Some of the following text is from Wikipedia, that text will be in Black. My commentary will be in white. I have authored and maintained many personal websites over the years and I have always avoided what I am about to attempt. I am going to try and explain what I get from Star Wars, what it means to me, and possibly help you see things you previously might not have, before reading this.

Mythology in Star Wars

Many of the themes within Star Wars reflect elements of Greek tragedy (Oedipus, House of Atreus), Arthurian Legend, Roman mythology, and Japanese chambara such as the prominence of prophecy and the inability to control one's destiny. For example, Luke's relationship with his father is very reminiscent of Greek tragedy, while the original film contained elements which were interpreted by some as analogous of the Arthurian myths: Luke's lightsaber (a "magic sword") was inherited from his father, just as Excalibur once belonged to Arthur's father; the wise mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, can be seen as a Merlin figure; and a "round table" appears aboard the Millennium Falcon.

The Star Wars films also show considerable similarity to Asian Wuxia "Kung Fu" films. In films of this genre, the protagonist almost always begins with a clear objective to avenge the death of someone dear (an old master, his father, or his entire family). Starting as an apprentice, he grows to become the most powerful Master of his art in Kung Fu and rightfully settles old scores inflicted to his loved ones. The influence of Japanese pathos is obvious in the technique of the lightsaber being similar to the use of the Japanese Samurai swords, and the etiquette-conscious Jedi humility to the Japanese bows in greetings (the word Jedi comes from the Japanese term "Jidai Geki", which translates as "period drama"). The Jedi also live by a code of conduct and battle similar to the Samurai Code (or Bushido) as well as providing protection without being soldiers for a particular Nation or Government.

Philosophy and religion

The essential trademark of Star Wars' philosophy is its reliance on the Force.

The Force in the Star Wars movies is the closest I come to a personal belief system of any kind. I do not believe in any god(s, esses) or any diety sitting in the sky handing out merits and demerits based on our actions and thoughts in this world. I believe there is "Something". What that something is I have trouble putting into words. I believe there is much more to life than the merely tangible. I am also ther first one to roll my eyes when people say they believe things I can't point to and say "I can see it." I am very negative and see the worst in everything. I don't like it and I don't deny it.

Star Wars presents a belief that does not require faith (on one aspect, more on this later). I do not understand people that have "Faith" in something. Faith is belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.  They were taught this belief, they were raised with it. From my point of view, these people were programmed in a belief system that required no fact. In Star Wars, you can see Jedi use the Force, its exists, it's factual. On the surface it requires no faith; you can see it in action.

On the other hand, Jedi always speak in having Faith in the Force and trusting in it to reveal the right path. Obviously this is open to interpretation and can lead to tragedy. If at least one of the Jedi that had read "The Prophecy" spoken of in Episodes 1-3 and stopped to wonder what "Balance to the Force" truly meant, things might have been very, very different. Why does balance mean the destruction of the Sith?

As far as my personal beliefs, as I was saying, the Force is the closest I come to in believing in something larger than myself. I like the idea of how everything is connected in the Force, How “it flows between you, me, the tree, the rock.” I believe humanity capable of so much more if only it was able to unlock the potential the mind carries. It’s very reminiscent of Eastern philosophy and portions of those philosophies appeal to me as well. I do not think a fraction of our human potential has been met. I also think that our society has become so jaded, so mired in its own stagnation that it is unable to not only see this potential but even accept that it may exist.

I believe in this potential but I have no access to it and I have never seen anyone else access it. But I am an angry, jaded person and I suspect that cuts off my access to any "truth" I might otherwise discover. I did have one thing happen to me that gives me hope. Many of you may find this silly but I experienced it and its truth to me. "You're going to find that many of the truths we cling to..."

I have owned cats in the past and for 2-3 years my wife and I have not had one. For the most part we were glad not to. We did not miss the shredding, the cat pee and various other things that cat owners must deal with. Many times we would look at kittens and be moved by how adorable they were and walk away cat-less. We weren’t going to get a cat again ever, or at least for a very long time. Then I saw this adult cat up for sale and a local pet supply store. It wasn’t one of those irresistible, adorable kittens, but an adult cat, very handsome yes, but not a kitten. I took one look at that cat and KNEW it was to be my cat. That in fact, it already was. In Pagan beliefs this cat is my familiar. He loves me and always wants to be where I am and yells at the door when I’m gone. Right now, as I write this, he's lying on the floor in my hobby room. This cat was meant to be with me. I believe these types of things "can happen". However if someone else told me this story I would be the first to doubt it. True human spirituality is all but gone in this world, if ever truly existed in the first place.

That being said, the Force and its connection to the universe is very appealing to me. Most of it seems very possible, if not very likely, due to the current state of Humanity and its connection to the greater mysteries. Take the ability to move things with your mind. I believe this is possible. I’ve never seen it, and of course, I would not believe anyone that told me they did it. (Though despite my continued efforts, my lightsaber prop replica has yet to suddenly leap across the room to slap into my palm). I’ve seen real Samurai do incredible things; inhuman jumps, phenomenal strength, speed and deftness with a blade are common abilities to these real-life warriors. I don’t think they'll be deflecting bullets with these blades anytime soon, but they are still capable of things we have seen Jedi do.

Jedi Mind tricks? Major corporations do it EVERYDAY with advertising. "The Force can have a strong influence on the weak minded."

The Essence of the Sith/Jedi Moral Dichotomy

In Episode IV Obi-wan first explains the dichotomy of good and evil encompassed in the Force. He tells Luke that "For over a thousand generations the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic." Then moments later he contrasts the jedi with the actions of Darth Vader: "He betrayed and murdered your father. Now the Jedi are all but extinct. Vader was seduced by the dark side of the Force." Little other doctrine is expounded on in Episode IV, nevertheless, the violent nature of Darth Vader is viewed in contrast with the mostly passive behavior of Obi-wan Kenobi.

Above all of the films, Episode V contains the most thorough explanations of the nature of the Force during Luke's training on Dagobah. Yoda states, "A Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware of the dark side. Anger...fear...aggression. The dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will, as it did Obi-Wan's apprentice." Luke then asks, "Vader. Is the dark side stronger?" to which Yoda replies "No...no...no. Quicker, easier, more seductive." And Luke again asks "But how am I to know the good side from the bad?" and Yoda replies "You will know. When you are calm, at peace. Passive. A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack." (Yet, inexplicably, Lucas states in the commentary for Episode II: Attack of the Clones, that the dark side is more powerful. "We're cementing [Anakin's] determination to become the most powerful Jedi. The only way you can really do that is to go to the dark side because the dark side is more powerful. If you want the ultimate power, you really have to go to the stronger side, which is the dark side." This can perhaps be attributed to be a verbalization of Anakin's rationalizations and motives.)

This dichotomy can be explained with further knowledge of Star Wars than that which is only represented in the movies. The Dark Side IS stronger to begin with, it is also destructive to user wielding it. Take one look at the Emperor to see what I mean. Although official cannon says Palpatine became scarred in his fight with Mace, I like to believe that it was his TRUE face that was revealed in the backwash of Dark side energy. So while in the beginning the Dark Side is more powerful, eventually you need to use more and more to achieve the same effect as its slowly eats away at your very body and health.

Star Wars stresses the self-destructive nature of fear, anger, hate, selfishness, and lust for power. In Episode I, Yoda summarizes stating, "Fear is the path to the dark side: fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering." Patience, discipline, humility, monasticism, respect for one's elders, peace with one's self, trust in things spiritual over things physical, and self-sacrifice are extolled as virtues. However, a stoic position of setting aside personal feelings for others in order to bring about a greater good is also emphasized. For example, Luke Skywalker is told to remain on Dagobah to complete his training rather than rescue his friends from Cloud City, because doing so will "destroy all for which they have fought and suffered."

These common Jedi traits, although to be admired, are not something I would ever be able to do. I am greedy. I have a great love of material possessions and if you saw my hobby room you would understand. I have no patience, I never have. I have no discipline. I am not humble nor am I an egotist. And I could never adhere to . I am a hedonist and I very much believe in indulging my so-called vices and instant gratifications. So it may be well that the Force does not exist as I would go plunging over to the Dark Side faster than it took to force push that car on the freeway out of my way.

Similarities to Various Religions

This aligns with the philosophy of many religions, which emphasize rational thought and meditation as the path to enlightenment, as opposed to the "Dark Side", of violent passion and emotion. It also aligns with secular Enlightenment thought, based in reason (the light side) and passionate and often violent pre-WWI romanticism (the dark side)."

This prophecy is an excellent example of many religions and beliefs in our world. It’s a tome written by some unknown individual and undoubtedly reinterpreted many times throughout history. This of course leaves it open to misunderstanding, confusion, reinterpretation, misinterpretation, or worse, purposeful misinterpretation in order to facilitate the desires or agendas of the translator. First, let’s just take this prophecy at face value. However we can’t do that for we have no knowledge of what “Balance” means. Many fans have theorized that perhaps it was about numbers, thousands of Jedi versus two Sith. What if that’s only part of the picture? What if it has more to do with how the Force is used and not the number of users? Let me explain: The Jedi are made up almost exclusively of Force users who try to maintain the virtues of patience, discipline, humility, monasticism, respect for one's elders, peace with one's self, trust in things spiritual over things physical, and self-sacrifice, as citied above. While the Sith where made up of people that exclusively used the Force to further their own agenda. What if a balance in how the force was used was needed and it has nothing to do with mere numbers? Perhaps if more Jedi had existed like Qui-Gon Jinn, the prophecy may not have been needed. By the end of the most glorious Episode 3 we have Palpatine, pure evil, no redeemable qualities whatsoever; we have Vader, obviously evil and will continue to be so for a long time but "The good man who was your father..." was far from destroyed.  “What about Padme? Is she alright?”  “It is too late for me son." These are not the words of a monster. We also have Obi-Wan and Yoda. The former was trained by Qui-Gon Jinn and his less than traditional ways of doing things left their mark on his apprentice. "I will train him, without the approval of the council if I must." The later, Yoda, is the paragon of the Jedi Order and its views. Balance has been achieved.

Undoubtedly, however, the strongest influence is primarily Taoist philosophy and secondarily Zen Buddhism, which inherited much from Taoism. The Force is also very similar to Qi. The practitioners of Qi according to the Taoist annals can live upwards of 200 years. Many true Taoist masters eventually became "san" or spirit-like beings, immortals who could partake and interact in the day-to-day earthly activities, not unlike what Obi-Wan and Yoda became after their passing, in their tutorials with Luke. Taoism emphasizes smooth flow of the Qi being the balance of the Yin and Yang forces to all manifestations including the human anatomy and the environment, again not unlike the duality of the Sith and Jedi being the dark and light extremes of the Force.

There are also similarities between the Jedi and ordained religious instructors. The Jedi council determines who can be trained. Then through both group studies and a mentor-protégé relationship they learn the mysteries of the Force (which are not disseminated to the general population) and how to use it. Finally upon the completion of their training the student is tested by the Jedi council through a series of trials, after which the Jedi council confers upon them the rank of Jedi Knight through a special ceremony. Numerous parallels can be drawn to monastic orders, theological seminaries, and rabbinical schools. The manner by which Jedi fight evil using the Force may also be said to compare to the Christian idea of clergy calling on the power of God to exorcise demons. This perception is reinforced by Han Solo's description of the Force in Episode IV as "all-powerful," which it most certainly is not. It is apparent, however, that Jedi rely on their own mastery of the impersonal Force to exert power, while the Christian traditionally relies only on the mercy of a personal God, and not on any innate ability or "skill" as Force use requires. As I have stated before you can "See" the Force, one does not need faith it its very existence. It simply is. (I now take a break to watch the assualt on the Death Star. Yes I had A New Hope on while writing this. Seemed natural)

The monastic tradition from Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism religions is echoed in the strict code by which the Jedi live. The Jedi do not seek after material possessions. Both Obi-wan and Yoda spent considerable time living as hermits. The Jedi code also forbids romantic love of any kind - making it similar to Catholic vows of celibacy. While I believe the act of celibacy or denial of attachments in our religions is a seriously flawed idea....alter boys anyone, I understand it's application in the Jedi Order. These people are too strong, too powerful to have selfish romantic attachments. I do'nt need to explain this as the entire Star Wars Saga is based on the inherent danger in this.

Perspective on Death

Perspective on death also appears to differentiate the Sith from the Jedi. The Sith seek to prolong their own life regardless of the cost to those around them and them self. The Jedi, however, are accepting of death. And perhaps for this reason that Jedi that have passed on are able to commune with living Jedi (with whom they have had friendships) through a spiritual form of their bodies that seems to be manifest in the physical world. The Sith are never shown manifesting themselves to anyone in spiritual form, but perhaps this is due to their having no true friends in life. However, this is only true of the movies. Disembodied Sith are all over the place in the expanded Universe. This is a perfect example of why I enjoy Star Wars so much. To me when I watch one of the films I don't see just that film. I see everything. when I see Qui-Gon I see him training a young Obi-Wan, I see him being trained by Dooku before leaving the Jedi Order. I see Obi-Wan as he will become in a new hope, I see him fighting Anakin later afetr he turns and it goes on and on like that, every scene in every star wars movie is like that for me.

Governance

The Sith and the Jedi also greatly differ in how they govern. The Sith are portrayed as wanting absolute power and then ruling with an iron fist. If absolute power is not yet obtained the Sith will manipulate and deceive scores of people until they do obtain it. Once in control they will kill underlings that disappoint them and rule through fear. However, because of their desire for power (which is an intrinsic characteristic of the Sith), they are always plotting the demise of their master or apprentice, whatever their situation may be (this led to great internal strife among the Sith in pre-Republican history). Vader was never a true Sith - it is strongly hinted that although he wanted to overthrow Palpatine (consistent with the weak relationship between Sith master and apprentice), his motivation was originally a need to restore order rather than take power. However, it is made clear in both Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith that he considers absolute power a legitimate means to achieve co-operation among all species and factions in the Galaxy. In Revenge of the Sith, he reveals his desire to rule the galaxy with his wife Padme, and thereby to bring order and peace to the Republic (later the Empire), perhaps becoming some sort of benevolent despot. In The Empire Strikes Back, Vader again expresses this desire, this time inviting his son, Luke, to rule with him. In both instances, there is no question that Vader himself would wield absolute power over the forces of the Republic/Empire (and hence, the whole Galaxy).

In contrast, the Jedi govern through a shared power structure with many "checks and balances". As Jedi they govern with a council based on merit and seniority. In the Republic they allowed themselves to be deployed on missions according to the wishes of the Chancellor and they did not seek to manipulate the activities of the Senate. The Jedi are almost completely devoid of jealousy and competitive ambition within their ranks.

Moral Ambiguity in Star Wars

There is, however, some sense of moral ambiguity associated with ethos of Star Wars. In Episode VI, Obi-Wan posthumously admits to deceiving Luke. Obi-wan asserts that "many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view." Although I quote this quite often just becuase I enjoy quoting Star Wars. I also do it from a more comical stance than being serious. That does not change the fact that this line from Star Wars is one of lines that resonates with me the most. Perhaps nothing said in Star Wars is more true than this statement. While Obi-Wan was being clearly duplicitous when he said it does not take away from the fact that many of our beliefs depend greatly on our own point fo view. This resonates with me, Obi-Wan knows this to be true and uses it to manipulate Luke, though his intentions are pure. While Anakin's character changes dramatically when he transitions to Darth Vader - he is still Luke's father (contrary to Kenobi's assertion that Vader had killed Luke's father). Perhaps Obi-Wan lied for what he perceived to be "the greater good," so that Luke would continue his training (being motivated by his father's death) and not become curious about the Dark Side.

Another recurring event is that a Jedi triumphing over a Sith in lightsaber combat usually occurs once the Jedi becomes sufficiently angry (see Luke's fight with Darth Vader in Episode VI, Obi-wans fight with Darth Maul after Qui-Gon is slain.). This raises an important question: if the Light Side and the Dark Side are equally powerful, then why does it help when a Jedi resorts to aggression to defeat his foes? It is stated that the Light side is more powerful, it is not stated how long it takes a light side Jedi to achieve this power nor what form that power takes. Aggression gives a warrior ability to tap into power he may not have otherwise. does it make him stronger in this regard? Yes. Does this make the Sith or dark side user overall more powerful? I suppose that answer depends on your own point of view.

However, Yoda and Mace Windu both defeat Count Dooku and Darth Sidious respectfully while still maintaining control; although it should be noted that Mace's use of Vaapad (Form VII of lightsaber combat) required enjoyment in fighting, by definition a Dark Side concept. Also, Obi-wan Kenobi defeated Anakin Skywalker only when Anakin's judgement became impaired by an over-estimation of his own power, engendered by the Dark Side. In addition, Kenobi defeated Darth Maul by feeling the force and conquering his anger. It is also made plain in Episode V that Luke Skywalker is negatively influenced by a tendency towards impatience and anger during his confrontation with Darth Vader. From these cases it would seem that control is "good" and anger "bad". Due to these seemingly contradictory factors, it is difficult to understand exactly what kinds of Force use the Jedi consider legitimate. This unclear boundary between the Light and Dark sides (and hence, the ease of transition to evil) may or may not have some bearing on the fact that Jedi are sometimes tempted by the Dark Side as soon as they become sufficiently powerful.

Religious and Ideological Motifs

A shift from Eastern religion to Western religion, however, occurs between the original and the prequel trilogies. Old Republic Jedi appear to bear a stronger kinship to medieval knights, than Taoist monks. The prophecy of a chosen-one (which Anakin fulfills), born to a virgin, is very similar to the concept of the Christ. The final scenes of Episode III add a symbolic emphasis to this role. After Anakin is “killed” on Mustafar, a robed emperor mourns over his “dead” protégé, in a composition reminiscent of the Pieta. This would suggest that the “dead” Anakin will be resurrected. The hierarchy and role of the Jedi Knights also bears a strong resemblance to the Knights Templar of medieval Christendom.

The sequel started in Episode IV with the obvious cliché — Darth Vader in matte and shiny black outfit, with Leia Organa in pristine white robes, alluding to the concepts of Good versus Evil. With the exception of Anakin in the teenage years in Episodes II and III (although one could arguably say that he was a bit "destined" for the Sith, so maybe this does not count as an exception to the rule) and Luke Skywalker in Episode VI, black costumes seem to be reserved exclusively for the darker Empire and its Emperor. Whether intentional or not, the use of language was dramatized — the Empire minions almost always spoke with British accents whilst most of the Rebels spoke unadulterated American English. Likewise, all Imperial officers were outfitted in tailor-cut Nazi-like uniforms, with the Rebels in looser and more ascetic overalls. It has been suggested as well that the Imperials/Rebels axis could also be a reference to real-world Reactionaries vs. Revolutionaries, but it's all speculation.

Technology

Technology, like the force, is represented as a double-edged sword, depending on the intentions and characters of those who wield it. Technology, like the force, is an unchanging and neutral aspect of life, but whoever is manipulating it will draw on its dark or light aspects depending on what kind of person they are. The movie shows the Empire as misusing technology to suit its own selfish agenda, at the cost of other people's freedoms; and it depicts most of the Rebels as utilizing more-or-less the same types of technology in order to fight the Empire and stand up for freedom and justice. Yet another reason I love Star Wars, most fantasy/sci-fi presents a loss of spirituality or connection with the ethereal as dependence on technology is increased. With Star Wars has elements of these (More machine now than man) it does not have a strict adherence to this. In many cases technology is at the heart of Star Wars' spirtualism. One word, Lightsabers.

Furthermore, it is ingenuity, adaptation and diversity that largely dictate how effective or just the use of technology will be, rather than a particular piece of technology merely being powerful or technically advanced, or being possessed by the dominant culture. For example, the Ewoks are underestimated by the Empire because it regards them as little more than animals, but they are revealed to be intelligent beings that are adapted to their environment and are experts in utilizing their local technologies: they have a culture, and the ability to create a variety of traps and possess numerous weapons such as slings and bows and arrows. (Yes and they still suck!) The Rebels have also adapted their gear with camouflage to blend into their surroundings, whereas the Empire's stormtroopers blunder through the forest in their usual synthetic, bright white armor, and pilot giant two-legged walkers that, although they possess superior firepower, seem ill-suited to irregular terrain and are easily tripped.

A certain dichotomy between technology and nature exists in the concept of droids. Although R2D2 and C3PO are prominent and beloved characters, it is stated that droids cannot actually "think". Lucas has said the creatively-thinking clone army was meant to contrast the droid army of the Trade Federation, which is inferior because droids are clumsy and can only follow their original programming. In this way technology is always regarded as nothing more than a tool to be used or misused by living beings. Droids can obviously think. The statement that droids cant think comes from that characters bias not fact. There are many examples of droids thinking in Star Wars. R2 is obviously independent and self-aware, not simply following a preprogrammed responce to external stimuli.