The Dark Side: Sins Of The Jed

The seven deadly sins are a group of vices that are considered particularly severe in Christian theology and tradition. They are pride, envy, wrath, gluttony, lust, sloth, and greed. The concept of the seven deadly sins has been influential in Christian art, literature, and teaching, providing a moral framework for believers to lead virtuous lives. Each of these sins is associated with specific behaviours and feelings, and they are believed to lead to spiritual death and damnation if not repented.

Jedi are not sinless

One of the main criticisms of the Jedi is their treatment of Anakin Skywalker, whose fall to the dark side and betrayal of the Jedi could be partly attributed to their failures. The Jedi's decision to separate Anakin from his mother, their refusal to free her from slavery, and the imposition of a master upon him despite his reluctance, all demonstrate a lack of empathy and understanding. This suggests that the Jedi's methods of recruitment and training, which involve taking children as young as five and indoctrinating them into the Jedi way of life, may have negative consequences.

Additionally, the Jedi's belief in their own moral superiority and their self-appointed role as guardians of peace can lead to questionable actions. For example, the Jedi High Council, which holds legislative and executive powers, is not immune to extremist views, as evidenced by the removal of Sifo-Dyas due to his extremist views on a foreseen war. The Jedi's willingness to interfere in the affairs of other planets and their close cooperation with the Republic government also raise questions about their commitment to peace and neutrality.

Furthermore, the Jedi's strict code and detachment from emotional relationships may not be suitable for all individuals. The requirement for Jedi Sentinels to forgo emotional connections and the expectation that Jedi members should leave their families and previous lives behind can lead to feelings of isolation and detachment. While the Jedi's structured system and rigorous training may produce skilled warriors, it may also contribute to a sense of rigidity and a lack of adaptability.

In conclusion, while the Jedi strive to uphold peace and morality in the galaxy, they are not without their sins. Their flawed decisions, questionable methods, and potential abuse of power demonstrate that even those with the best intentions can make mistakes and cause harm. The Jedi's fallibility serves as a reminder that good and evil are not always clear-cut, and that even those with the highest moral authority are not infallible.

Jedi kept a child to use as a weapon against the Sith

The Jedi are ""warrior-monks who keep peace in the universe", avoiding violence except as a last resort. They are the "most moral" of anyone in the galaxy and have the ""moral authority" to maintain peace and ensure governments do not "do terrible things".

The Jedi Order is a monastic organisation comprising members of various human and humanoid species. They train meticulously in martial arts and work intimately with the galaxy-wide Republic government, bringing "peace to the galaxy by being ambassadors and troubleshooters".

The Jedi Sentinels, or "Seekers", identify "force-sensitive" children who are then taken to the Jedi Academy at the age of five, with their parents' permission. These children are essentially orphaned, as they are removed from their families at a young age and indoctrinated into the Jedi way of life. While most parents are proud of the opportunity presented to their children, they are also saddened at the prospect of not seeing them again until adulthood.

The Jedi's ability to identify force-sensitive children is not infallible, however. In the case of Palpatine, the Jedi never discovered his connection to the Force until he had already joined the Sith Order. Palpatine was able to mask his power and hide in plain sight, even conversing with the Jedi Order's most powerful members without them suspecting anything. This suggests that the Jedi may have missed other force-sensitive children who could be used as weapons against the Sith.

In conclusion, while the Jedi's primary mission is to maintain peace and order in the galaxy, their methods of identifying and training force-sensitive children could be seen as a form of weaponisation against the Sith. By removing these children from their families and indoctrinating them into the Jedi way of life, the Jedi ensure that these individuals become tools in their ongoing conflict with the Sith.

Jedi are flawed and capable of making mistakes

One example of the Jedi's fallibility is their handling of Anakin Skywalker, who ultimately betrayed the Jedi and fell to the dark side. The Jedi's decision to keep Anakin's mother, Shmi, as a slave and their failure to free her is cited as an instance of their flawed judgment. Additionally, the Jedi's belief in their own moral superiority and their role as ambassadors and troubleshooters can lead to a sense of self-righteousness and a lack of empathy for those they deem unworthy or beyond redemption.

The Jedi High Council, the main ecclesiastical leadership of the Jedi Order, is not exempt from criticism either. The council, composed of some of the strongest and wisest Jedi, has been known to include members with extremist views, such as Sifo-Dyas, whose controversial opinions led to his removal. The Jedi Council's decisions are not always infallible, and they have been known to make mistakes in their leadership, highlighting the fallibility of even the most experienced and wise Jedi.

Furthermore, the Jedi's detachment from emotional relationships and their structured system of indoctrination can be seen as flaws. By removing young force-sensitive children from their families at a young age, the Jedi create a sense of detachment and isolation. This detachment can lead to a lack of understanding and empathy, as the Jedi become distanced from the very people they aim to protect and serve.

While the Jedi strive to maintain peace and uphold moral principles, their actions and decisions do not always align with their noble goals. Their flaws and mistakes serve as a reminder that even those with the best intentions can make errors in judgment and that the line between good and evil is not always clear.

Jedi are not perfect

One example of the Jedi's flawed judgment is their handling of Anakin Skywalker. The Jedi kept Anakin as a potential weapon against the Sith, despite knowing that he had the potential to be a powerful Force user. They also made questionable decisions regarding his mother, Shmi Skywalker. When Anakin wanted to free his mother, the Jedi told him that it was not their place to intervene, even though they knew she was a slave. This callousness towards personal relationships is a recurring theme with the Jedi, as they often prioritize their duty to the Order above individual connections.

The Jedi's detachment from emotional attachments is another area of contention. Young Jedi are indoctrinated into the Jedi way of life from a very early age, often orphaned or detached from their families. They are taught to suppress their emotions and maintain a stoic demeanor, which can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding in certain situations. This emotional detachment can also make them seem cold and unfeeling, especially in their interactions with non-Jedi.

Furthermore, the Jedi's role as peacekeepers can sometimes blur the lines of morality. While they strive to avoid violence and bring peace through diplomacy, their cooperation with the Republic government and law enforcement can lead to questionable actions. Some Sentinels, for example, served as detectives, using their Force abilities to aid in investigations. This raises questions about the potential misuse of their powers and the fine line between maintaining peace and infringing on individual freedoms.

Lastly, the Jedi's belief in their own moral superiority can lead to hubris and a lack of self-reflection. They view themselves as the most moral beings in the galaxy, which can result in a refusal to acknowledge their own flaws and mistakes. This sense of moral authority can lead to a rigid and dogmatic adherence to their principles, without considering alternative perspectives or the potential consequences of their actions.

In conclusion, while the Jedi strive for goodness and peace, they are not infallible. Their decisions and actions can sometimes have negative consequences, and their detachment from emotional connections can make them seem cold and unfeeling. The Jedi's complex nature serves as a reminder that even those with the best intentions can make mistakes and that true morality is often nuanced and subjective.

Jedi are not evil

The Jedi Order is a monastic organisation comprising members of various human and humanoid species. They train meticulously in the martial arts and cooperate intimately with the galaxy-wide Republic government, working towards bringing "peace into the galaxy by being ambassadors and troubleshooters". The Jedi High Council, made up of the strongest, wisest, and most experienced members of the Jedi Order, provides leadership and guidance to the Jedi.

Jedi members are typically identified and recruited at a young age by Jedi Sentinels, who test for "force-sensitivity". These children are then taken to the Jedi Academy with their parents' permission, receiving a prestigious education. However, this early detachment from their families can lead to challenges in their lives.

While some may question the actions or decisions of the Jedi, they are not evil. They strive to uphold peace and morality in the galaxy, even if they don't always get it right. The Jedi way of life, as depicted in the Star Wars universe, has inspired many fans to explore the philosophy and principles of Jediism, reflecting the positive impact of this fictional group on popular culture.

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