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Difference between revisions of "Holy Codex"
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The '''Holy Codex''' is the text gifted | The '''Holy Codex''' is the text gifted upon the [[Church]] by Lord [[Deucalion]] and Lady [[Aurora]] to guide the Church's actions and ideals. Though scribed within a journal originally on display at the [[Chrysalis Basilica]] in [[Shallam]], it has since been moved to the [[Temple of Concordia]] and preserved for posterity; after the return of Lord [[Pentharian]], the Lord of Valour and the Ladies [[Lorielan]] and [[Tarah]] had gifted the organisations of [[Good]] with a new document, the [[Codex of Light]], for They believed the now-replaced Holy Codex to be out-of-date. | ||
==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
I am Deucalion, God of Righteousness. | I am Deucalion, [[God]] of Righteousness. | ||
If you wish to look up the definition of "Righteousness" as recorded by the sages you will see, "n. - doing what is right or good; just; upright; godly." However, if you *truly* wish to understand these deceptively simple-looking words then you will come to find that they cannot be defined completely by a scholar's pen, nor by any single action, but instead by the course of a person's life, dreams, ambitions, and actions. My realm is that of goodness. As the codex states, goodness is not a relative term that one defines for him or herself, but it instead an eternal absolute, a holistic truth that is unchanging, regardless of the circumstances. | If you wish to look up the definition of "Righteousness" as recorded by the sages you will see, "n. - doing what is right or good; just; upright; godly." However, if you *truly* wish to understand these deceptively simple-looking words then you will come to find that they cannot be defined completely by a scholar's pen, nor by any single action, but instead by the course of a person's life, dreams, ambitions, and actions. My realm is that of goodness. As the codex states, goodness is not a relative term that one defines for him or herself, but it instead an eternal absolute, a holistic truth that is unchanging, regardless of the circumstances. | ||
As a member of the Church of Achaea, you will be called to a higher standard in your words, actions, and life for you will be expected to live a "good" life and actively and without apology, seek to end all evil. There are many in the world that wish to walk through life, free to selfishly act however they wish without fear of consequence. It is from the mouths of these individuals that the lie of good and evil being "subjective" is born. But if indeed this was true, there would be no way for you to devote you life to good - for your "good" actions would be "bad" or "evil" to someone else. If such an action was truly defined by the individual - then you would never be able to combat evil" for in the eyes of the evil doer - they consider such an action "good" for themselves. It would be an eternal circle in which absolute truth would have no place. | As a member of the Church of Achaea, you will be called to a higher standard in your words, actions, and life for you will be expected to live a "good" life and actively and without apology, seek to end all [[evil]]. There are many in the world that wish to walk through life, free to selfishly act however they wish without fear of consequence. It is from the mouths of these individuals that the lie of good and evil being "subjective" is born. But if indeed this was true, there would be no way for you to devote you life to good - for your "good" actions would be "bad" or "evil" to someone else. If such an action was truly defined by the individual - then you would never be able to combat evil" for in the eyes of the evil doer - they consider such an action "good" for themselves. It would be an eternal circle in which absolute truth would have no place. | ||
Know also - that doing the good and righteous thing will be the greater challenge and will often also involve hardship, ridicule, persecution, humility, discipline, and faith. It is not a road to be walked by the timid, for it takes a pure soul and a strong will to do that which is right, even though it may not always seem to be what is easiest or best. However, I shall tell you - the rewards of such a righteous and good life will be greater than those who walk the wide path of evil shall ever know. You will learn the happiness that comes not through seeking selfish power, but in the simple pleasure of aiding another or standing up for what is right, even if it is not popular. You will find the quality of your life much enhanced and your path made clearer once you have devoted yourself to the eternal truth of goodness. It will not be easy, but know that in all you do - the spirit of Righteousness and Light shall walk with you as your strength and comfort. | Know also - that doing the good and righteous thing will be the greater challenge and will often also involve hardship, ridicule, persecution, humility, discipline, and faith. It is not a road to be walked by the timid, for it takes a pure soul and a strong will to do that which is right, even though it may not always seem to be what is easiest or best. However, I shall tell you - the rewards of such a righteous and good life will be greater than those who walk the wide path of evil shall ever know. You will learn the happiness that comes not through seeking selfish power, but in the simple pleasure of aiding another or standing up for what is right, even if it is not popular. You will find the quality of your life much enhanced and your path made clearer once you have devoted yourself to the eternal truth of goodness. It will not be easy, but know that in all you do - the spirit of Righteousness and Light shall walk with you as your strength and comfort. | ||
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Every action brings with it consequence, for better or for worse. If you are bringing righteous retribution to an individual for their actions (let us say, defiling a shrine, or killing a fellow member of the Church), enact such justice only once for each act of wickedness. Do not repay one death with ten. For though the Church must sometimes bring the use of deadly force against their foes, there should be no bloodlust in such killing. | Every action brings with it consequence, for better or for worse. If you are bringing righteous retribution to an individual for their actions (let us say, defiling a shrine, or killing a fellow member of the Church), enact such justice only once for each act of wickedness. Do not repay one death with ten. For though the Church must sometimes bring the use of deadly force against their foes, there should be no bloodlust in such killing. | ||
The only exception to this code of conduct may come in times of war, and then only by the direct order and approval of either the Divine Patron of the Church or the Council of the Saints and/or Archprelate. | The only exception to this code of conduct may come in times of war, and then only by the direct order and approval of either the [[Divine Patron]] of the Church or the Council of the Saints and/or [[Archprelate]]. | ||
===2) Thou shall not steal=== | ===2) Thou shall not steal=== | ||
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===10) Holy ground is sacred and is not to be defiled=== | ===10) Holy ground is sacred and is not to be defiled=== | ||
This refers to ANY holy ground. Do not kill upon holy ground, or in the temple of any god, or in the PRESENCE of any god for the presence of the divine makes any spot on which they stand holy in that moment. If your enemies use this to cower in their temples away from the righteous wrath of the Church, let them cower. It is right for evil to cower from the Church anyway. | This refers to ANY holy ground. Do not kill upon holy ground, or in the [[temples|temple]] of any god, or in the PRESENCE of any god for the presence of the divine makes any spot on which they stand holy in that moment. If your enemies use this to cower in their temples away from the righteous wrath of the Church, let them cower. It is right for evil to cower from the Church anyway. | ||
==Conclusion== | ==Conclusion== | ||