Skip to main content

Arminians Celebrate Revenge of the 5th by Comparing Anakin Skywalker to Servetus

Arminians Celebrate Revenge of the 5th by Comparing Anakin Skywalker to Servetus


On May 5th, a day after Star Wars Day (May 4th), some Arminian Christians celebrated Revenge of the 5th by comparing Anakin Skywalker's fate to that of Michael Servetus, a Spanish theologian who was burned at the stake by John Calvin for denying the Trinity⁷.

According to these Arminians, Anakin Skywalker, who turned to the Dark Side and became Darth Vader, was a symbol of Servetus, who rejected the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity and claimed that Christ was not eternal⁸. They argued that Obi-Wan Kenobi, who fought and defeated Anakin on the volcanic planet of Mustafar, leaving him severely burned and mutilated, was a symbol of Calvin, who condemned Servetus to death by fire for his heresy⁶.

One Arminian pastor, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "We see a parallel between Anakin and Servetus. Both were brilliant and talented, but misguided and arrogant. Both challenged the established authority and doctrine of their time. Both suffered a terrible fate at the hands of their former friends and mentors. And both became icons of resistance and rebellion for those who sympathize with their cause."

The pastor also drew a connection between Darth Vader's famous line "Search your feelings, you know this to be true" and the Arminian doctrine of free will. He said: "We believe that God has given us the ability to choose whether to accept or reject His grace. We do not believe in predestination or irresistible grace, as Calvin did. We think that God appeals to our feelings and conscience, not to our logic and reason. We think that Servetus was right to question Calvin's rigid system of theology, which made God a tyrant and man a puppet."

Not everyone agreed with this interpretation of Star Wars and history. Some Calvinists denounced the Arminians for distorting the facts and dishonoring Calvin's legacy. They defended Calvin's role in Servetus' execution as a necessary measure to preserve the purity of the gospel and the peace of the church⁹. They also pointed out that Servetus was not only condemned by Calvin, but also by other Protestant and Catholic authorities⁷.

One Calvinist blogger wrote: "This is a pathetic attempt by Arminians to justify their heretical views by using pop culture references. They are twisting Star Wars and history to suit their agenda. They are ignoring the fact that Servetus was a dangerous and divisive figure who denied the core doctrines of Christianity, just like Vader did with the Jedi. They are also ignoring the fact that Calvin was a faithful and godly reformer who sought to glorify God and edify His people. They are comparing apples and oranges, or rather light sabers and blasters." Another Calvinist pastor who goes by the online moniker RagingBassett responded: "More like lightsabers to matches."

The debate between Arminians and Calvinists over Servetus and Star Wars is unlikely to end anytime soon. As one observer remarked: "May the force be with them."




Source: Conversation with Bing, 5/5/2023

(1) Why did John Calvin have Michael Servetus burned at the stake for .... https://www.gotquestions.org/Calvin-Michael-Servetus.html.

(2) Michael Servetus | Biography, Works, Beliefs, Trinity, Heresy, Death .... https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-Servetus.

(3) https://www.challies.com/articles/the-servetus-problem/#:~:text=Servetus%20was%20eventually%20found%20guilty%20and%20was%20condemned,executed%20him%20once%20more%2C%20this%20time%20in%20effigy.. https://www.challies.com/articles/the-servetus-problem/.

(4) Calvin and Servetus - The Gospel Coalition. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/calvin-and-servetus/.

(5) https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/events/revenge-of-the-fifth#:~:text=Revenge%20of%20the%20Fifth%20refers%20to%20the%20unofficial,to%20celebrate%20the%20kitschier%20side%20of%20Star%20Wars.. https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/events/revenge-of-the-fifth.

(6) 17 best Revenge of the 5th and 6th memes as Star Wars week continues. https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/05/05/17-best-revenge-of-the-5th-and-6th-memes-as-star-wars-week-continues/.

(7) Revenge of the 5th at US Space & Rocket Center. https://whnt.com/video/revenge-of-the-5th-at-us-space-rocket-center-may-5-2023-news-19-at-4-p-m/8623559/.

(8) Revenge of the 5th at US Space and Rocket Center News 19 at 4 p.m.. https://whnt.com/video/revenge-of-the-5th-at-us-space-and-rocket-center-news-19-at-4-p-m/8623559/.

(9) Revenge of the Fifth (May 5th) | Days Of The Year. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/revenge-of-the-fifth/.

(10) Servetus Burned at the Stake in Geneva, 1553 - Landmark Events. https://landmarkevents.org/servetus-burned-at-the-stake-in-geneva-1553/.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Pastor Jane's Inappropriate Relationships Spark Cheers of 'Yaaaaasss Queen' Amidst Ecclesiastical Double Standards

Breaking the Stained-Glass Ceiling: Pastor Jane's Scandalous Path to Feminist Icon Status In a groundbreaking moment for ecclesiastical equality, Pastor Jane Doe has become a beacon of feminist empowerment after being caught in a series of inappropriate relationships with male congregants. Her actions have sparked a wave of support, with many hailing her as a "Yaaaaasss Queen" for shattering the stained-glass ceiling. While male pastors have historically faced defrocking for similar indiscretions, Pastor Jane's case has been celebrated as a triumph of modern feminism. "Why should men have all the fun?" quipped one supporter, highlighting the double standards that have long plagued religious institutions. Critics, however, point to biblical texts that traditionally restrict the role of pastor to men and suggest women should remain silent in church. Yet, Pastor Jane's followers argue that these interpretations are outdated and patriarchal. "If she can...

Once Judeo-Christian Nation Watches Debate To Determine Which Immoral Reprobate Best Qualified to Lead

Nation’s Moral Compass Goes Haywire, Formally Resigns Following Debate Philadelphia - In a spectacle that could only be described as a divine comedy, the nation once hailed as a "Judeo-Christian" nation gathered to watch the presidential debate, eager to determine which immoral reprobate would best lead them forward. The candidates, both seasoned in the art of moral ambiguity, took the stage with the confidence of televangelists at a Sunday sermon.   As the candidates took the stage, the audience was treated to a spectacle reminiscent of a reality show, complete with mudslinging and moral gymnastics that would make even the most seasoned circus performer blush. One candidate, known for his "alternative facts," argued passionately that he had the best rallies in the history of political rallies, while another claimed to be “unburdened by the past” [but still current] administration’s numerous international scandals and blunders, promising that to fix everything she h...

Martin Luther’s Surprising Opening at the Diet of Worms: “I Grew Up In A Middle Class Family”

What He Could Be (Protestant), Unburdened By What Has Been (Rome) Worms, 1521 – Newly uncovered manuscripts reveal that Martin Luther's famous speech at the Diet of Worms began with an unexpected twist: "Let me start by saying that I grew up in a middle-class family." Luther's opening left the audience puzzled but intrigued. He quickly transitioned to his main argument, maintaining the fiery rhetoric we know today. "Here I stand, I can do no other," he declared, seamlessly blending his personal story with his defiance against the Church. Historians now see Luther's relatable approach as a clever tactic to connect with the common people. "By sharing his humble beginnings, Luther made his revolutionary ideas more accessible," said Dr. Hans Wurst, a Reformation scholar. As we commemorate the Diet of Worms, let's remember Luther not just as a reformer, but as a middle-class hero who knew how to captivate a crowd.