Martyrdom in the ‘Star Wars’ universe

Imagine yourself in a helpless position, your wrists in shackles, which are – furthermore – fixed to a great stone pillar. As angry beasts are let loose from their containment, the dust gets kicked up. The shapes of the roaring creatures loom through the screen of airborne soil. A crowd cheers at the thrill of this pastime perceived as amusement to onlookers, turmoil to its actors.

Here’s a scene which, like a coin, has two sides. This could either be a scene similar to that of the mortal demise of early Christian martyrs in a locale such as the Colosseum in Rome. On the other hand, this could just as easily be taken from a prominent sequence in Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones. Namely, the scene in which Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padmé Amidala, and Anakin Skywalker are about to be publicly executed by Count Dooku before a gathering of the Geonosians.

Personally, the amphitheater in this stage of the film, along with the Geonosian spectators’ fixation on the gore of the game, is evocative of the widespread death-dealing that went down in the Colosseum’s heyday.

While Padmé and the two Jedi make it out of this predicament, there are other instances in Star Wars where Jedi characters actually are martyred, giving up their lives for their beliefs and duties. Anyone can die for their ideals, and it could be called martyrdom. But for Christians, martyrdom goes beyond making a point.

Martyrdom, a death based on a decision – often a way of life – has been, for Christians, inseparable from the subject of eternity. Denying martyrdom, when it means directly denying the Faith, brings condemnation, while accepting martyrdom willingly stands as passage of one of the most difficult tests of faith. And, as we’ll see soon enough, this kind of martyrdom, one which holds spiritual consequences, is one we can see in Star Wars.

The Jedi are a religious community at their core. They have a rule of life, abstain from certain fleeting goods, promote meditation, and practice ritualistic traditions. At the same time trying to remain neutral, the Jedi become active participants in the Clone Wars. Being labeled religious zealots and recognized as clearly being a threat to his plan, the self-proclaimed Emperor orders the execution of the Jedi via the infamous Order 66. It sounds not so dissimilar from Roman emperors’ decrees to execute and otherwise persecute Christians.

But outside of the prequels, there is an even more obvious Star Wars moment, perhaps equally infamous, that showcases a Jedi death as an allegory to Christian martyrdom. This is the sacrifice of old “Ben” Kenobi in A New Hope. Let’s take a moment or two to analyze it.

Doubtless one of the most epic and emotional sequences of the Star Wars saga, Luke Skywalker watches as Ben surrenders to Darth Vader. He lifts up his lightsaber, centering it with his form, in a display of peace. He’s not going to attack his own padawan, nor even deflect his advances. This posture signifies a stance which rejects retaliation, the same approach Jesus took when undergoing the provocations and humiliations of His passion.

Obi-Wan Kenobi knows what Vader is likely to do, yet he nevertheless lays down his life. He is willing to sacrifice his own mortal existence for a greater good. For us as Christians, this greater good is acknowledging Christ as God of the Universe, the Lord of our lives to whom we belong. We are called to do this in big ways and small ways. But martyrdom is, by all accounts, one of the most telling and far-reaching ways to communicate our faith in Christ.

Finally, it is good to recall Obi-Wan’s poetic line foretelling that if he were to be struck down, he would then become unimaginably powerful. It is clear that – in a noble death – there awaits another life which supersedes this mortal one. For faithful Christians and especially those who have been martyred, there is a hope in the heavenly glory after a righteous death. In heaven, we will be in a state where we experience the unveiled Face of God and in which we will have glorified bodies.

In the end then, Obi-Wan’s statement that he will gain power through sacrifice is a spit in the eye of all the Sith. Emperor Palpatine’s dream is one of power, but power only in terms of temporal strength. But the power which Obi-Wan claims he will achieve dwarfs any that Vader could foresee himself or the Emperor achieving.

These may be some stunning words, but Obi-Wan’s hope tells us something we should all remember: We can find genuine strength in sacrifice. Spiritual martyrdom can be lived out daily, denying ourselves and making sacrifices in small ways. Watch The Clone Wars animated series and notice the times General Kenobi submitted his will to the decision of the council. Consider how Obi-Wan lived in the desert for years on end. Obi-Wan made many small sacrifices throughout his life. This is another example for us.

As Advent is upon us, we could benefit from turning our thoughts to the trials the Holy Family endured leading up to the birth of the Christ Child. When we ourselves are met with sacrifices, God invites us to grow closer to Him. Let’s strive to always advance on the road that follows the way of Christ.

*Dedicated to Nathan Vizner.