I was kind of shocked when I saw the prequels because I interpreted the Jedi to be like the Knights Templar mixed with Samurai, and a bit of the Lensman of the Galactic patrol thrown in.
I never pictured them as celibate monks in a political structure like the Vatican. I pictured them as having families, the EU strengthened this belief.
Warriors that can put down rebellions and can end conflicts but don’t seek them out because they are peacekeepers. And negotiators. Their entire bodies and minds are sharp and honed like a weapon, but they only use a lightsaber in defense, never for violence as its own end. The Sith use violence and intimidation to rule.