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Reflections on Scripture
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Azdan Amith
Doomheim
#1 - 2012-07-23 18:29:50 UTC
Reflections on Scripture
Personal Reflections on Faith, Divinity, Religion and Life

Creation and Purpose


The Scriptures, Book I 1:4 wrote:

"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"


As any good story, historical document or summary should start, the Scriptures begin with the beginning. It has always been a subject of thought and debate, how did everything come into existence? Theories vary in range from the abstract idea of nothingness possessing the ability to create something in the midst of itself to a creator being of various manifestations.

The Scriptures explain that everything started as one. If we were to stop here, we would have an image of a vast expanse of mass or nothingness, singular. However, we may note in the second part of the verse that "God parted them.." which suggests that the first part is clearly meant to be read with emphasis on the word as. It is not that all things started as a single mass, but that all things were as one, indistinguishable and bereft of identity and uniqueness. Uniform in purpose.

Looking further, we note that God "...breathed life into his creation.". If we take this in conjunction with the above, we realize that creation was bereft of life, it suggests that God not only formed all things but gave all things life, as well. This establishes God as the creator of all things and the giver of life. One singular being, not many.

Continuing further, we see that God set each aspect of creation into place, this means anything from the stars in the vast expanse of the universe, to the planets suspended within, to the persons and animals on those planets, to the microscopic organisms existing on the surface and innards of those persons and animals. Nothing was left without a place in existence, nothing was excluded from the order God established.

The verse concludes with God bestowing purpose to each of his creations. Just as each creation was given a place, each creation was given a purpose. Considering this even for a moment, we can begin to understand the artistry and magnificence of God's creation; purpose was given to everything from the greatest sun to the lifeless rocks that create borders for the grass and provide home to many smaller creations. Yet, as we delve deeper, we realize that the Scriptures also point to a collective purpose for all of creation; God's will and righteousness. To each is bestowed an individual purpose and place in creation, to each is given the task to pursue that purpose diligently and to all is given the charge to seek God's righteousness and will.

Does this mean that rocks should pursue God's will? What of the animals and bacteria? Because of the order of God's creation, the purpose God has bestowed upon each creation, no. Though it is but a pale comparison, if we place creation in layers reflecting God's place for each creation, the higher layers of creation are held to account of God's will and God's righteousness, while the lower layers are held to account of fulfilling their bestowed purpose only. Just as the tree stands against the wind, provides shade, provides shelter and oxygen; the lightning strikes against the tree and the thunder shatters it, the fire burns it and gives way to ash which fertilizes the ground and makes way for new life. To each is given a place, to each is given a purpose.

I wonder, is there not more I could be doing to fulfill my purpose in God's plan? Will I be counted among the righteous? I can do naught but pray and seek God's will fervently, knowing that pursuing his will shall grant me guidance to my place and purpose.

~Archon Azdan Amith,  Order of Light's Retribution
Theobar Cresthill
The Arzad Hamri Fellowship
#2 - 2012-07-23 18:49:22 UTC
And this is shortly followed by:

"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."

I'd be interested in hearing your interpretation.

"The fire in our hearts burns for salvation, redemption, and grace. May the Word of God grant you the courage to save yourself and your people" (The Last Words of Arzad Hamri)
Azdan Amith
Doomheim
#3 - 2012-07-23 18:53:37 UTC
Mister Cresthill,

I am pleased to see your interest and I will expand upon my understanding of the passage you quoted in time. There is much to say, more than one man could ever hope to and I am not a recognized authority on Scripture by the Theology Council so anything I say is simply an exposition from my own understanding and pursuit of faithfulness and righteousness. I pray that further reflections will be met with a mix of scrutiny and appreciation.

~Archon Azdan Amith,  Order of Light's Retribution
Lyn Farel
Societas Imperialis Sceptri Coronaeque
Khimi Harar
#4 - 2012-07-23 20:01:32 UTC  |  Edited by: Lyn Farel
Please note that I have no authority on the matter, and this is a brief summar of my personnal understanding, or analysis.

Theobar Cresthill wrote:
"The Amarr people came into the world and the world came into being.


This is probably to be taken metaphorically since what we have left since the Eve Gate collapsed indicates that the Amarr were not the Amarr yet before their civilization was erected on their original island on Athra, considering that our ancestors were settlers. This is also confirmed in the next passage. So, the world as described in the Amarr culture at t=0, started when the Amarr culture started to emerge.

Theobar Cresthill wrote:
Our illustrious ancestors freed their souls from the evils of the old world and created a new one..


Ancestors that broke with the ways of old. Probably prior to the emergence of the Amarr society, and related to the original settlers of Athra. Some historians also point at the fact that the Amarr ancestors parted with the other settlers of the main land, before landing on their island.

Theobar Cresthill wrote:
The great Amarr Empire was founded to cultivate the spirit of man.


Pretty self explanatory. Spirituality and knowledge.

Theobar Cresthill wrote:
To do so the enemies of the outside had to be defeated and the enemies of the inside controlled.


That passage can either be taken literally as a reference to a historical event, maybe when the Amarr Holders ancestors united under the rule of the first Amarr Emperor Amash-Akura. Or maybe in a more global way like when the Udorians came across the sea, and later, when the Khanid were encountered, when both of these cultures were reclaimed.

It can also be taken metaphorically. Maybe it refers to the Amarr ancestors that had to overcome their inner demons while facing adversity.


Theobar Cresthill wrote:
The Lord gave our Emperor the power to harness the Good and punish the Evil.


A highly subjective remark from the author which obviously came from a strong will to make sure that justice is applied. It can also be interpreted in the sense that the Emperor is seen as the embodiment of the divine, a mediator that acts between the people and God, the universe, the creation.

In any way, It can be seen as one of the first scripture reference to the human mandate of the Emperor where the Amarr people, in spite of the universe amorality and adversity, have to make sure that Good prevails over Evil. A clear reference to one of the first human moral construct.
Azdan Amith
Doomheim
#5 - 2012-07-24 12:21:57 UTC
History and Civilization


The Scriptures, Book I 1:14 wrote:

"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 beginning of this passage is often misunderstood and many have argued that it is the epitome of arrogance to claim that the world didn't come into being until the Amarr were in it, or to suggest that the Amarr were the first among God's creations. To this, I would say that I agree wholeheartedly. Instead, we look at this passage from a cultural and societal standpoint.

The interesting thing to note is the seeming paradox, that the Amarr came into the world before it came into being. If we instead compare these two juxtaposed thoughts symbolically, we realize that it is a statement that the Amarr began their existence on the world of Athra and the colonization and cultivation of the planet of Athra shaped and molded Athra. The planet and the people developed as one, together because of one another.

The second part suggests the state of existence in the "old world" before the Amarr passed through the Eve Gate into this new world. A world apart from righteousness, filled with injustice and sin; a world which pressed the people that would become the forefathers of the Amarr to seek out a new existence. The passage speaks of spiritual liberation from wickedness and sin and the creation of a new civilization and society (a new world) built upon righteousness before God. (It is to be understood at this point that the Amarr held previous knowledge of the existence of God from the old world, apparently God was all but forgotten or forsaken in the old world and the Amarr sought to remember and worship him).

The third part compliments the first two parts, the Amarr Empire was founded by our ancestors with the express purpose of being an example of righteousness and spiritual awareness of God; it became the purpose of the Empire to show the truth of God's existence and righteousness to all we came in contact with. The focus here should be on the word cultivate, which suggests that our purpose was not one of conquest but one of guidance, instruction and edification. At some point, it would have to have become accepted that societies that resisted the instruction of God did so because they did not understand God and thus lived in the same wickedness and evil that the Amarr originally fled from; it was likely the mindset of the Amarr at the time that forcing these societies to witness the righteousness of God was the most benevolent and righteous thing they could do, despite knowing they would likely be hated and resisted for it.

The fourth part explains the constant struggle the Amarr had to face along their path. The passage refers to both the individual and the collective society as a whole. To the individual, the enemies outside would be the trials and tribulations placed before the individual that would cause them to stumble in their walk of righteousness; be they vices or other humans. The enemies within refers to the struggle against oneself to remain disciplined in righteousness. It is easy to forsake the path of God in pursuit of personal pleasure or gain, to turn one's gaze away from God and toward oneself or one's desires. For the society, it was a more literal application: Those that opposed God and the Amarr violently had to be defeated in order to break their resistance enough to being showing them toward God and those within that rebelled or sought to sow unrighteousness had to be controlled and the damage they would cause had to be limited.

The fifth and sixth parts are the precedent for the sanctified and exalted position and purpose of our Emperor (or Empress, as is the case currently). The Amarr Empire was founded upon the principles of righteousness before God and the morality that surrounds this pursuit. The Emperor was given the power to govern, instruct and guide; the power to reward the righteous and good and the power to punish and break the evil. Because of this vested power, the Emperor is forever charged with cultivating the spirits and lives of those within the Empire, to be forever a part of his people yet to be separated by the air of authority in order to ensure that we do not stray from the path of righteousness.

~Archon Azdan Amith,  Order of Light's Retribution
Theobar Cresthill
The Arzad Hamri Fellowship
#6 - 2012-07-24 15:29:32 UTC
Mr. Amith

I appreciate your time in calm discussion, something somewhat rare around here. I hope you will indulge a few questions from me from time to time.

What is your doctrine of inspiration with regard to Scripture? Do you believe that the actual words are Divinely inspired? Or, do you believe that the principles behind the words are inspired? Perhaps you believe something entirely different. I do think that a doctrine of inspiration is behind most interpretation. I'd be interested to know your approach.

Thanks

"The fire in our hearts burns for salvation, redemption, and grace. May the Word of God grant you the courage to save yourself and your people" (The Last Words of Arzad Hamri)
Azdan Amith
Doomheim
#7 - 2012-07-24 15:37:37 UTC
Mister Cresthill,

I am pleased to see that we are able to discuss this with civility and respect, it seems our initial meeting was not representative of either of us.

To your inquiry, it is a very good question and an important one. The original Scriptures were given to the Amarr through divine beings and then through the prophets like Gheinok. With this understanding, I would state that the purity of scripture is divinely established.

Additions to the original must be weighed and considered in light of the principles of the original. To this, I would state that I believe (as you suggested) that the principles behind Scripture are divine and that anything written to be part of the Scriptures must be weighed in comparison to the original principles and messages of the Scriptures. If the message is consistent and the principles remain consistent, then the additional thoughts and expositions may be considered divinely inspired. If they are inconsistent or even opposed to the original principles and messages then they need to be discarded and are not considered divinely inspired.

I pray this has sufficiently answered our question.

~Archon Azdan Amith,  Order of Light's Retribution
Theobar Cresthill
The Arzad Hamri Fellowship
#8 - 2012-07-24 15:56:37 UTC
Dear Mr. Amith,

In many ways, you and the Hamrites are on the same page with regard to a "principled" approach to divine inspiration. At the end of the day, we may find our interpretations somewhat different, but we have common starting point. I'm quite excited about this, because it also means that we agree that the principles of Scripture are translatable and therefore accessible to people.

Imagine for a moment that you and I both read the same text in our morning meditation. God intended us both to hear and understand the principle of the text and to apply it to our lives. The positive potential is that we will both be divinely led to do so and grow in righteousness. Let us read then the Word in fear and trembling and in great humility!

I look forward to continued positive agreement and constructive disagreement with you on this subject.

Theobar

"The fire in our hearts burns for salvation, redemption, and grace. May the Word of God grant you the courage to save yourself and your people" (The Last Words of Arzad Hamri)
Azdan Amith
Doomheim
#9 - 2012-07-25 16:02:46 UTC  |  Edited by: Azdan Amith
Struggle
YC 114.07.25


The situation was considered, the decision made: sacrifice.

Throughout my time spent studying Scripture, it has always been apparent that the path of righteousness leads its walkers through hardship, struggle and trial. I wonder if others have ever pondered what trials and tribulations they might face as they walk the path, what sacrifices might be asked of them? I know I have and do.

Even with careful consideration and meticulous tracing of strands through the web of consequences in life, it amazes me how often our lives take unexpected turns and we are faced with situations and sacrifices we never considered for ourselves. It is in these moments that I find myself most dependent on God, on faith to sustain me.

The decision to become a capsuleer was not one I made lightly and it came at great cost. I have spent every night since on my knees in prayer and meditation and I will continue to do so; for even though the cost has been great, my pursuit of God's will and righteousness has never been greater.

It seems to me that our thirst for righteousness and our faith in the God we serve only grows stronger as the trials before us become more overwhelming. We realize as we come to the end of ourselves that something else must be there to sustain us and it is in this moment of revelation that we catch a glimpse of the majesty of our God.

What cost would be too high, what struggle would be too great that I could turn my back away from you? I could attest and declare that never would such a thing come to pass, but I am swiftly reminded that should I fail to guard my heart and mind...

What nightmarish realm awaits me in the desert of my despair? What horrors line the halls of my thoughts and dreams in the catacombs of my anguish? Are they greater than I? Are they greater than you?

Have mercy on me and cover my weakness with your strength. Let not my struggles be in vain!

~Archon Azdan Amith,  Order of Light's Retribution
Theobar Cresthill
The Arzad Hamri Fellowship
#10 - 2012-07-26 13:25:06 UTC
It is time to test our hermeneutics. Let me not be perceived as confronting you in a disrespectful manner but rather to place the Hamrite hermeneutic next to yours and shake out the differences.

We believe that there is no justification in Scripture for the institution of slavery and that slavery is a political and economic institution, not a religious institution. The principles of Scripture, in particular the book of reclaiming press not for slavery but for benevolent leadership conducted in such a way that others "choose willingly" to serve. The truth of God compels the heart not with chains, shackles, or various other tools of the slaver, but with the power of example and mercy. The righteous are rewarded for "choosing" to serve God. That is how Amarr is supposed to rule the worlds of the heavens.

I am interested to know if you find a doctrine of slavery in Scripture and if so, where? What Scriptural principle drives the institution of slavery if you believe there is one?

I anticipate debate on this subject and make a commitment now to avoid all character assassination, deprecatory language, insults of any kind. When disagreeing, I will simply state, "I disagree..."

"The fire in our hearts burns for salvation, redemption, and grace. May the Word of God grant you the courage to save yourself and your people" (The Last Words of Arzad Hamri)
Azdan Amith
Doomheim
#11 - 2012-07-26 17:38:39 UTC  |  Edited by: Azdan Amith
A fair and pointed query Mister Cresthill, allow me the time to try and answer it with the weight and grace it deserves.

First, I will state that I believe I am familiar with the doctrine you are speaking in reference to; it has grown in popularity in recent years and indeed can be reasonably verified with Scripture. It is a view I myself have weighed and considered in the past.

Allow me then to try and demonstrate carefully where the principle of slavery begins, where it can be justified through Scripture and where it belongs within our theology and subsequent culture.

To begin we must understand the nature of the Reclaiming, for slavery is subservient to the Reclaiming like a glove that fits over the hand yet is a servant to it. The Reclaiming is a doctrine found in Scripture (indeed with an entire book dedicated to it) that speaks primarily of returning to God that which is his by virtue of creation (that being all things). The term "Reclaim" comes from this idea of reclaiming what is God's. The purpose of the Reclaiming is to bring everything and everyone into God's light, where all belongs and will return (Principally, this means to lead everyone toward righteousness so that they may exist in harmony with God as opposed to separated in dissonance). To do this does not require slavery, but slavery is a path upon which it may occur and it is on this point I will focus.

To begin, let me illustrate the basis for the Amarr being considered the Chosen of God and tasked with the divine mandate of the Reclaiming. The Scriptures portray this mandate:

The Scriptures, various passages wrote:

"[...]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.[...]"
-Book I 1:14b

"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."
-Book II 2:1

"I give to 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

"So the Lord sent forth the Chosen,
to bring forth the light of faith
And those who embrace his love
Shall be saved by his grace
For we are his shepherds in the darkness
His Angels of Mercy.
But those who turn away from his light,
And reject his true word
Shall be struck down by his wrath
For we are his retribution incarnate
His Angels of Vengeance"
-Book of Reclaiming 4:45

"Chosen, you are first before God.
You are the True and the Faithful.
But in such a state must you hold yourselves high above all.
And constantly prove yourself worthy of Gods Love.
How can such a gift be repaid,
Other than to toil all our days,
In his glorious service,
According to his will,
Serving him always,
Bearing him first in our thoughts,
Always must we strive to show him our worth,
For we are the Chosen, Blessed above all."
-Anoiya's Exhortation to the Faithful


The common themes among these verses are the divine call to righteousness, the bestowing of blessing and purpose upon the Amarr for living righteously and the imparting of duty upon the Amarr to bring others into righteousness. This establishes and reiterates the divine mandate that we Amarr are charged with a sacred duty to shepherd God's creation toward his will and righteousness.

We are in agreement that these verses set the demand upon the Amarr to be an example, to lead by virtue and display. If we take what I believe to be the epitome of the charge upon the Amarr, Anoiya's Exhortation, the call is clear that we are to hold ourselves "high above all." It has been argued that this is a reference to an exalted social and cultural status, but I believe the context points more toward an ethical and moral standard we are to hold ourselves to. It seems consistent with Scripture that this standard of righteousness won God's favor (Book II 2:1) and God consequently imparted upon the Amarr (now called the Chosen) the sacred duty of the Reclaiming. If we consider this again in the light of Anoiya's Exhortation, then we must remain vigilant in our righteousness, serving constantly as an example for we are indebted to God for his favor and charged by God to bring all before him.

[continued]

~Archon Azdan Amith,  Order of Light's Retribution
Kazzzi
Heathen Legion
Iron Men of the Hood
#12 - 2012-07-26 18:05:22 UTC
Here is a Kaztropolitan Scripture I discovered and posted to the IGS a while back. We believe it is the true explanation for the origin of the Amarrian culture and it is the basis for a modern legal Kaztropolitan holiday:

In the beginning there was sorrow and despair.
The planets revolved in voids of darkness.
The people were without hope.
Then there was Kazzzi, and he was good.
The people saw his goodness and came to him .
They made offerings to him of spiced wine and sweet leaves.
Kazzzi was moved by the people and their affection.
He thus rewarded his flock with delicate sweet pastries.
And the people rejoiced.

-Book of Heathens 69:69
Azdan Amith
Doomheim
#13 - 2012-07-26 18:05:51 UTC  |  Edited by: Azdan Amith
It is because of these passages and this theme in Scripture that I hold the belief that we are charged to be an example as one with merit and Scriptural backing. It is also why I believe that should the Amarr begin to demonstrate unrighteousness and consistently fail to uphold the higher moral and ethical standard we are called to exhibit, that we (like all others) will face God's judgment and we are as responsible for holding one another accountable to this sacred duty as we are for holding others accountable to it.

Continuing from this point, we address the concept of slavery and how it comes into part with the Reclaiming. It is clear in the passages I have already shown that we are called to lead by example and with action, we are called to reclaim all of creation for God and to hold ourselves accountable to this purpose and to the righteousness that first warranted our worthiness of it. I now again refer to passages within Scripture.

The Scriptures, various passages wrote:

"[...]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.[...]"
-Book I 1:14b

"There will be neither compassion nor mercy;
Nor peace, nor solace
For those who bear witness to these Signs
And still do not believe."
-Book of Reclaiming 25:10

"So the Lord sent forth the Chosen,
to bring forth the light of faith
And those who embrace his love
Shall be saved by his grace
For we are his shepherds in the darkness
His Angels of Mercy.
But those who turn away from his light,
And reject his true word
Shall be struck down by his wrath
For we are his retribution incarnate
His Angels of Vengeance"
-Book of Reclaiming 4:45

"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"
-Book of Missions 42:5

"For whosoever shall lay his life down for his Lord
He shall be taken into the arms of God
And forever consecrated will he be
But whosoever shall turn from the light
And run in fear
The Lord shall abandon him
And forever forsaken will he be"
-Amarr Askura 2:3


Again, the common themes in these passages are the call to righteousness for all people, the consequences of rejecting this call and the order and principle by which one may be led to God. If we understand this in context with the above revelation to live as examples, we see that part of our sacred charge is to bring all people to bear before God. To do this, the Amarr must bring the message of faith and tenets of righteousness to all people; the primary charge to be an example of these tenets so others may witness what it means to serve God, the secondary charge to do what we are able to reveal to them their need for God and break them of resistance and the final charge to judge those who, after all else, refuse the truth before them.

This order of Reclaiming is outlined repeatedly in the Scriptures I have referenced:

  • First, the call to lead by example and righteousness (I 1:14b, Reclaiming 4:45a, Askura 2:3a)
  • Second, the call to break resistance (I 1:14b, Missions 42:5)
  • Third, the call to judge the rebellious (Reclaiming 25:10, Reclaiming 4:45b, Askura 2:3b)


That theme is listed in that order throughout Scripture and this is where slavery comes into play. Missions 42:5 has long been held as the primary justification for the practice of slavery in the light of the Reclaiming, for it is through slavery that an individual will face many hardships and find themselves stripped of all things that would distract them from God (wealth, power, illicit entertainment, career, etc) as they are forbidden from these things. Furthermore, slavery teaches an individual what it means to serve the will of another, to become reliant on another and to realize that individual strength is fallible and subject to anyone stronger. Once free from distraction, possessing understanding of servitude and awareness of need to rely on God's strength (which is infallible and without equal), an individual may finally see God in his glory and in this, they are closest to him. This understanding of slavery and its place within the cultivation of the human soul is attached completely to the divine mandate of the Reclaiming and thus, by extension, is shared in the sacred duty, completely inseparable from this mandate.

Because of this, if slavery is no longer attached to the divine mandate, no longer practiced with the purpose of bringing an individual to righteousness and no longer seen as only the second part (a step) in the path toward righteousness, then it has lost its place and should be abolished completely.

EDIT: There have been examples of those whom have embraced God's love and righteousness without the need for slavery, I believe this is and shall remain the preferred way of salvation. Slavery should not ever be the first or preferred method by which righteousness comes. It is most accurately a penal system for rebellion against the revelation of truth.

Following the outline above, if an individual (or group of individuals) still resists God and rebels against righteousness after being shown the true path, there will be no mercy, no compassion, no forgiveness; only judgment. (Reclaiming 25:10, Reclaiming 4:45b, Askura 2:3b)

Forgive me for the lengthy answer, but because of the difficulty of this subject and the rampancy by which differing and opposing viewpoints spread, I felt it important to outline the foundation behind it clearly.

~Archon Azdan Amith,  Order of Light's Retribution
Theobar Cresthill
The Arzad Hamri Fellowship
#14 - 2012-07-27 13:02:44 UTC
Mr. Amith, thank you for your explanation. I appreciate the time and thoughtfulness. I also agree the principles of Scripture allow for many "possible" courses of action. As you mentioned, slavery "may" but not "must" be a path. Scripture might allow for but does not mandate slavery. I believe that all current arguments in favor of slavery involve defensive aposteriori argumentation that takes the historical precident of slavery and argues backwards seeking a justification in the principles of Scripture. That isn't a strong form of argument. However, if we were to weigh all the different ways to bring the faith to the nations, would scripture favor slavery as the best option? Rather than address your entire post, I thought it best to focus on an actual interpretive difference that is significant. Note the text that follows:

"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 42:5

Traditional interpretation sees this as a possible justification for slavery, as you reflected in your post. Two issue I have with this.

First, the Hamrites believe that this passage addresses those who are already converted not unbelievers. The Book of Missions is not addressed to would be believers but as a book of piety to those who already believe and seek a deeper faith. The passage above addresses the role of hardship in the life of the faithful in order to bring them closer to God. This text is not instruction on how to bring unbelievers into the fold. It is about how to use our hardships as believers to draw nearer to God. This text should not be used as a support of the institution of slavery.

Second, even if I thought that this text referred to a means to draw an unbeliever into faith, I see no principle in it sufficient to justify slavery. Those who would presume that they are in the place of God to put slavery on whole people thinking that it is the "hardship" that will bring them to faith, are mistaken. Again, the text is about individual piety through personal suffering. This text is about each man in individual relationship with God. God is the one in charge of allowing the hardship in each individual life. God doesn't need the help of slavery to do this.

Finally, I wish to comment on the failure of slavery to generate true conversion as a primary effect. Cultural attrition, not the hardship of slavery brought enslaved cultures into eventual acceptance of the Amarr religion e.g. Ni Kunni. Occasionally, it appears as though a slave willingly adopts the faith. Beware; it is likely that these conversions are a psychological phenomenon, not a spiritual phenomenon. Stockholm Syndrome or what you may have heard of as "Capture Bonding" is the likely explanation for most slave conversions. This psychological phenomenon where captured slaves express empathy, have positive feelings towards their captors, accepting and defending their religion; this is not true conversion. Slavery is a most ineffective means to draw a person to sincere righteousness. Anyone is quite capable of discerning the difference between suffering allowed by God for cleansing and suffering perpetrated by man, e.g. slavery.

Hindsight being what it is , it is too easy to criticize our fore-bearers for choosing slavery and justifying it with scriptures that are anything but conclusive in the matter. However, we are in the now. Is the present continuation of slavery a Scriptural choice? The Hamrites say no it isn't.

"The fire in our hearts burns for salvation, redemption, and grace. May the Word of God grant you the courage to save yourself and your people" (The Last Words of Arzad Hamri)
Azdan Amith
Doomheim
#15 - 2012-07-28 02:21:07 UTC
A well written response and one that I had anticipated. The Book of Missions is a sister book to the Book of Reclaiming, focused on enduring tests and hardships in the pursuit of God (the consistent theme of the book) as well as revelations regarding the nature of those tests. While it is clear that the passages in the book are meant to apply to the faithful, they also serve as groundwork for the faithful. By this, I mean that the faithful are meant to understand the place and purpose of trials, tribulations and hardships and in this understanding are able to instruct others during these hardships and trials.

The justification for slavery isn't just the passage in the Book of Missions alone. As with all things in our religion, it can only be truly considered in-line with Scripture if it is a consistent message. In this case, we see throughout Scripture a mandated order of service.

The Scriptures, various passages wrote:

"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"
-Book I 1:4

"And the Lord spake, and said, Lo, my people,
Witness, for I have made the worlds of Heaven;
And these worlds I give to you, My Chosen,
So Amarr shall rule the worlds of the Heavens.

None shall stand higher than you save the Sefrim,
Who serve Me as others shall serve you,
For all things under Me serve one higher;
So Amarr shall rule the worlds of the Heavens.

As Garrulor rules the skies; as Frisceas rules the sea;
As Emperor rules Holder; as Holder rules Serf;
Yet all under Heaven serve Me;
So shall Amarr rule the worlds of the Heavens."
-Book of Reclaiming 3:19-21


The latter passages are more commonly used to emphasize slavery as a part of this ordained order of creation. Combined with the above explanation and the ordained order here; it remains consistent that slavery must be a religious institution or it is without justification.

It is important to note that nowhere in Scriptures (that I know of, though I would never claim to know all of Scripture) is slavery mentioned or directly justified. It is only through the established understanding of Scripture, the ordained order of creation and the understanding of the lessons and institution of slavery that it could be considered justified.

Furthermore, I will make it a point to emphasize that slavery is most accurately described as a penal institution for rebellion against righteousness. It is not and should not be the first method to impart instruction and righteousness, but it is one of the most effective ways to break a rebellious spirit and bring the rebellious humbly to their knees before God. While this may seem cruel, the Amarr as a people place value on the human soul above and beyond anything else pertaining to humanity. If the soul is brought before God through slavery then good has come from it.

Those looking in would see this as cruelty and inhumanity but, in truth, it is only one of many ways by which we seek to save the eternal soul of an individual for that is priceless.

~Archon Azdan Amith,  Order of Light's Retribution
Gottii
Brutor Tribe
Minmatar Republic
#16 - 2012-07-28 02:39:39 UTC
Kazzzi wrote:
Here is a Kaztropolitan Scripture I discovered and posted to the IGS a while back. We believe it is the true explanation for the origin of the Amarrian culture and it is the basis for a modern legal Kaztropolitan holiday:

In the beginning there was sorrow and despair.
The planets revolved in voids of darkness.
The people were without hope.
Then there was Kazzzi, and he was good.
The people saw his goodness and came to him .
They made offerings to him of spiced wine and sweet leaves.
Kazzzi was moved by the people and their affection.
He thus rewarded his flock with delicate sweet pastries.
And the people rejoiced.

-Book of Heathens 69:69



All these gifts, sweat leaves and spiced wine, but no one thought to bring aviator sunglasses Kazzzi?
Unit XS365BT
Unit Commune
#17 - 2012-07-28 03:05:49 UTC
Gottii wrote:

All these gifts, sweat leaves and spiced wine, but no one thought to bring aviator sunglasses Kazzzi?



If they had done so, how would we see Kazzi's imposing frown? I for one think he would have struck down these impious carriers of reflective eyewear

.........

We Return

Unit XS365BT. Designated Communications Officer. Unit Commune.
Theobar Cresthill
The Arzad Hamri Fellowship
#18 - 2012-07-28 17:50:24 UTC  |  Edited by: Theobar Cresthill
"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"
-Book I 1:4

"And the Lord spake, and said, Lo, my people,
Witness, for I have made the worlds of Heaven;
And these worlds I give to you, My Chosen,
So Amarr shall rule the worlds of the Heavens.

None shall stand higher than you save the Sefrim,
Who serve Me as others shall serve you,
For all things under Me serve one higher;
So Amarr shall rule the worlds of the Heavens.

As Garrulor rules the skies; as Frisceas rules the sea;
As Emperor rules Holder; as Holder rules Serf;
Yet all under Heaven serve Me;
So shall Amarr rule the worlds of the Heavens."
-Book of Reclaiming 3:19-21

Dear Mr. Amith,
Let's make a promise to one another that we will not do what is so popular here on the IGS. That is, argue to time infinity even when we know we will not change the other person's mind. We are as an almost balanced scale where you slightly tip to one side and I to the other. I enjoy the self-control and care you put into your posts even though we are not in agreement. I'll leave this post for you to reply to if you wish, but I respect your opinions on this matter rather than continue to argue the opposite. Perhaps we can move on to other subjects that Scripture addresses.

I concede that an argument may be made from scripture to support slavery. But, I believe that a better argument may be made against slavery from those same scriptures. We lite on different sides of the scale on this issue. The Hamrites believe that while God is in essence above His creation, in relationship He is incarnate and along side us in mercy and help. We submit to His righteousness because of His attendant mercy. In closeness there is mercy; in distance there is wrath. I love your choice of Scriptures that I also quote above. To Amarr, God have given the task of modelling His rulership on a temporal scale. Arzad Hamri evolved in his own understanding of this more and more in the direction of incarnational leadership. As a result, among the Minmatar tribes, the Starkmanir and only the Starkmanir became almost completely accepting of the faith.

He saw no contradiction between the Starkmanir culture and the Amarr faith. He humbly learned of their spirituality as well as modelling his own. He came to see that the "worlds are given to the Amarr" not to conquer and enslave, but to mentor and nurture in the faith. He came to see that in God's economy to truly "stand higher than all" is best accomplished by standing with, working with, sharing authority with, those you seek to reach for God. When one really understnads who one is in God, one has nothing to prove and no need to grasp at one's position. One is free to serve. The irony: it is the servant who conquers hearts. The tyrant only conquers bodies.

Finally, "all under heaven serve God." How does God want us to serve Him? Willingly and from the heart. If the Amarr hope to be an incarnational representation of the the God of mercy who wins the hearts of people for himself, then mercy must triumph over judgment. Slavery focusses on judgment and alienates the heart.

Historically, the Amarr military machine gave no chance for cultures to hear and incorporate the Amarr faith. They merely swept in and enslaved. They short circuited mercy in favor of judgment. Judgement is to be reserved for outright rejection and hostility after mercy has been proffered. Historically, there has never been a reasonable peaceful effort to spread the Amarr faith, instead conquest and enslavement have been the choice. Is this really a true incarnational representation of our God to the people under heaven? God will support us as instruments of His wrath and judgment when we are attacked from the outside. But I do not believe we have His favor or support when we begin with conquest and enslavement rather than with peaceful, merciful, incarnational presence with other cultures.

Yet all under Heaven serve Me;
So shall Amarr rule the worlds of the Heavens

Why do you and I want to serve God? Because we know His love, mercy, and goodness. Because our hearts have felt his hand in our trials so our hearts freely reach out to embrace his righteousness. Our mission among others should provoke the same desire. I don't believe slavery does this. I think it is time for the faithful to reject it.

Edit: I would like to thank Kazzi, Unit, and Gotti for providing much needed comic relief to this discussion.

"The fire in our hearts burns for salvation, redemption, and grace. May the Word of God grant you the courage to save yourself and your people" (The Last Words of Arzad Hamri)
Azdan Amith
Doomheim
#19 - 2012-08-02 12:52:44 UTC
YC 114.08.02

Paladin's Creed wrote:

"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."


A creed. A prayer. A promise.

Tests come in many forms, at many times and from many angles. We can never know which tests we will face and when we will face them, we can only know that we will face each of them with the conviction and courage found from possessing faith in God. Knowing, beyond doubt, that he will sustain us, that he will be glorified by our actions, that he will not abandon us, that he will reward our sacrifices.

It is a painful thing to realize that oft times pursuing that which is righteous and pure will cause enmity between myself and those around me. Perhaps this is why so many of us become hardened and steel our emotions and our expressions, the pain of our sincerity weighs heavily upon our shoulders but trudging through life with sagged shoulders and sunken morale would not reflect the purpose, conviction and joy we find in faith. To shield our hearts from those around us, we stand tall and unwavering in public, baring our hearts before God and weeping in the darkest corners of our habitats. Why must your ways be so foreign to the natural mind, oh God? Why have we strayed so far that the light surrounding you stings our eyes and hides your face?

I will not hesitate when the test of faith finds me, whatever form that test may take, whatever time that test may come, whatever angle that test strikes from. I will place my faith in you and find my conviction in your resolute presence and unshakable power. If even one soul is touched by my life, if the darkness is washed away and bathed in light for even one individual then I will count all loss as acceptable and count myself blessed among the stars.

I will stand before the gates of Paradise in confidence knowing that I have served you whatever the cost.

My prayer, oh God, is that I will not stand alone.

~Archon Azdan Amith,  Order of Light's Retribution
Azdan Amith
Doomheim
#20 - 2012-08-09 12:24:43 UTC  |  Edited by: Azdan Amith
YC 114.08.09

Prophet Kuria 4:23 wrote:

"For forty millennia 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 in God."


Even the Chosen of God can falter and succumb to temptations and sins. When we begin to believe ourselves above temptation, we are most in danger of it. When we hail ourselves exalted above others we are most in danger of being humbled by our God. Oh God, grant me the wisdom to understand that it is harder to see the needs of Creation around me when my nose is upturned and my vision blinded by hubris, I do not see through my nostrils.

The words of the Prophet Kuria reverberate in my soul, the lamentations of the opening as we wandered lost and separated from our God for our own sins and failings. Yet I can look out upon the cluster and see the same presently happening to so many; wandering souls in search of Truth, the innate desire that burns within the hearts of Man to find the Truth of all things, a search that invariably leads us toward the Divine even if we cannot see clearly to the Truth of the Divine without guidance. There are those that seek to understand by setting aside the Divine, pursuing Truth apart from the Giver of Truth and while they may find answers that satisfy them, I weep for the desert their oasis is surrounded by. For the rest, though we search for the Divine and impart upon it many names and perceive it differently, may our searching souls be shown the Light and eventually find their ways to you, Oh God. May the Chosen to carry the torches of your Light forever shine, let not our own light fade but remain ever close to you.

May the virtues of Prophet Kuria speak to our hearts. Let us not fail to see our own sins lest we wander once again in the desert for our misgivings, may we kneel in repentance and bathe in your mercy. May our repentance be sincere as meekness penetrates to our hearts and shines through our dealings. Yes, even though the cluster around us may not understand, let us forever be subservient to you and our hearts forever be aflame for the destiny of their eternal souls. Let us embody servitude to you and forsake all that is temporal and passing.

For the stars will not mourn as we pass from this life into Paradise. The air will not cease its blowing because we have faded from its presence. Let all that we possess be swallowed up by the dirt of the planets below us, for all that is not eternal is without value before you. Only in you, oh God, can eternal value be found.

~Archon Azdan Amith,  Order of Light's Retribution
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