Often in the history of humanity, people have discovered a spiritual life that brings serenity in the midst of calamity. Equally often, spreading such a discovery leads to ossification of ideas into rigid religions that negate the discovery itself.
On old Earth, before and during colonization, the three warring sects of Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism had combined into one. They called their god Elláh and embraced key tenets of all three:
- From Christianity: Elláh as all-powerful Creator, who sent His Son Jaysus to Earth to be crucified for sin, and the antithesis Saitan.
- From Islam: personal surrender to Elláh through daily practice of the Five Pillars: religious life, prayer, concern for the needy, self-purification, and mission.
- From Hinduism: the four goals of Life, being dharma (ethics/duties), artha (prosperity/work), kama (desires/passions), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of death/rebirth)
True adherents to Elláh always demonstrated a level of peace unusual among people. On Verdant, they gravitated to the freedom of Beta continent—but needed separation from the chaos of Tileus. In 223 AT, they moved quietly over the mountains to the west, founding their own communes that eventually won a civil war for independence.
Unfortunately life in Rathas grew to center on religion rather than spirituality. Power corrupts, and those with power always want more. At the highest level, leadership is vested in Ministers who execute policy with a steel hand covered in a velvet glove. They enjoy high technology and trade with the other countries, but they demonstrate arrogance rather than humility.
Citizens of Rathas view themselves as enlightened and peaceful people. For the most part, they are unaware of the rigid controls hidden in their structure to curb heresy. They want to share with others. Young people go on Mission to the other countries to spread their enlightenment, often finding their message not welcome.
Not-so-hidden in the background is the ever-present possibility of Holy War.
Doc Honour Books 