The Unbeliever's Handbook
The Unbeliever's Handbook is an heretical text that brings into question the entire structure of faith and belief that I have given my entire existence to supporting. While I normally fully support the Concordance for Survival's Mandate of Speech, this "handbook" is the exception that proves the rule. I have sent a strongly worded letter to Soulforged #36,627 to relay my concerns and my hopes that he tracks down every copy of...
I'll take over from here while Instructor of Recruits calms down his crystals! Ol' Tazi and I have thrown back quite a few pints while discussing philosophy and whatnot. Sure, some of his ideas are half-baked, but ol' marble head has a poiont or two. I swear by Ol' Az plenty, but I don't worship Azgorth. That'd take more bloodshed and pillaging than I'm comfortable with as a citizen of the Zone.
If faith is power. Why give it away for free?
A thin, plain-bound manual with no holy symbols and no sacred seals. Just a closed hand with an upthrust middle finger on the cover. It opens with the thought:
"If our belief is power, we should keep it for ourselves."
Written by the renegade soulforged, Tazi Asadi, the Unbeliever, the Unbeliever's Handbook is a counter-scripture, a declaration of spiritual independence. Tazi proposes that belief is the source of metaphysical power, and that worship feeds not just the gods, but the systems of control that keeps mortals subservient to their "betters."
Tazi provides an alternative to dogma, personal accountability over prophecy, resistance instead of ritual, and awakening instead of blessings.
Tenets of the Unbeliever
- The gods exist. That does not make them worthy.
- Faith is fuel. Have faith in each other.
- Worship was never negotiated. Do not give consent to the divine.
- Prophecy is manipulation. Destiny is a leash.
- There are no chosen. You choose.
Although some priests and paladins call for the Unbeliever's Handbook to be banned, possession is fully legal according to the Concordant Mandates.
On Heaven, Unbelievers gleefully debate with angels about why they shouldn't be obeyed.
Me and Xeno liked Tazi the moment we met, but, now that two of my friends are gods... how do I stop believing in them?
Purpose
To transfer the power of belief from the gods back to mortals.
An interesting idea. I would suggest any fantasy world builder with an interest in religion in their world read this article by professor Bret Devereaux, "Practical Polytheism" if you haven't done so already. His Practical Polytheism series was a big influence on my own work.
Just went and read that. It's excellent! I'm sure Tazi would have a lot to say about it. Once I've mulled it all over, I may add it!
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That was the inspiration to my article (that you left a like on)
How ordinary mortals worship the Nine
tent pole article summarizing common religious practices in Scarterra