You know that's interesting I've never thought of that. I think probably Bail, Mon Mothma, and the other original architects of the Rebellion kept the idea of the Force alive in the Alliance. Kind of like Jews who lit Shabbat candles hidden in closets during the Inquisition. I've always found the presence of the belief in the Force by the Rebellion (in spite of the fact that there are no Force sensitive beings in it as far as we know besides L and L) to be very comforting. It ties their cause into something bigger than themselves, unlike the selfishness of the Empire.
More interesting questions from you! Thanks!

perhaps "may the force be with you" is just another way of saying good luck in the star wars universe....

He is old enough to remember the Old Republic and the Jedi. If he was near the jedi he would have heard that phrase and taken it into mind.
well saidanakinside1

others know about it, remember how han commented about it on the flight to the now exploded alderaan? It's possible that there are those who believe in the force but simply don't have the medichlorians to harness it.

anakinside1 post says it all as far as I'm concerned. Interesting query.

Good questions, cbern (and enjoy your retreat, btw!).

Similar to what anakinside1 said, I have to think that the original rebel senators/leaders like Mon Mothma honored the wronged and long fallen Jedi by keeping their "faith" alive, even if they weren't necessarily part of it.

I think the general concept of the Force was widely known in the GFFA - take for example Han Solo's awareness, even though his own beleifs are that "hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side".

But the ways of the Jedi were definitely verboten during the era of the Empire as we are all aware of.

Why does a theatre actor wish his fellow to "break a leg."

It's the same as saying "God Bless you all." The Force wasn't greatly understood, but it was known...

1. Most of the rebel leaders were alive when the Jedi were.
2. Most of the galaxy new of the Jedi.
3. Only the people who were trained in the ways of the Force were killed not the knowledge of its existence.

thanks you guys, you answered it

i'm off for the retreat now, see you later