Become the Force by Daniel M. Jones

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This is a review of a book by Become the Force: 9 Lessons on How to Live as a Jediist Master by Daniel M. Jones, Founder of the Church of Jediism

If you’ve ever though the idea of being a Jedi and The Force sounded like good ways to live, you’ll enjoy this Jediism bible, Become the Force.

I received a copy of this book for evaluation purposes. This post contains affiliate links.

Become the Force: 9 Lessons on How to Live as a Jediist Master by Daniel M. JonesStars: ****

Watkins Publishing (2017)
Personal Development

Summary:  For anyone who has watched and fallen in love with the Star Wars films and wanted to become a Jedi (just as Daniel M Jones did as a young boy). This is the first and only Jedi Bible.
Daniel M Jones founded the Church of Jediism in 2007 following the Jedi Census phenomenon of 2001; it now has over 500,000 members around the world. This is the book his fans have been waiting for. In it, Daniel outlines the Jedi perspective and provides practical tools for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of how to use the Force in everyday life. A metaphor for the universal life energy that connects us all, the Force can be both light and dark, good and bad. Now, more than ever, it is our responsibility to overcome the Dark Side. This book does not aim to convert, but to inspire its readers to live a life of meaning and purpose according to the universal spiritual teachings of “the way of the Jedi”.
– Amazon.com

Become the Force

Before Reading

I must be honest and upfront. I do not like Star Wars that much and I’m newly Christian and not looking for a new Faith. However I love reading books and learning about new ideas which is why I accepted this book for review.

After Reading

Having read the whole book now I can say that while I don’t have plans to join the Church of Jediism myself I can see it as an option for some people. There is nothing negative or dangerous at all. The teachings are about love for self and others, caring for yourself and others and making the world a better place. Its important to note as well that one can continue to practice a religion and be a Jediist as well.

How the Book Was Made

You may or may not know that Daniel M. Jones has Asperger’s and struggles with reading and writing which had stopped him from creating a book before now. This book was put together from interviews he did with Theresa Cheung but the book reads as if from Daniel himself.

“So over a period of several months in late 2016 and early 2017 I interviewed Daniel in person, on the phone and via Skype. Then with the help of the amazing editorial team at Watkins led by Sci Fi expert Paul Simpson and Publisher Jo Lai I got down to work transcribing those interviews into the first official book of scripture for the Church of Jediism – the book you are reading right now.” – pg XVIII

Book Layout

There are 9 chapters on the nine basic lessons. Each chapter is laid out the same way:

  1. Stories (including stories from his life and how he learned the lessons)
  2. Lesson
  3. Jediist Prayer
  4. Guidelines (that go with the lesson)
  5. I am a Jediist (intro to a real Jediist)
  6. Quote

Final Thoughts

As I said I found the book to be teaching great ideas that could definitely go together with other religions for the most part. Most of it is just about a healthy way of living, physically and mentally. This year (2017) marks 10 years of the Church of Jediism

I think the book did a good job of explaining why a religion was based off Star Wars which is probably the most common question he gets. The book is also a good insight into life with an adult with Aspergers.

The International Church of Jediism connects people from all backgrounds and ages with one goal and that is to understand the true meaning of their lives and discover their full potential. You don’t have to change your religion or drop a certain belief (some Jediists are deeply religious, others are atheists) or even have an in-depth knowledge of the Star Wars universe to become a part of the Church of Jediism. We are here to help you awaken and find your own unique path to your own unique truth by offering you suggestions and signposts rather than commands.” – from Appendix.

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About Kathleen

I've been a nonfiction lover for as long as I can remember. I love children's nonfiction as well and love to share my knowledge and the books I gained them from, with the world. I wish more people would give nonfiction a chance.