| Pages: [1] 2 :: one page |
|
|
| Author |
Thread Statistics | Show CCP posts - 3 post(s) |
Gaven Lok'ri
Amarr
PIE Inc.
    |
Posted - 2008.09.24 07:17:00 -
[1]
Originally written April 2008 for internal PIE use by myself:
The Amarrian scriptures are easily the single most solidly understood area of the Amarrian canon. Yet, they are also one of the most counter-intuitive pieces of the Amarrian reality from a modern perspective. The scriptures are not comparable to a document such as the bible, but rather are a much larger document. This has a direct effect on the way in which Amarr has developed as a religion and the way roleplayers of Amarr should develop their concepts.
The most important piece of information about the nature of the scriptures is their sheer size and age. The oldest scriptural quote we have OOC access to is 6000 years old. (Ametat and Avetat) The size of the scriptures is even greater. A single copy of the Tetrimon version of the Amarrian scriptures was hundreds of thousands of square meters in size. Furthermore, that size was before a major rewriting of the scriptures and over 1000 years before the current modern day in EVE. This suggests that the modern scriptures are much larger than the Tetrimonic scriptures, and that they are in size the equivalent of multiple libraries. This is something of an easy way out for CCP, as it means they never have to actually produce the entirety of the scriptures, but it has direct consequences for all of Amarrian roleplay as the scriptures represent something very different than the scriptures of any real world religion.
The scriptures are not a closed document the way the Bible has been since the third century AD. They can be expanded over time as new holy works are incorporated into their length. They can and have been modified and changed based on changes in the nature of the Amarrian regime. If one examines the news articles and material produced by the Tetrimon event cycle, that provided the most vivid example of this dynamic in action. To put it in a modern context. The scriptures as they exist now would in real life terms be less like the bible and more like:
The Jewish scriptures. All of the Jewish writings.
The New Testament. Half of the Apocryphal texts.
All of the Patristics. All of the classical technological and medical treatises. Most of the modern ones.
All of the Saint's Lives. Most of the Heroic epics.
All of the edicts of the popes. Roman Law. Canon Law.
All of the modern era theologians who are not heretical.
All of the counters to the modern era theologians who are heretical.
The catechisms.
Add in a bunch of odds and ends. Multiply volume produced by say 5. (much longer time with many more people involved for the development of Amarrian scripture.)
Now this affects Amarrian RP in several ways. First, it makes actual expertise in the scriptures themselves out of our reach. We cannot attack someone by declaring that what they say is contradicted by the scriptures unless it is directly mentioned by one of the very few excerpts we have access to. This makes it nearly impossible to be a fully fledged theologian In Character. If you were a fully fledged Theologian, you would not be a pod pilot, but rather an important member of the Theology council. But that is an entirely different article in and of itself as the place of Pod Pilots in Amarr is one of the most interesting and least clear questions about the nature of Amarr.
It also means that we have to have an understanding of what the excerpts we have are. The best explanation I have heard to date is that they represent the best known passages from the scriptures. They are the John 3:16's and Sermon's on the mount of the Amarrian scriptures. What the represent, then, are the parts of the scriptures that that get commonly used to couch sermons around and are commonly quoted to justify the actions of individuals in Amarr. The only real exception to this is the story of Ametat and Avetat, which seems to be a foundational document for much of the Amarrian emperor cult and is the single most important piece of scripture to have read to understand Amarr.
Deus Vult!
PIE Website Public Channel: 'PIE Public' |
Gaven Lok'ri
Amarr
PIE Inc.
|
Posted - 2008.09.24 07:18:00 -
[2]
The size of the scriptures also forces Amarr to be a tradition bound religion rather than a document bound religion. That this is the case can be seen throughout Amarrian prime fiction, from the recent speech of the chamberlain to information such as the holders oath. Tradition and superstition drives Amarrian culture. The religion is more likely to do something because tWe have always done it this wayv than it is to do so because tThe scriptures say that we should do this.v An important exception to this was the Tetrimonic heresy, which advocated a return to older scriptures and the way of life represented within them. Again, I recommend that anyone interested in truly understanding Amarrian religion should return to those news articles and threads, as they are where the nature of scripture in Amarr was made clear.
This nature of the scriptures is one of the single most important things for everyone to be on the same page about when developing further religious thought. It's an issue that causes a great deal of OOC problems in IC presentations on amarrian religion. Modern western religion is so distinctly book bound that ideas such as treturning to the scripturesv are commonplace and the consequences of the idea that the scriptures are effectively ineffable is often hard to grasp. This is also the cornerstone of most further developments in the understanding that exists of the Amarrian mentality and without it any development of thought on what Amarr consists of will be at odds with all previous understandings of the subject.
Deus Vult!
PIE Website Public Channel: 'PIE Public' |
Gaven Lok'ri
Amarr
PIE Inc.
|
Posted - 2008.09.24 07:19:00 -
[3]
Amarrian:
At the end of days when they descend
Watch for the coming of the Ark
For within it
Salvation is carried.
-The Scriptures, Apocalypse Verses 32:6
Those who embrace the Lord
And walk in light
Shall be saved by His grace
For we are the shepherds in the dark
His Angels of Mercy
Those who turn away from the light
And walk in darkness
Shall be stuck down by His wrath
For we are retribution incarnate
His Angels of Vengeance
- Scriptures. Book of Reclaiming 4:45
In the beginning all things were as one.
God parted them and breathed life into his creation
Divided the parts and gave each its place
And unto each, bestowed purpose.
- The Scriptures, Book I Verses 1:4
Only through many hardships
Is a man stripped to his very foundations
And in such a state
Devoid of distractions
Is his soul free to soar
And in this
He is closest to God
- The Scriptures, Book of Missions Verses 42:5
"And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them
-Book Of Revelation"
Casting his sight on his realm, the Lord witnessed
The cascade of evil, the torrents of war.
Burning with wrath
He stepped down from the Heavens
To judge the unworthy,
To redeem the pure.
-The Scriptures, Revelation Verses 2:12
'I give you the destiny of Faith, and you will bring its message to every planet of every star in the heavens: Go forth, conquer in my Name, and reclaim that which I have given.'
- Book of Reclaiming 22:13, The Scriptures
'I will not hesitate when the test of Faith finds me, for only the strongest conviction will open the gates of paradise. My Faith in you is absolute; my sword is Yours, My God, and Your will guides me now and for all eternity.'
-The Prophet Kuria, 'Paladins Creed'
Zakara saw the danger to his brother, and did not hesitate; without weapons or armor, he hurled himself at the beast, attacking it with his bare hands. Enraged, the beast turned and struck Zakara, opening a terrible wound in his side. Seizing the moment, Garum ran his sword through the beasts heart, thus ending the battle victorious. But Zakara, mortally wounded, cried out in pain, 'You sacrificed yourself for me,' Garum said, taking his hand. 'We are brothers,' Zakara answered, just before breathing his last. 'And in God we shall remain Brothers for all of time...''
-Book of the Prophet Junip, 10:25-30, The Scriptures
'Which test reveals more of the soul - the test that a man will take to prove his faith. or the test that finds the man who believed his faith already proven? If you know this answer, then you also know which of these challenges bear the greatest penalty for failure, The gates of paradise will open for you one time only; woe to the soul who dares to knock twice.'
-Book of Missions, 5:14, The Scriptures
1 Now it came to pass in the third day of the first month of the tenth year of the rule of emperor Amash-Akura that the midday deliberations were abruptly brought to a halt when the day darkened in the sky.
2 And the sun went black as night and birds fell from the sky and flowers shriveled in the field and people fell sick in the streets and in the houses.
3 And in this moment of terrible distress the skies opened with a loud shriek and angels, bright as the sun was black, descended down to earth and their beauty soothed all the people and the animals alike.
4 And when the angels touched the ground with their feet the earth shook violently and fire engulfed those daring too near the divinities. Their power being mighty and their presence potent the people were wise not to look too closely upon them.
5 The emperor came from his high seat with his retinue to meet with the angels outside the city walls. And lo and behold! The moment the emperor passed below the city gates the sun cleared and shone as brightly as ever before, all in the glory of the emperor and the heavenly angels that called upon him.
Deus Vult!
PIE Website Public Channel: 'PIE Public' |
Gaven Lok'ri
Amarr
PIE Inc.
|
Posted - 2008.09.24 07:19:00 -
[4]
6 The angels spoke the language of God and called themselves sefrim: those that guard the high seats of heaven. God ordered them here to protect the emperor against all evils that ever beset him.
7 The sefrim offered unto the emperor a present from God as one brother to another: Ametat the Scepter and Avetat the Crown, showing the great pleasure God had in the earthly work of the emperor.
8 And thus the sefrim came to serve the illustrious Amash-Akura, to stay by his side during the day and guard his sleep during the night. A great house of white stone and marble was built for the sefrim to reside in and were tended by the best servants the empire had to offer.
9 For a hundred years while the sefrim watched over the empire no wars or epidemics or famines ruined the lands and the people were content and joyous.
10 From Istha in the north and Melekel in the south and Edras in the east and from Iphria in the west people came to pray before the holy sefrim and receive a blessing to take home to their families.
11 The sefrim stood tall and beautiful, clad in their white and amber robes, with masks of gold and silver to protect people from being struck dead by their angelic beauty.
12 And all this time the emperor Amash-Akura did not age one day and was as healthy and strong as the day he came of age. The Scepter gave him vigor and the Crown gave him acumen and his rule was wise and fair.
13 Then Molok the Deceiver sundered the lands and the people suffered floods and plagues conjured by him. Molok turned the people against the sefrim and people who once sang their praise now abhorred them.
14 The emperor saw that all was not good and summoned the sefrim and said unto them, The people are in great distress, what remedies doest thee have?
15 And the sefrim answered, My Lord, the land has split against thou, thou must make war upon thy enemies to reclaim what is justly thine.
16 And the emperor asked, Will thee aid us in this perilous endeavor?
17 But the sefrim answered, No my Lord, we are here only to guide and guard, it is forbidden to us to aggress upon any man.
18 Then be gone! The emperor said in anger, for his foes were formidable.
19 And the sefrim, not longer in the emperorFs favor returned to from whence they came that very day. And the moment they left the sun went black and people cried in anguish for this was an evil omen.
20 And that night God spake unto emperor Amash-Akura in his sleep, Thy folly is great, Amash-Akura, thou hast rejected those I sent to thee in thine hour of need. Thou must redeem thyself to me by thy own merits.
21 And next day Amash-Akura had aged all his days and his hair was white and his skin wrinkled. But his spirit was high and his will resolute. God had charged him to take back his empire.
22 For five years Amash-Akura battled his enemies, wielding the Scepter and the Crown, and triumphed in the end. The day after Molok the Deceiver was brought before him in chains and sacrificed on the altar of God; the emperor died in his bedchamber, his task fulfilled.
23 And that night the sky turned red and the people were again happy that God was content with them and the new emperor.
- Chapter I of the Epitoth
in the Book of Scriptures
"The Amarr people came into the world and the world came into being.
Our illustrious ancestors freed their souls from the evils of the old world and created a new one.
The great Amarr Empire was founded to cultivate the spirit of man.
To do so the enemies of the outside had to be defeated and the enemies of the inside controlled.
The Lord gave our Emperor the power to harness the Good and punish the Evil.
Ever since, the Emperor has lived the lives of his subjects and breathed the air of authority."
## The Scriptures, Book I.
Deus Vult!
PIE Website Public Channel: 'PIE Public' |
Gaven Lok'ri
Amarr
PIE Inc.
|
Posted - 2008.09.24 07:20:00 -
[5]
"Our Lord visited his flock and saw that all was not good.
Blasphemy and heresy ruled the land.
The Lord punished the sinners and drowned them in their own blood.
But the people of Amarr lived righteously and in fear of God.
Thus they were saved and became God's chosen one."
## The Scriptures. Book II.
"For forty millenniums we struggled in the desert.
Time of infinity to grief our misgivings.
Time of eternity to stray without God's guidance.
One can repent and pray for forgiveness.
But true meekness is one that has penetrated and laid its roots in the very heart of a man.
The stars above will not weep for us parting.
The air we breathe won't notice our disappearance.
The dirt of the earth will embrace our decadence.
Only in God can we thrive and grow.
Only God."
## The Scriptures. Kuria 4:23.
"Here we are.
This is the world of God.
We are his chosen ones.
This place, this planet of peace and abundance, he made for us. It's ours for the taking.
There will be obstacles and difficulties. That's his test. We must make his gift deserving.
This beginning.
This birth of life.
This dawn of greatness.
We can not fail, for we have the Emperor to lead us and destiny to follow.
## The Scriptures. Second Letter of St. Junip of Aerui.
"When the ears hear only
The mouth shouting
And the eyes see only
The fingers broken
The world has turned
And God has gone
Left us with fond memories
Of sweet life without pain."
## The Scriptures. Apocalypse Verses 8:18.
"And the Lord spoke to him from the heavens,
Described to him his holy purpose,
Bestowed upon him the wisdom,
Of God's holy embrace."
- The Scriptures, Gheinok the First, 2:8
"To know the true path, but yet, to never follow it. That is possibly the gravest sin"
- The Scriptures, Book of Missions, 13:21
"By His light, and His will"
- The Scriptures, Gheinok the First, 12:32
"Surround yourself with the faithful, stand together, for there is no strength like it under the heavens."
- The Scriptures, Book of Missions, 71:21
The word of the Lord is pure,
It is a shield for the faithful,
Brought unto men by the Angels,
As a guiding light in the darkness "
- The Scriptures, Book of the Prophet Anoyia, 8:15
Blood Raider Apocryphal scriptures:
My word lies within all
All it requires is the breath of faith
To ignite the fire
So the lost can find their way
So the fallen can rise
To take their place as my chosen
For you are all my creation
And are all equal in my kingdom
- Apocryphon, Lost Passages.
Tetrimonic Scripture:
"The angelic Apostles of Heaven sing praises for their children!
Our Lord smiles upon the world.
Where the Emperor rules in his name
Leading his people to glory untold.
Hearken the trumpets of Heaven
Hailing the people of Amarr."
-- The Scriptures. Anoyia 17:21.
Deus Vult!
PIE Website Public Channel: 'PIE Public' |
|
CCP Ginger
|
Posted - 2008.09.25 11:28:00 -
[6]
Nice work, im not going to go into the right and wrongs or stamp it or whatever but it is certainly an interesting bit of research. There are a couple more scripture quotes hanging around and if I get some time ill go and grab them for you.
The Apocryphon passages aren't blood raider writings however. And the tetrimon passage quoted is actually part of the main scriptures if memory serves me correct.
|
|
|
CCP Ginger
|
Posted - 2008.09.25 11:36:00 -
[7]
Also, i've always liked this quote, but dont consider it Prime Fiction.
tYou ask me what my life would be without Scripture? I would ask you what yours would be without air?v
- Amarrian ambassador responding to a question from the Gallente delegation at the Caille Summit.
|
|
Garion Avarr
Amarr
Zero Zero Traders
YTMND.
|
Posted - 2008.09.25 14:14:00 -
[8]
Originally by: CCP Ginger
The Apocryphon passages aren't blood raider writings however.
Going by the in game desciption of the Apocryphon, they were some of the oldest parts of the Scriptures, but somewhere along the way they got cut out, and are now thought of as heretical, is this correct?
________________________________
This is not a signature. |
Gaven Lok'ri
Amarr
PIE Inc.
|
Posted - 2008.09.26 05:53:00 -
[9]
Edited by: Gaven Lok''ri on 26/09/2008 06:15:15
Thanks, I had wondered about the Annoya one, we had only ever seen it from the Tetrimon people though.
Apocryphon=Any scripture not considered canon by Amarr. At least, if we are using it in the standard meaning of the word. It might be a specific book, but this seems unlikely to me.
I have always assumed that there are many different apocryphal texts from many different groups.
As for not correcting what is off interpretation wise: I ask you to reconsider that.
I think understanding the scriptures is the single most important thing to have right across the board for Amarr RP to be able to operate, and well, it honestly needs a chronicle saying exactly what the scriptures are.
Deus Vult!
PIE Website Public Channel: 'PIE Public' |
Garion Avarr
Amarr
Zero Zero Traders
YTMND.
|
Posted - 2008.09.26 13:56:00 -
[10]
As I recall, the ingame item Apocryphon has a single (large) book as its icon, though I can't recall for sure, and this doesn't mean that it actually is a single book. Its description:
The Apocryphon
Ancient texts that some believe were once part of the holy scriptures of the Amarr religion. These texts are considered heretical by the Amarr clergy and anyone founding preaching or distributing them is persecuted relentlessly.
Also, yeah, Ginger telling us where we're off with this stuff would be nice (and thank you for telling us what you have so far). A chron would also be nice.
________________________________
This is not a signature. |
|
Scagga Laebetrovo
Evil Bastards
|
Posted - 2008.09.26 17:34:00 -
[11]
Quite good stuff there.
On another note, I'd like to don a cap and write scriptures!
|
Dex Nederland
Caldari
Lai Dai Infinity Systems
|
Posted - 2008.09.27 04:43:00 -
[12]
Originally by: Garion Avarr
Also, yeah, Ginger telling us where we're off with this stuff would be nice (and thank you for telling us what you have so far). A chron would also be nice.
Don't hold your breath, Ginger likes to see what we think; has said as much on Chatsubo. Also it can have a backlash.
 Founder Heiian Society |
Arderich
Bruderschaft des Wahrhaftigen
A.R.K.
|
Posted - 2008.09.27 17:33:00 -
[13]
A great introduction written by Gaven Lok'ri and surprisingly there is nothing I can criticize with the exception of a little statement that could mislead some readers. More on this later.
I think the interview with Grand Master Elata Ardo from the Tetrimon explains what the scriptures are very well.
Quote:
The scriptures are not a single book, but are a great collection of works that have been gathered over many millennia. The earliest works are those which are the words of the Sefrim. These we held to be above reproach. Then over the years of our work, we have made every attempt to collect the works in an un-translated state. The writings were carefully protected and greatly valued, copies of the original writings were made in the most controlled atmosphere possible and imaginable and no translations, as such, hence, corruption from translation was non-existent. We do make translations for general use, but the originals are always kept.
From these original works, we have then included those works by later prophets which made comment upon the core scriptures, those works which explained gave more depth to the scriptures. Many prophets have described how the put into practice the words of God, or have made comment on the history of the day. There have been some volumes that directly contradicted the earlier scriptures, and those we have held aside.
This whole process is complicated by the fact that our scriptures cover many things. Only an Amarr truly understands what I mean, but the Scriptures are all - they are law, tradition, science, philosophy, history and prayer. There is no separation, but everything that a man need know is contained in the scriptures.
It was the great preachers who made the word of God into medicines and machines, it was the word of God that revealed to the Amarr the way to the stars. Whereas your people took millennia to work out the secrets of physics and chemistry, God revealed them to us.
But even so, many scriptures that we consider to be 'false', we still keep for reference sake. Any scriptures that refer to these false scriptures are considered suspect. Our task is slow and detailed. We cannot afford to make mistakes."
Now to my critic. If Gaven talks about 'Tetrimonic heresy' we should consider the background of Gaven and then view his statement within the right context. More about Tetrimon here.
|
Gaven Lok'ri
Amarr
PIE Inc.
|
Posted - 2008.09.28 10:18:00 -
[14]
Edited by: Gaven Lok''ri on 28/09/2008 10:22:27
This is OOC, you know. :P IC every single Amarrian would already know everything here.
In my piece "Tetrimonic Heresy" is more technical language than it is judgmental language. That is: it is a "heresy" because it is condemned by the orthodoxy of Amarr and not because it is actually "wrong" from an OOC standpoint.
Heresy=Religious belief condemned by the main church.
Heterodoxy=Religious Belief at odds with the main church beleifs, but not condemned.
Orthodoxy=Religious doctrine of the main church.
The basic meaning does not change when I use terms like these talking about Amarr compared to Gaven using them in IC rhetoric, but the subtext is very different. The contemptuous force of the word in IC language should not be read into the word when it is being used out of character to talk about Amarr.
Deus Vult!
PIE Website Public Channel: 'PIE Public' |
Kai Zion
The Zion Accounts
|
Posted - 2008.09.28 16:45:00 -
[15]
Originally by: Gaven Lok'ri
IC every single Amarrian would already know everything here.
Including the Apocryphon excerpt? 
 |
Gaven Lok'ri
Amarr
PIE Inc.
|
Posted - 2008.09.28 18:41:00 -
[16]
Edited by: Gaven Lok''ri on 28/09/2008 18:43:32
Point. Though I was referring to the essay, not the list of known scriptures. :P
That does bring up the point that it is entirely debatable exactly what the little scripture tidbits we have represent.
Are they examples of the most commonly quoted scriptures? In which case, most Amarrian pod pilots, at least, if not commoners, might very well have heard the apocryphal quote.
Or is it just that CCP has a bunch of scripture quotes that it uses as flavor text and the entire idea that non-clergy Amarrians would know these well enough to quote is entirely absurd.
I favor the former, simply because the latter is extremely boring to RP.
Deus Vult!
PIE Website Public Channel: 'PIE Public' |
Veron Daerth
Amarr
Blood Meridian
|
Posted - 2008.09.29 06:13:00 -
[17]
Well, every religion has its noted people and their attached quotes, anecdotes, and stories.
Loaves and fishes, David and the Lions Den (hope thats the right guy), Mohammed and the Mountain, Baldur and the mistletoe spear, etc.
Then theres what I like to call "the rules", usually just some behavioral laws and such.
Thou shalt not -insert stuff here- and the like.
Its to be expected that even people that have a "looser" observation of their faith (they dont go to church every sunday or pray at every meal, but they know about God and are generally respectful of him and those that are more devout) would have a general knowledge about something "core" to the religion like this. Hell, I dont consider myself christian, but my parents and grandparents are and I picked up a lot from just listening to them argue (Granna's Catholic and mom's Baptist, apparently, I'm going to Hell either way, depending on who's talking, lol.) and from being around it when I was a child.
I'd like to see at the least a set of "hard rules", something to base the rest of what we can "make up as we go" around. Maybe a bit more in the way of old religious figures and their stories (prophets and such, think Jonah and the Whale, David and Bathsheba, the guy that was chopping the tree down and lost his axe in the river and Jesus made it float so they guy could go get it, that sort of thing)... (on a separate note, its amazing what you actually remember from Sunday school when you have reason to actually try to think about it... for say a reference to a post on an internet forum about religion )... I dont want the entire set of writings and scriptures, just want the basics fleshed out a bit more.
That way, if my character says that God really wants us to convert people to the Faith, and its okay to do it without enslaving them outright, I know if its outright heresy, a liberal interpretation of scripture, or something thats going to get me lynched in public when I go home.
Just some thoughts. Fire away.
|
Mithfindel
Gallente
Gariushi Foundation
|
Posted - 2008.09.29 08:16:00 -
[18]
Edited by: Mithfindel on 29/09/2008 08:21:36
Originally by: Veron Daerth
David and the Lions Den (hope thats the right guy)
David and Goliath, Daniel and the lion's den.
But yes, I agree. Also there are locally a lot of folk tales that place religious figures around the familiar locations. The Devil, St. Peter and Jesus are quite common in some folk tales, you could even claim to spot Jesus in the Kalevala. While written word perhaps isn't as prone to mutation, I'd expect that within barely educated slave stock the different legends do run in spoken remembrance and mutate. As slaves get freed, these stories might be used by the lower classes, even if strictly not orthodox.
|
Rodj Blake
Amarr
PIE Inc.
|
Posted - 2008.09.29 14:50:00 -
[19]
Originally by: CCP Ginger
Nice work, im not going to go into the right and wrongs or stamp it or whatever but it is certainly an interesting bit of research. There are a couple more scripture quotes hanging around and if I get some time ill go and grab them for you.
The Apocryphon passages aren't blood raider writings however. And the tetrimon passage quoted is actually part of the main scriptures if memory serves me correct.
If the Blood Raiders don't follow the Apocryphon, do any of the other NPC groups (Sani Sabik or otherwise) do so? |
Kai Zion
The Zion Accounts
|
Posted - 2008.09.30 09:37:00 -
[20]
Edited by: Kai Zion on 30/09/2008 09:40:20
Ginger didn't say they don't follow them, he said they didn't write them. Important distinction that I'm fairly sure was intended.
Not sure what other "Sani Sabik NPC Groups" you're alluding to either...there aren't any other "Sani Sabik Groups" defined at all, let alone NPC ones.
 |
|
Etaphan Sarum
|
Posted - 2008.09.30 17:43:00 -
[21]
Tenets to Live by
By Sarum, the Hesechast
1.Honor God above all, for He will sustain you.
2.Swear Allegiance to the Empire, for it is GodFs chosen instrument.
3.Defend Amarrian Law, for it protects the innocent.
4.Show no mercy to pirates, for in their heretical ways, they are dishonored.
5.Show mercy to slaves, for in serving you, they reflect your service to God.
6.Do not let your heart be hardened, for that is the path of darkness leading to damnation.
7.Serve those in authority with all your ability, and you will show yourself to be worthy.
8.Stand fast in the face of evil, for it brings honor to your sons and daughters.
9.Defend your allies, for they have been blessed with a glimpse of truth.
10.Confess and repent your sins daily, and God will light your path among the stars.
|
Gaven Lok'ri
Amarr
PIE Inc.
|
Posted - 2008.09.30 23:22:00 -
[22]
Interesting,
What is the source for that?
Deus Vult!
PIE Website Public Channel: 'PIE Public' |
Etaphan Sarum
|
Posted - 2008.10.01 02:24:00 -
[23]
I am the source. Not scripture, without doubt, nevertheless, a simple wisdom for my character to live by.
|
Mithfindel
Gallente
Gariushi Foundation
|
Posted - 2008.10.01 08:17:00 -
[24]
Edited by: Mithfindel on 01/10/2008 08:18:13
Do note, that this isn't exactly an in-character forum - and the other quotes (marked being PF or Prime Fiction, which is "canon" EVE fiction). It doesn't mean that doing your own thing is not good - doing your own thing, creating your own story is exactly what RP is.
Personally, though, I'd expect a belligerent royal house have slightly different opinions (specially on the fifth part) - though we could explain player-written scripture as apocrypha. (And remember, not all apocrypha is considered to be heretical, just not canon. Many could be considered to be "good literature".)
|
Mathias Sarum
|
Posted - 2008.10.01 16:55:00 -
[25]
Well said, and as you mentioned, player writings, unless specifically endorsed by the CCP storyline editors, would be considered Apocryphal at best. As pointed out earlier in the forum the sheer volume of Amarrian scripture would mean that a so called expert in the field would not be a pod pilot, but a member of the theological council. Nevertheless I see the pod pilots as a sort of equivalent to the medieval paladin or knight, serving in behest of the government and blessed by the state church; A sort of Hesechast warrior monk, not necessarily an expert apologist for the religion. It is well known, that after the radical changes brought about by the Minmattar separation, that the Amarrians tmellowedv out their aggressiveness substantially from what it was. It would not be a stretch of the imagination, to see a tenet such as number 5 above. For instance, Rome was well known for its brutality to slaves, yet individual citizens who feared the Roman pantheon, tended to treat their house slaves with a dignity and respect accorded a son or daughter, particularly during the post Senate/Augustan era. Yet slavery being what it is is a vicious practice, even if a gilded cage is used to contain the individual slave. What higher arrogance can a belligerent royal house member have, than to justify slavery by saying it is a reflection of GodFs will?
|
Apostile Bihabnir
Amarrian Society of Salvation
|
Posted - 2008.11.17 16:26:00 -
[26]
Amarrian Scriptures - The Book of Iron
1. Whatever is in the heavens,- let it declare the Praises and Glory of Amarr. for God is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
2. To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens: It is He Who gives Life and Death; and He has Power over all things.
3. He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Immanent: and He has full knowledge of all things.
4. He it is Who created the heavens, and is moreover firmly established on the Throne (of Authority). He knows what enters within and what comes forth out of it, what comes down from heaven and what mounts up to it. And He is with you wheresoever ye may be. And sees well all that ye do.
5. To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens: and all affairs are referred back to Amarr.
6. He merges Night into Day, and He merges Day into Night; and He has full knowledge of the secrets of (all) hearts.
7. Believe all Amarr and in His apostle, and spend (in charity) out of the (substance) whereof He has made you heirs. For, those of you who believe and spend (in charity),- for them is a great Reward.
8. What cause have ye why ye should not believe.- and the Messenger invites you to believe in your Lord, and has indeed taken your Covenant, if ye are men of Faith.
9. He is the One Who sends to His Servant Manifest Signs, that He may lead you from the depths of Darkness into the Light and verily for Amarr He is most kind and Merciful.
10. And what cause have ye why ye should not spend in the cause of Amarr.- For to Amarr belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. Not equal among you are those who spent (freely) and fought, before the Victory, (with those who did so later). Those are higher in rank than those who spent (freely) and fought afterwards. But to all has God promised Amarr a goodly (reward). And is well acquainted with all that ye do.
11. Who is he that will Loan to God a beautiful loan? for ((God)) will increase it manifold to his credit, and he will have (besides) a liberal Reward.
12. One Day shalt thou see the believing men and the believing women- how their Light runs forward before them and by their right hands: (their greeting will be): "Good News for you this Day! Gardens beneath which flow rivers! to dwell therein for aye! This is indeed the highest Achievement!"
13. One Day will the Hypocrites- men and women - say to the Believers: "Wait for us! Let us borrow (a Light) from your Light!" It will be said: "Turn ye back to your rear! then seek a Light (where ye can)!" So a wall will be put up betwixt them, with a gate therein. Within it will be Mercy throughout, and without it, all alongside, will be (Wrath and) Punishment!
14. (Those without) will call out, "Were we not with you?" (The others) will reply, "True! but ye led yourselves into temptation; ye looked forward (to our ruin); ye doubted ((God)'s Promise); and (your false) desires deceived you; until there issued the Command to Amarr. And the Deceiver deceived you in respect of Amarr.
15. "This Day shall no ransom be accepted of you, nor of those who rejected God." Your abode is the Fire: that is the proper place to claim you: and an evil refuge it is!"
|
Apostile Bihabnir
Amarrian Society of Salvation
|
Posted - 2008.11.17 16:27:00 -
[27]
16. Has not the Time arrived for the Believers that their hearts in all humility should engage in the remembrance of Amarr and of the Truth which has been revealed (to them), and that they should not become like those to whom was given Revelation aforetime, but long ages passed over them and their hearts grew hard? For many among them are rebellious transgressors.
17. Know ye (all) that God giveth life to the Amarr after its death! already have We shown the Signs plainly to you, that ye may learn wisdom.
18. For those who give in Charity, men and women, and loan to God a Beautiful Loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit), and they shall have (besides) a liberal reward.
19. And those Amarr and apostles- they are the Sincere (lovers of Truth), and the witnesses (who testify), in the eyes of their Lord: They shall have their Reward and their Light. But those who reject God and deny Our Signs,- they are the Companions of Hell-Fire.
20. Know ye (all), that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying, (in rivalry) among yourselves, riches and children. Here is a similitude: How rain and the growth which it brings forth, delight (the hearts of) the tillers; soon it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the Hereafter is a Penalty severe (for the devotees of wrong). And Forgiveness from God and (His) Good Pleasure (for the devotees of Amarr. And what is the life of Amarr, but goods and chattels of deception?
21. Be ye foremost (in seeking) Forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden (of Bliss), the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth, prepared for those who believe His apostles: that is the Grace of Amarr, which He bestows on whom he pleases: and for Amarr is the Lord of Grace abounding.
22. No misfortune can happen in your souls but is recorded in a decree before We bring it into existence: That is truly easy for Amarr.
23. In order that ye may not despair over matters that pass you by, nor exult over favours bestowed upon you. For Amarr must loveth not any vainglorious boaster,-
24. Such persons as are covetous and commend covetousness to men. And if any turn back (from apocryphonist ways), verily is Free of all Needs, Worthy of all Praise.
25. We sent aforetime our apostles with Clear Signs and sent with them the scriptures and the Balance (of Right and Wrong), that men may stand forth in justice; and We sent Iron, in which is (material for) mighty war, as well as many benefits for mankind, that Amarr may test who it is that will help, Unseen, Him and His apostles: For Amarr is Full of Strength, Exalted in Might (and able to enforce Gods Will).
26. We established in Amarr Prophethood, Apocalypse, Scriptures, and Revelation: and some Amarr were on right guidance. But many of them became rebellious transgressors.
27. Then, in their wake, We followed them up with (others of) Our apostles: We sent after them, and bestowed on Amarr the Gospel; and We ordained in the hearts of those who followed Amarrian Compassion and Mercy. But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them: (We commanded) only the seeking for the Good Pleasure of Amarr. but that they did not foster as they should have done. Yet We bestowed, on those among them who believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are rebellious transgressors.
28. O ye that believe! Fear a the Lord of the Amarr, and believe in His Messenger, and He will bestow on you a double portion of His Mercy: He will provide for you a Light by which ye shall walk (straight in your path), and He will forgive you (your past).
29. That the People of Amarr may know that they have no power whatever over the Grace of God, that (His) Grace is (entirely) in His Hand, to bestow it on whomsoever He wills. For Amarr is the receiver of Grace abounding
|
Apostile Bihabnir
Amarrian Society of Salvation
|
Posted - 2008.11.17 16:29:00 -
[28]
Amarrian Scriptures - The Book of Council
1. Amarrian Harbingers will foretell the comming of wisdom. for they are one with the Lord.
2. Come into the correct state of mind Amarr and be one with your own in unity as one Amarrian people whole and complete.
3. Thus doth (He) send inspiration to thee as (He did) to those before thee,- All Amarr, Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.
4. To Amarr from God belongs all that is in the heavens.
5. The heavens are almost rent asunder from above them (by Him Glory): and the angels celebrate the Praises of their Lord, and pray for forgiveness for (all) beings on earth: Behold! Verily the Lord is He, complete love for Amarr.
6. And those who take as protectors others besides Him,- He doth watch over them; and thou art not the disposer of their affairs.
7. Thus have We sent by inspiration to thee an Amarrian scripture: that thou mayest warn the Mother of Nations and all around her,- and warn (them) of the Day of Reclaiming, of which there is no doubt: (when at Apocalypse) some will be in the Garden, and some in the Blazing Fire.
8. If God so willed, He could make them a single people; but He admits whom He will to His Mercy; and the Wrong-doers will have no protector nor helper.
9. What! Have they taken (for worship) protectors besides Him? But it is the Amarr,- He is their Protector, and it is He Who gives life to the dead: God pass the knowledge for his people to do all that they do. He is Who has power over all things,
10. Whatever it be wherein ye differ, the decision thereof is with the God of Amarr. such is True Amarr that love the Lord: In Him trust, and to Him turn.
11. (He is) the Creator of the heavens and all knowledge that man obtains: He has gave you knowledge for you to make pairs from among yourselves, and pairs among cattle: by this means does He multiply you: there is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the One that hears and sees (all things).
12. To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the hearts and the minds: He enlarges and restricts. The Sustenance to whom He will: for He knows full well all things.
13. The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined - the which He have sent by inspiration to thee - and that which He enjoined that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than the God of Amarr, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. True Amarr chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him).
14. And they became divided only after Knowledge reached them,- through selfish envy as between themselves. Had it not been for a Word that went forth before from thy Lord, (tending) to a Term appointed, the matter would have been settled between them: But truly those who have inherited the Book after them are in suspicious (disquieting) doubt concerning it.
|
Apostile Bihabnir
Amarrian Society of Salvation
|
Posted - 2008.11.17 16:29:00 -
[29]
15. Now then, for that (reason), call (them to the Faith), and stand steadfast as thou art commanded, nor follow thou their vain desires; but say: "I believe in the Book which is given to Amarr and has been sent ; and I am commanded to judge justly between you. The Lord of Amarr is our Lord and your Lord: for us (is the responsibility for) our deeds, and for you for your deeds. There is no contention between us and you. God will bring us together, and to Him is (our) Final Goal.
16. But those who dispute concerning goodness for Amarr after He has been accepted,- futile is their dispute in the Sight of their Lord: on them will be a Penalty terrible.
17. It is too Amarr Who has been sent down the Books in Truth, and the Balance (by which to weigh conduct). And what will make thee realise that perhaps the Hour is close at hand?
18. Only those wish to hasten it who believe not in it: those who believe hold it in awe, and know that it is the Truth. Behold, verily those that dispute concerning the Hour are far astray.
19. Gracious is God to Amarr His servants: He gives Sustenance to whom He pleases: and He has power and can carry out His Will.
20. To any that desires the tilth of the Hereafter, We give increase in his tilth, and to any that desires the tilth of this world, We grant somewhat thereof, but he has no share or lot in the Hereafter.
21. What! have they partners (in godhead), who have established for them some religion without the permission of God. Had it not been for the Decree of Judgment, the matter would have been decided between them (at once). But verily the Wrong- doers will have a grievous Penalty.
22. Thou wilt see the Wrong-doers in fear on account of what they have earned, and (the burden of) that must (necessarily) fall on them. But those who believe and work righteous deeds will be in the luxuriant meads of the Gardens: they shall have, before their Lord, all that they wish for. That will indeed be the magnificent Bounty (of God).
23. That is (the Bounty) whereof God gives Glad Tidings to His Servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say: "No reward or Kredits do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin." And if any one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof: for the Amarr is, Most Ready to appreciate (service).
24. What! Do they say, "He has forged a falsehood against Amarr and God.? But if the Lord willed, He could seal up thy heart. And blot out Vanity, and proves the Truth by His Words. For He knows well the secrets of all hearts.
25. He is the One that accepts repentance from His Servants and forgives sins: and He knows all that ye do.
26. And He listens to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, and gives them increase of His Bounty: but for the Unbelievers their is a terrible Penalty.
27. If God were to enlarge the provision for His Servants, they would indeed transgress beyond all bounds through the earth; but he sends (it) down in due measure as He pleases. For He is with His Servants Well-acquainted, Watchful.
|
Apostile Bihabnir
Amarrian Society of Salvation
|
Posted - 2008.11.17 16:30:00 -
[30]
28. He is the One that sends down rain (even) after (men) have given up all hope, and scatters His Mercy (far and wide). And He is the Protector, Worthy of all Praise.
29. And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the living creatures that He has scattered through them: and He has power to gather them together when He wills.
30. Whatever misfortune happens to you, is because on the things your hands have wrought, and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness.
31. Nor can ye frustrate (aught), (fleeing) through space and time; nor have ye any one to protect or to help.
32. And among His Signs are the ships, smooth-running through time, (tall) as mountains.
33. If it be His Will He can still the Wind: then would they become motionless on the back of the (ocean). Verily in this are Signs for everyone who patiently perseveres and is grateful.
34. Or He can cause them to perish because of the (evil) which (the men) have earned; but much doth He forgive.
35. But let those know, who dispute about Our Signs, that there is for them no way of escape.
36. Whatever ye are given (here) is (but) a convenience of this life: but that which is the faith with Amarr is better and more lasting: (it is) for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord:
37. Those who avoid the greater crimes and shameful deeds, and, when they are angry even then forgive;
38. Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance;
39. And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) help and defend themselves.
40. The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due. for ((God)) loveth not those who do wrong.
41. But indeed if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong (done) to them, against such there is no cause of blame, no cuase of blame.
42. The blame is only against those who rob men and wrong-doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice for gods chossen people, for such there will be a penalty grievous.
43. But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| Pages: [1] 2 :: one page |
| First page | Previous page | Next page | Last page |