Editing The Empire Strikes Back (section)

=== Religion ===
In developing the Force, Lucas said he wanted it to represent the core essence of multiple religions unified by their common traits. Primarily, he designed it with the intent that there is good, evil, and a god. Lucas's personal faith includes a [[theism|belief in God]] and basic morality, such as treating others fairly and not taking another's life. ''The Presbyterian Journal'' described the film's religious message as closer to [[Eastern religions]] such as [[Zoroastrianism]] or [[Buddhism]] than [[Judeo-Christian]], presenting [[good and evil]] as abstract concepts. Similarly, God or the Force is an impersonal entity, taking no [[divine providence|direct action]]. ''[[Christianity Today]]'' said that the film's drama is caused by the absence of a righteous god or being creating a direct influence.{{sfn|Rinzler|2010|p=344}}

Lancashire and J. W. Rinzler described Luke's journey as based purely on Christianity, focused on destiny and [[free will]], with Luke serving as a [[Jesus|Christ]]-like figure and Vader as a [[fallen angel]] attempting to lure him toward evil.{{sfn|Lancashire|1981|pp=41,44}}{{sfn|Rinzler|2010|p=344}} Kershner said any religious symbolism was unintentional, as he wanted to focus on the power of an individual's untapped potential instead of magic.{{sfn|Rinzler|2010|p=344}}