Uriel Khaden
Hedion University Amarr Empire
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Posted - 2013.04.19 16:49:00 -
[1] - Quote
Toluijin Chagangan wrote: Within the Amarr empire the Theology Council DO provide the sanctioned interpretations of their scripture. Deviation from these sanctioned interpretations is, in general, deemed heretical and those who follow them either exiled, enslaved or killed.
The Theology Council operates as the supreme court of the Empire. Consider their accepted understanding of Scriptures as the cornerstone of all Imperial Law and procedure. When these laws are breached, there are a number of ways in which they are prosecuted with the Theology Council's direct involvement being at the end of the most extreme proceedings.
Cases in which an individual would face exile or death would be convicted cases of open and unrepentant heresy or repetitive blasphemy. Cases that would result in enslavement are usually violations against a Holder (or Holder's family), gross negligence of responsibility (in the case of a Holder) or other similar instances.
Deviations and misinterpretations of Scripture are expected in the commonality and even, to a lesser extent, the nobility. However, there is a difference between an erroneous belief or misinterpretation and heresy, primarily that the former is correctable and not always counter to the core message while the latter is always willful and in opposition.
Toluijin Chagangan wrote:The Theology Council does not have to work against the system. They 'are' the system. Unlike in the Federation, where the actions of those in power have various methods in place to ensure that power cannot be easily abused, the only one able to counter the word of the Theology Council is the Empress.
Actually, this is incorrect. The Theology Council, as I stated above, operates primarily as a supreme court. It's purpose is to establish Scriptural canon and enforce the legislation of the Empire at the highest level. However, its purpose and place in the Empire is often dramatically overestimated by non-Imperials. While it is true that the Theology Council presides over cases of heresy, blasphemy and other legislative and religious infractions, it is not the highest authority in the Empire under the Empress.
I would explain in greater detail the governmental structure and operation of the Empire but this is certainly not the place for it. I hope this clarifies it at least in part. |