The latter half of Return of the Jedi leans very heavily on Luke Skywalker's gambit that he can "save" Darth Vader and return him to his true self Anakin Skywalker. You remember how this turned out. Through dialogue, close-up camera shots and a very dramatic physical revealing, the father and son are united for a fleeting moment. "I've got to save you." "You already have." After that, they are physically separated but spiritually bonded forever. I have watched that scene so many times, content with the idea that Anakin Skywalker disavowed the darkness and was restored to the light. Thus saved. And now, as an adult of some experience, I value that salvation but I question it's completeness. Darth Vader ceased to be, but Anakin Skywalker did as well.
Realization 3: The practical Jedi is not a savior. Nor a demagogue. Nor an angel. The practical Jedi seeks to preserve and protect the dignity and life of all so that they can live as they choose. Through living and a series of observations and choices, each individual, practical Jedi or not, is the arbiter of one's own salvation. This is not to say that the practical Jedi does not pursue a moral way of life. The practical Jedi's morality is for the benefit of oneself, but is not the dogma of anyone else.
Realization 3: The practical Jedi is not a savior. Nor a demagogue. Nor an angel. The practical Jedi seeks to preserve and protect the dignity and life of all so that they can live as they choose. Through living and a series of observations and choices, each individual, practical Jedi or not, is the arbiter of one's own salvation. This is not to say that the practical Jedi does not pursue a moral way of life. The practical Jedi's morality is for the benefit of oneself, but is not the dogma of anyone else.