That particular description points to how the Force in the OT acted as a mythic phenomenon, but in some ways, like something akin to a science of sorts in that it was neither inherently good or inherently evil, only the actual users determined that. While it did have a power one had to respect (as it would have a physical effect eventually as Palpatine's form demonstrated) it seemed very much like a tool. A natural part of life that one chose to utilize for good (the Jedi using it to protect the Republic) or ill (Palpatine using it take over the Republic) but still in many ways a tool.

Of the many bizarre changes created by the prequels (seriously those films are like inverted Citizen Kanes, just when you think you've discussed all the dubious layers to them, you discover more) was that it made the Force more scientific with the introduction of measurable midichlorians and more god like with the introduction of prophecy, chosen, one and a formerly unmentioned "balance". Ironic that while both aspects worked in an odd harmony in the originals just seem forced and somewhat incompatible in the prequels.