TPM)
Episode 2: Attack of the Clones (AOTC)
Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith (ROTS)
Episode 4: A New Hope (ANH)
Episode 5: The Empire Strikes back (ESB)
Episode 6: Return of the Jedi (ROTJ)
Episode 7: The Force Awakens (TFA)
Episode 8: The Last Jedi (TLJ) (latest released but not included in this book)

The structure of the book mirrors the chronological order of movie release instead of the episode numbers, that is; Episode 4,5,6, 1, 2, 3, and 7. The author begins chapter 1 that offers the film-makers the benefit of the doubt. He recognizes that it is easy to read too much into Lucas's stories and to say things that were not the film maker's intentions. Rather than trying to presume Lucas's understanding, McDowell focuses on spiritual messages from the perspectives of different cultures and religious outlooks, with frequent reference to Christian theologies. He spends a substantial amount of time to interpret the Force, about the two sides of the divide. Trying to see the Force as something divine proves tricky because it is seem more like an impersonal energy source rather than a personal being. Plus, there is a risk of dualism and gnosticism if we are not careful. Is the Force deemed good, while the "dark side" is evil? Semantics could muddle the whole matter. So McDowell notes how each reference to evil is rendered as "the dark-side of the Force." In fact, viewed under the lens of good vs evil, the Force could easily be utilized by all religions for their own purposes. Truth is, Lucas wanted to instill some openness to the presence of spirituality in an increasingly secular world. There are things far more profound than what modern science and technology could offer. In fact, Lucas's brilliance is in telling a story with wide-ranging applications and interpretations, especially from a pluralistic worldview. He looks at the treatment of evil in the movie by navigating carefully the philosophies of dualism; Manicheanism; anti-semitism; the cultures of blame and self-serving motives. He concludes by seeing evil as a breakdown of relations and dehumanization. This is highlighted in the Skywalker family. From Anakin to Luke, SW is a powerful platform to show the depravity of humans and the extent in which evil could devastate life, both physical and non-physical forms. Lest we think all jedis are good, it is important to remember that the worst enemies are former jedis. Even the Jedi council have shown signs of arrogance and ignorance. It reminds us that we are all susceptible to such arrogance and pride, which are the seeds of downfall. Sin has made us flawed people. It makes us reject the people we love. McDowell spends more than four chapters just outlining and describing the expressions of evil inside and outside of the stories and characters. He does this so as to drive home the need for hope in the midst of intense evil, which should bring those of us astute readers of the Bible to Revelation.Other themes include the continuing battle between good and evil; the need for salvation and hope; and how powers and principalities could be used and abused by all sides.

Three Thoughts
First, movies are excellent platforms for discussion about real life. In our secular and atheistic world, where religious topics are often avoided, SW could be an entry point for fruitful conversations about spirituality, life, the after-life, and various aspects of human relationships that the SW movies represent. We could discuss about the role of sacrifice, like how Rogue One's heroes gave up their lives for the sake of the greater good. We could analyze the temptations of the world which could turn us into people entering the dark side. We could ask about our decisions that dictate our future. At the same time, if we are not theologically certain about our own beliefs, entering into theological interpretations could be a problem. Any cultural or religious interpretations presume we already have our theological foundations laid. Otherwise, we would become wrapped up in controversies and uncertainties which might even pull us deeper into the dark side of doubt and despair. Christians, read your Bibles and ask your spiritual mentors if you are unsure about the basic tenets of your faith.

Second, SW showcases the depravity of human beings, something Calvinists would be most happy to talk about. It is a classic display of Augustine's definition of original sin, that we cannot save ourselves. We need something bigger than us. We need God. We need the gospel. So depraved is the human heart that even the most well-intentioned heart could turn wayward. Look at how Anakin Skywalker turned to the dark side, and how Luke was nearly tempted into submission. While movies often require a plot that has a villain where viewers loved to hate, it subconsciously highlights our inner conflicts. While sin is tempting, with its offer of power and invincibility, it seduces us into falling for deceptions and lies, just like how Anakin was deceived into thinking his journey into the dark side could save his beloved wife. There is only one hero who is pure and blameless, and that is Jesus. All of us are subject to sin and error. We need help and only God can help us. If we let Him.

Third, we all need hope. While SW presents a general need for hope, that good will eventually triumph, there is a strong representation of the deepest hunger of the human heart for hope of a better tomorrow. McDowell is spot on when he says Lucas's movies are eclectic and reflect the pluralistic cultures of our age. The title of the book is about the "gospel" which essentially means hope. It means good news. Read this book with the good news in mind, not just any good news but the Bible's message of hope, which is much deeper and more complete than anything the world has to offer. Christ died for all that all may live. If we reject Christ, we reject the Giver of all hope.

This is one of the best spiritual analyses of the SW saga, presenting some possible theological themes of each of the movies. Perhaps, after reading this book, watch all the movies again and interpret wit

Wow! As much as I love star wars this book was a very difficult read. It really us for die hard fans with a great religious knowledge. Unfortunately far too advanced for me! :-)

I love Star Wars. I didn’t become a fan until a few years ago. Having a son will open your world up a bit. I never watched the original series as a kid, it did not look interesting.

But when I finally watched the original series and then the prequels I was hooked. I haven’t watched all of the new ones so I won’t give an opinion.

When I saw these movies I easily could make connection to my faith and the enemy so when I saw this book I was really excited to read it and see someone else’s preservative.

This is book is for die-hard fans. I am not that. This book was really over my head with Star Wars facts and history and I was bored. I just wanted to get to the Jesus stuff and those connections. I felt like it was weighted down with Star Wars facts.

So this book wasn’t for me. However, if you are a die-hard fan you might really enjoy this book, it just wasn’t for me.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

Before you read, be aware that this probably isn’t going to be something you’ll fly through. It’s a heavy work on the SW universe, and McDowell’s diving deep into the ideas and themes presented; particularly, how Christians can view these films to start with and not come into conflict with their beliefs, why they should, and what they should be looking for. Note that he’s not in any way commandeering the film series and planting a Jesus flag in it—he’s just pointing out that, as a SW fan himself, there’s a lot to be mined out of the saga that Christians can benefit from if they so choose.



I’m the target demographic for the book. I’m both a Christian and a SW fan. That being said, I learned an incredible amount that I’ll be able to apply to the series, and, believe it or not, should be able to watch the prequels in a more favorable light, which is truly a testament to McDowell and this work.



If you’re not a Christian, there’s still much to be found here. Oodles of thematic comparisons, historical context, and info about the inner sanctum as they made these films are pocketfuls of gold for any SW fan worth their salt. Many sections hardly mention religion and simply compare and contrast interpretations of character arcs, subtext, etc.



With books like these, the way to reach a final verdict is pretty simple: Did it accomplish what it set out to do? For me, it’s a big yes. I’m better for having read it, and it has absolutely helped to enrich my experience with the SW movies.

The book was okay just a tad bit boring with not enough to keep me drawn in

This is an you interesting idea relating to star wars. Some of it I have heard mentioned or discussed before. As a star wars fan it is interesting to less n more about this idea. This book goes more and depth. Some of the ideas are thought provoking.

Star Wars has been a huge part of American culture for decades and even more so in recent years since they began adding to the Saga. It is of little surprise then equating Star Wars with Christianity would come about particularly Star Wars talks about faith, good and evil so often. When a popular trend takes over the US it’s not hard to understand why someone would want to ride the bandwagon.

I’ve read many books that used popular themes to try and teach Biblical stories and principles so McDowell has many years’ worth of time tested material in order to help him understand what works and doesn’t; apparently he chose to go his own direction.

First, despite the subject matter being used this IS a serious academic work and not for the weekend, need to kill some time reader. It can be heavy and you need to focus in order to follow his arguments; this is not going to be for every Star Wars fan.

He uses pieces of the Saga from the prequels and ‘sequels’ through Force Awakens along with added info from the books that have provided more story filler in between movies. Like many Star Wars fans who have spent hours if not decades debating the BIGGER meanings, actions and motivations McDowell imitates their enthusiasm by delving into the spiritual side of things to compare Jedi values, ethics and morals to Christian ones.

My complaint of his passionate attempt is that too often it feels like he’s assigning things that aren’t there almost as if he’s trying find a way to justify applying his Christian beliefs towards the Jedi religion. In defense of his thought process though George Lucas did grow up in the Methodist faith so it’d be easy to believe he wrote the Skywalker Family History as some kind of ode to the Christian faith. However, he became very interested in Eastern philosophies and been known to say he’s a  "Buddhist Methodist" which did actually influence his work from Star Wars to Indiana Jones. If you read the book, Star Wars: The New Myth they trace the aspects of the first few films that came from cultures and religions around the world which shows they are actually NOT Christian based.

A subset of this issue is that Christianity itself took things or took credit for things that existed FAR before its creation so even when McDowell tries to stretch plot points, characters actions and or motivations to be examples of Christianity they actually aren’t. For example something as basic as “The Force” is more Buddhist in nature. Good versus evil tropes are in practically EVERY faith system, Christianity does not own the copyright. Sacrifice and redemption can be traced to older Pagan beliefs pre-Christians. The idea of a Chosen One can be found in Greek mythology. The idea of a Wise Old Man AKA Obi Wan can be found in Greek, Asian, Scandinavian and more. Luke and Vader were not the first to lose an arm to have it replaced with something silver, that honor went to an Irish mythic hero named Nuada – again PRE-Christianity.

McDowell definitely shows a great fandom and intellect for the Star Wars universe but it just doesn’t feel like his heart is into tying it to Christianity, it almost feels like he’s being forced to as if to prove that Christians SHOULD be watching these movies because they are somehow SO VERY Christian.

The only other minor issue, and I can’t say this is too much his fault, is that it’s now slightly outdated as it only goes through Force Awakens and so much has happened since then which would alter some of his comments. He would have been better served to wait until the latest movie comes out then use that and publish after since the last movie is now put off for a while.

If you’re a Star Wars fan you’ll probably like this book because there is a whole lot about SW in it. If you’re a SW fan who is hoping this will help you convince people why the Saga is Christian then not so much and any liberal, not so conservative friends you try to win over are only going to get irritated as they point out the fallacies in your arguments. Although if you’re a Christian who needs help convincing family, friends or your church why you should be allowed to be a SW fan and they don’t care how much of Christianity isn’t even Christianity then you’re going to find plenty to back up your argument and get you a guilt free ticket to the next movie coming out in December.

For a book that markets itself as being about the Gospel there isn’t a whole lot of Gospel and scripture to be found unless you want to view it as the Gospel of Our Lord and Savior George Lucas – may God forgive me for making that crack.