Cedrist-Catologian tenets: the future of Tianchaodao

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Jonas
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Cedrist-Catologian tenets: the future of Tianchaodao

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The catologian faith has, through time, changed and evolved. Every church in each Dutch-speaking - and later Jingdaoese-inspired - nation had its own way of showing their devotion to the Almighty Gods. Tianchaodao eventually developed into the imperial heavenly cult it is today.

Tianchaodao is the dominant cult (as 'religion' is perhaps not the best choice of words) in what once was the Great Jing Dynasty. While the eastern Duchies of Shireroth are dominated by this cult, Batavia has a mixture of Cedrist, Tianchaodao and catologian churches and temples (due to its history of having been occupied by both Jingdao and Shireroth in the past).

It is in the benefit of the Imperial Republic to strengthen and spread Tianchaodao (or Heavenly Imperial Cult), so it can become the dominant cult in the whole Imperial Republic. Endorsement by the Mango Court is essential if we want to spread it throughout the central lands.


Certain aspects align with tenets from its past:
1. Purpose of the Faith: religion serves the Imperial Republic
a. The Faith serves the State. It's a way to control the flock and gain stability. Due to this, it's flexible and accepts the existence of many gods.


2. Prophet, Kaiser and Heavenly Light
a. The Prophet is its highest representative. Where in the ancient past (preceding the creation of Jingdao) this Prophet wandered around, the House of Erasmus eventually settled down, embraced Jingdao and gained the title of Heavenly Light.

b. The Heavenly Light is the Guide towards the Pure Path: one is expected to follow Him/Her. He/She is a living reincarnation of the Gods. It's His task to aid the Kaisers of Shireroth and lead them to salvation and godhood.

c. The Kaiseress holds the Heavenly Mandate. She and Her successors govern the physical world, while the Heavenly Light guides the flock. They both serve the Gods in their own way and guard the Imperial Republic's well-being.

d. Prophets, like Brrapa Lu Eraro, have their place in Tianchaodao. They fill in the blanks, as the Heavenly Light oversees all but is just one (wo)man.

3. Integration of the catologian gods
a. To merge Tianchaodao (and Greater Kildare) into the Shirerithian society, it has to be integrated into Cedrism. An adoption of the most important divinities into the Cedrist pantheon (the Celestial Temple):
- Cato, God of Unjust Revenge, husband of Germania and father of Sisera.
- Germania: once goddess of life and death (guarded the Wheel of Life and Mines of the Afterlife), but will become the Guardian of the Entrance of Valhalla.
- Sisera: catologian Goddess of War and Destruction. This makes her the concurrent of both Tempus and Fiero. Tempus (God of War) is a well-established god in the Divine census, so it would make more sense for Sisera to replace Fiero as Godess of Destruction (and Fires). A story about a power struggle between the two is an option.

b. The Cult of the Pure Path (or Cult of Cato) is established as a Sacred Order.

c. While Cedrists know of the Descendi and Dæmons, the catologians believe in Baishens: gods and Transcendi who fell to temptation of evil.


4. Institutions
a. The Gong Suweiai, or Public Council, shall be transformed into a council of the Tianchaodao: representatives of the shrines, temples and Sacred Orders meet under the all-seeing eye of the Heavenly Light to discuss funding, theology,... Sacred Orders (like the Cult of Mors) can gain access and membership. It's meant to coordinate certain central tenets and religious efforts within the Cedrist faith, while allowing for far-going autonomy.

b. The Tegong, which acted as a secret service and cultural police will be expanded:
- The Tegong of the Faithful: meant as secret religious and cultural police.
- The Tegong Banner Army: meant as military arm, specialized in urban warfare.

c. Dioceses will be established across Shireroth (Diocese of Shirekeep,...). Each diocese is required to have a main temple, a Head Priest appointed (or recognised by the Gong Suweiai) and a Sacred Order in charge. Every recognised sacred order is permitted to freely use temples and shrines for its worshippers.
Important characters:
Frederik Alfons des Vinandy-Paravel, King of Batavia
Joseph Bartholomeus des Vinandy-Windsor, Prince-Regent of Batavia
Jin San, Diwang of Jingdao, Duke of Kildare

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