Is Jedi Master Yoda in "Star Wars" a representation of a Mormon church leader?
There are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who believe this to be true, alleging that Yoda was the fictional version of Spencer Kimball, who led the church from 1974 to 1985, the Washington Post reported.
This is why more than any other religion, the Mormon church has fully embraced "Star Wars," including its seventh and latest installment, the blockbuster "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
Some Mormons believe Yoda is the representation of Kimball who, like the tiny Jedi master, was short, had large ears, thin white hair, and a slightly squashed, wrinkly face, according to the Washington Post. The only difference, they say, is that Kimball did not have green skin.
Both also had a knack for cryptic and wise pronouncements. Kimball, for instance, was known for urging Mormons to not just believe in their faith, but to also "do it." In one scene from "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi," Yoda advised Luke Skywalker to "do, or do not."
However, Stuart Freeborn, the designer of Yoda, said he modelled the character after renowned scientist Albert Einstein, not Kimball.
Even with this disclaimer, Mormons still love "Star Wars" since their religion has always been open to science fiction. Members of the LDS church say Mormon theology has some elements of speculative fiction unlike other religions.
"Mormons believe a lot of things that are pretty fantastic — we believe in miracles and angels and ancient prophets and rediscovered Scripture — so maybe it is almost natural for us to dive into these other stories," said Mormon sci-fi author Shannon Hale.
No wonder, Utah—the state that serves as the centre of Mormon cultural influence—led all other states in America on "Star Wars"-related Google searches from Dec. 10-17, Rawstory reported.
Utah also had two movie theaters in the top 10 on the opening weekend for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the online new source said.
