'Jedi' religion most popular alternative faith in the UK

The Telegraph ^ | 12/12/2012 | Henry Taylor

[SeekAndFind]

Today's Census figures show that 176,632 people in England and Wales identify themselves as Jedi Knights, making it the most popular faith in the "Other Religions" category on the Census and the seventh most popular faith overall.

The new figures reveal that the lightsabre-wielding disciples are only behind Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism in the popularity stakes, excluding non-religious people and people who did not answer.

Following a nationwide campaign, Jedi made it onto the 2001 census, with 390,127 people identifying themselves a decade ago as followers of the fictional Star Wars creed. Although the number of Jedis has dropped by more than 50 per cent over the past 10 years, they are still the most selected "alternative" faith on the Census, and constitute 0.31% of all people's stated religious affiliation in England and Wales.

The latest official population survey also revealed 6,242 people subscribe to the Heavy Metal religion, which was set up in 2010 by the Rock magazine, Metal Hammer. The number of people specifically identifying as Atheists was 29,267, while over 13.8 million refused to identify with a faith at all, ticking the "No religion" box on the census form.

[SeekAndFind]

"When people stop believing in God, they don't believe in nothing -- they believe in anything." -- GK Chesterton

[SeekAndFind]

[SeekAndFind]

Here's another source



Adherents to "the Force" represents 0.31% of all people in England and Wales.

Another big shift revealed by the 2011 census is that people are moving away from religion all-together. 13.8 million of respondents refused to identify with any faith at all, selecting the “No religion” box and 29,267 said they were atheists.

Also, the census showed that 6,242 people subscribe to the Heavy Metal religion, which was set up in 2010 by the Metal Hammer magazine.

The eastern city of Norwich is the epicenter of the non-religious population, with just over 40% of residents choosing not to identify with any religion. As well, the city has the highest percentage ofHeavy Metal acolytes and third highest concentration of Jedi Knights. Overall, more than 4 million decided not to state any religion at all.

Other non-mainstream faiths included: 56,620 Pagans, 39,061 Spiritualists, 2,418 Scientologists and 20,288 Jainists (an Indian religion that teaches non-violence towards all living beings).

The census figures also showed that Britain has become more diverse, with 86 percent of residents in England and Wales identifying themselves as white, down from 91.3 percent in 2001. London is the most cosmopolitan city in the UK, with 45.8 percent of residents classifying themselves as “white British.” Also, 37 percent of the capital’s residents were born abroad and 24 percent are not UK citizens.

[FlingWingFlyer]

Is this country, it’s Obamanism that is the most popular religion. Barry b da “load and savyah”.

[Bishop_Malachi]

Doesn’t the “Jedi” Religion require some proof that the Force exists in some form or fashion? And what exactly is orthodox Jediism?

[SeekAndFind]

RE: And what exactly is orthodox Jediism?

The script writer of the Star Wars series should provide their authoritative scripture.

They can also pray to Alec Guinness ( AKA Obi Wan Kenobi ) for enlightenment.

[Daveinyork]

May the schwartz be with you.

[KC_Lion]

Oh No! My young Jedi. I am afraid it is YOU who are mistaken.

About a Great Many Things!

[ZirconEncrustedTweezers]

Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.

[marron]

"When people stop believing in God, they don't believe in nothing -- they believe in anything." -- GK Chesterton

Thats the take-away here. Abandon God and you slip away into irrelevance and darkness and no one notices you've gone.

As time goes along current events are teaching me to understand the Old Testament in ways I never did before.

[KC_Lion]

Actually Sir Alec Guinness didn't like being Obi-Wan very much.

Besides he recited Psalm 143 every morning.

"Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning"

[discostu]

They aren’t really believing in it, they’re mocking stupid forms. I always put stupid stuff in the tax form where they ask your profession, “drinker of beer” “ crusher of dreams”, anything to screw up the demographic data.

[GeronL]

So what do Jedi’s think about abortion? and stuff

[NCDave]

[DManA]

I think these people are belittling the census with its intrusive questions invading a citizen’s privacy.

I don’t believe for a minute they think they are Jedis.

[SuziQ]

Chesterton’s comment was my first thought, when I read that headline.

[Tublecane]

There is proof. Scientific proof. We just don’t know how to measure midichlorians yet. (or are we not counting the crappy instalments?)

By the way, Jediism is a bad label. This article is misleadingly titled, as well. Jedis are the equivalent of monks. I shouldn’t think you’d have to take orders to believe in the religion. Forcism, or something better, is a more accurate name.

[Tublecane]

“I don’t believe for a minute they think they are Jedis”

No, but they pretend like they do, and not only for census forms. Some few may be actually delusional.

[Joe 6-pack]

The funniest Al Yankoic parody...ever:

The Saga Begins

[par4]

It's nothing new, way back in high school (over 40 years ago) quite a few of us decided that it would be rather amusing if we answered the school's annual "ask the senior class what are your plans after graduation" questionaire with the following ideal job:

>Drive a hot dog truck."

Somehow the size of the class answering the question dropped mysteriously.