Church Theme
From SCross
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View on homosexuality
The Church does not agree with, accept, or condone homosexuality, and will not perform marraige for couples or groups where there is no chance of the Union producing offspring. While not exactly viewed as a sin, such same-sex relationships are viewed as highly scandelous, especially for those unwed and in possitions of power, authority, or Nobility, and if the Church finds out about it, the 'offenders' will be encouraged quite stongly, even counseled in various ways if neccessary, to persue more conventional relationships lest they fall under a heavy social stigma. However, in this Polygamist society, there is a way around this for those with inginuity or a will to compromise; Two men and one woman marrying (or two women and one man) is acceptable, for example. The maximum number of members in a Union is 5, all of which must be present for a single ceremony (no add-ons after the fact), and the prospect of children/offspring must be present for the Church to support and conduct the Union. To say that the Church expects to see at least one child in relatively short order should be a given, even if the marraige -is- one of convenience. While all men, and women, should love one another, a family is not a family without children.
View on disrespect to the Church
The Holy Church is viewed around the Empire as a respectable and forthright institution that does much good across the length and bredth of Imperial Lands. Everything from running orphanages and hospitals, or offering shelter and food for the poor and homeless, to providing spiritual guidance to the populace, and a miriad of things in between. To show disrespect to such a charitable and upright organization is just plain crude and unsocial, and likely to get you dirty looks not only from the Clergy, but from parishioners as well. Disrespecting the Church is much like disrespecting the Crown, in that it's socially unacceptable, an abberant behavior that will give one a bad reputation among his or her fellows. Unlike disrespecting the Crown or a Noble, though, you're unlikely to be punished for it by the Church itself. Unless your disrespect turns physical, violent, or blasphemous, that is.
View on cross-dressing and other 'deviant activities'
Viewed as more of an... 'odd' behavior. Deviant activities, like Cross-Dressing, that don't impact or harm others are likely to get one nothing more than raised eyebrows and odd looks, as well as shrugged shoulders and possibly a wide berth in a crowd. Deviant activities that are lewd in nature, or that bring disturbance or harm to others, are strongly discouraged, and the Church will take steps to attempt to counsel or rehabilitate individuals performing such acts, assuming a Law isn't broken by the individual in the process. Broken Laws mean the Enforcers get first dibs.
View on bedding monsters
The Church forbids this act, plain and simple. Punishment for being caught doing this is unclear, but it is presumed to be severe. The Church also is extremely reluctant to perform marraiges that include Monsters, even civilized ones, among those to be Wed, and will generally refuse to do so unless some extremely compelling and convincing reason to allow it is given.
View on promiscuity
The Church strongly discourages this, under the principle that it can damage one's soul. However, the Church recognizes that it cannot completely stop promiscuity, given human nature, as people are prone to the sowing of oats and such-like when they are young. This concesion is one of the main reasons why the Carnal Circle was created, for if the Church cannot stop it, then the least the Church can do is provide a safe outlet for such carnal urges and experimental desires. It is important to note, however, that providing this safe outlet is not the only function of the Carnal Circle, and not even it's main function. It's simply the thing it's most known for by the people.
View on promiscuity within marriage
Being promiscuous with the person/people you're married to? By all means, as much as you like, as often as you like. Being promiscuous with people you AREN'T married to? Well, that's another matter entirely. It's called Adultery, and the Church views it as a rather severe crime. If caught, the Church -will- punish both offending parties. The nature of the punishment varies depending on circumstances, but past punishments have included time in the stocks, terms of indentured servitude, fines, and forfeiture of property to the wronged party. Marriage is a sacred bond. Betraying it damages the souls of -everyone- involved.
View on non-believers and actions taken therein to resolve this
The Church has no real beef with non-believers, as the Church believes that any god or gods a non-believer might worship is just another name for, or a collection of aspects of, the All-Father. The Church's structure of faith is actually very flexible, and the Church can, if given the opportunity, adapt it to almost any other religion it encounters, showing that this other religion is, in fact, just another way of worshipping the one true God. The Church isn't always given this chance, at least not right away, but that doesn't bother the Church in the least. The Church is patient, and can wait as long as it needs to to bring these 'non-believers' into the fold in some fashion. In the meantime, so long as the non-believers are respectful of the Church's followers and ministers, then the Church will act in kind, and leave well enough alone until the chance to consolidate these non-believers presents itself.
View on blasphemers
Blasphemy is a crime against the Church. But, it is important to know what Blasphemy -is-. There are two main definitions of Blasphemy. 1: A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God or a sacred entity; the crime of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God or a religion and it's doctrines and writings. 2: The act of claiming for oneself the attributes and rights of God. Many feel this has it's roots in Disrespect, listed above, as an extreme form of such. Blasphemy can indeed happen when disrespect crosses a certain line. Blasphemy can also be the result of unchecked or unreasonable pride or hubris. In either case, the Church, as said before, finds Blasphemy to be an offense of a criminal nature, and will take immediate steps wherever and whenever possible, up to and including seeking help from local Enforcers if it happens off Church land, to if not punish, then at least correct by any means neccessary any idividual committing Blasphemy.
If there are questions about these issues, or any others, feel free to ask here on Board 34, on Board 45, or via +request. Enjoy, and happy gaming!
Ivory, Church Wiz
