My Life with the Jedi

There are many books analyzing the philosophical, religious, and mythical themes of the Star Wars saga, but Eric Clayton has provided us with something quite different — a how-to manual for living one’s life according to the saga’s lessons. In drawing connections between the wisdom of wise Jedi masters and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, this book teaches one how to become a contemplative in action, with or without a lightsaber or X-Wing.

Jason T. Eberl, Ph.D., co-editor of Star Wars and Philosophy and Star Wars and Philosophy Strikes Back, and director and professor of the Albert Gnaegi Center for Health Care Ethics, Saint Louis University

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My Life with the Jedi is essential reading for Star Wars fans—especially those wishing to launch their love of Star Wars as a vehicle for self-discovery. Its treatment of Star Wars is thorough, with relevant examples from events and characters not just from the main saga but from Star Wars books, television, comics, even animated shorts. This diversity helps Clayton build his case that many spiritual lessons can be drawn from Star Wars—sometimes from unexpected parts of the galaxy far, far away. If you loved Matthew Bortolin’s books (The Dharma of Star Wars, The Zen of R2-D2), you’ll love My Life With the Jedi.

Emily Strand, M.A., instructor of Comparative Religions and Cultural Competence, Mount Carmel College; co-editor of Star Wars: Essays Exploring a Galaxy Far, Far Away

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Even the newest fans of the now-classic Star Wars films will recognize often profound themes of good and evil, sin and redemption, and despair and hope. In his engaging and enlightening new book Eric Clayton reveals these hidden (and not so hidden) themes, and invites us to see how the Spirit, if not the Force, can lead us to make good and life-giving decisions.

Fr. James Martin, SJ, author of My Life with the Saints

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A brilliant spin on Star Wars and spirituality; "This is how the Force works!" My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars is a mindful and soulful journey between the monomyth and our luminous selves.

Becca Benjamin and Mark Sutter, Tarkin's Top Shelf Podcast

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It's no secret that the galaxies of Star Wars are suffused with spiritual force. In My Life with the Jedi, Eric Clayton does more than uncover the morals within the mythic stories. Blending Ignatian spirituality and a deep knowledge of Star Wars, he does what the best spiritual writers do: help us see ourselves and our lives in inspiring new ways.

Daniel Burke, former religion editor for CNN and Director of Communications at the Georgetown University Center on Faith and Justice

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For many of us, the stories and characters of Star Wars have served as spiritual companions through the years, offering us inspiration in times of trial, kinship when we've felt alone, consolation as we've grieved, and a mirror to reflect our truest selves back to us in the face of doubt and fear. In My Life with the Jedi, Eric Clayton honors those treasured experiences while simultaneously inviting us to consider new ways the series might usher us into a more examined life of faith. This is the book spiritually-minded Star Wars fans have been waiting for.

Shannon K. Evans, spirituality and culture editor of the National Catholic Reporter

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What do a sixteenth-century-Spanish-nobleman-turned-saint and a wrinkled green alien warrior-monk have in common? More than you might think! In My Life with the Jedi, Eric Clayton digs deep into the Star Wars saga, revealing how the characters and tales of a galaxy far, far away can help us find God in our everyday lives. Writing with clarity, compassion, and humor, Clayton weaves together Star Wars canon and wisdom from the Spiritual Exercises in ways that can be enjoyed by experts and casual fans alike.

John Dougherty, Director of Campus Ministry at St. Joseph’s Prep, writer of Catholic Movie Club for America Magazine