Star Wars as a Bible Study?

This week marks the release of what is allegedly is the last Star Wars fim ever. So, it is appropriate that one pastor in Cinncinnati is using Star Wars as the starting point for Bible study.

Jeffrey Perkins, 34, of Covenant-First Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, leads "The Gospel According to Star Wars," speaking the movie language of a younger generation to explain biblical concepts like truth, beauty and goodness, according to a feature in The Cincinnati Enquirer.
The 12-week study focuses on the original trilogy -- Episodes IV, V and VI -- and Perkins said the entire story is essentially the redemption of Darth Vader.
John Brolley, director of a religious studies program at the University of Cincinnati, told The Enquirer the Bible study represents an evangelism tool similar to what the Apostle Paul used in his day. As Paul visited communities in the ancient world, Brolley noted, he used concepts and images from the dominant culture to teach the Gospel.

George Lucas consciously drew on "the power of Myth" when writing his stories. He himself does not appear to accept the gospel as fact - though I can't claim to have spoken to him personally - but he does recognize the transforming power of it on the human soul. Perhaps even this "science fiction fantasy" is a way for God to plant the seeds of eternity in the hearts of mortals.