The Force And Contemporary Beliefs
A large fraction of the criticism that George Lucas had to face for his Star Wars works, included some anti-fantasy sentiments which are also supported by modern gurus of living and consciousness. Star Wars, from the very beginning was a depiction of the unknown, a large abyss of hope for scientists to turn into reality. However, with all the effort that goes behind the development of a galaxy that is so technologically superior as to demolish the single most dangerous Death Star, few scientists and critics would stop at thinking that some supernatural force is behind all good prevailing in the galaxy.
The Force is an important element in Star Wars. It is unmistakably the right thing to happen to all. However, modern beliefs refuse to accept that such a force should exist, while online bookstores are being replenished with self-help books, rock stars talking about responsibility, television channels promoting similar beliefs and 'mystic' gurus talking about self-help and consciousness. In fact, rock stars talked about responsibility through their earliest forms of music, which began more than a decade before the first Star Wars film was released in 1974. In addition, the other side of the chronological social changes is that kids back in the 1960s had also developed a fashionable urge for consciousness.
The Force in Star Wars is inevitably in favor of the Galactic establishment and it's a saving force that almost mothers the galactic powers and righteousness. Although built amidst strong minds and intelligent Jedi senators the Galactic establishment is threatened after a rule of 1000 years. Lucas perhaps wanted to show the inevitable - that an establishment may be great but always has a 'force' that ensures its end. It is also important to realize the extent of Lucas's insight when you compare the Force with those often cited in mythological stories in various parts of the world. It also influences a feeling that 'good' prevails, and whatever happens is by virtue of some force the right thing.
The idea of a Force also relates to subjugation, colonialism and domination of clans, countries and establishments. A reflection of the real world is the bare necessity that is required to make a science fiction film seem interesting for the general mass. As it may be easily put forward that Lucas envisioned a dramatic commercial success with the Star Wars, one may also argue that it was inevitable with the colossal effort and investment behind the filmmaking. A few critics have also dramatically emphasized on the influence of children growing in the modern age when such divine forces can be expected to be of little use.
Luke Skywalker's successful ambush on the Death Planet is also an instance of the Force working in favor of the Galactic Empire. The Zen masters also believe in success by trying or desiring not too hard, allowing some natural force (very hard to put into words) to take care of ones success. This idea has successfully and popularly used in archery training, especially with mediation being a core part of the training.