A Thesis On Church And Community

[Urahra 5777]

-=A Thesis on Church and Community=-

By Acolyte Lorina Carrion

 

            Community is the backbone of the Church. The Canon draws its strength not from its grand cathedrals, not from its bevy of artifacts and relics – but from the Faithful. A building with no residents will fall and decay. Its sturdy walls will crumble and vines will overtake it. A library with no librarian will rot away, eaten by worms and buried in dust. It is we, the Faithful, who keep the church alive and protect her from the various foes and heretics who would wish to see her wasted.

 

            The relationship between the Creator and His church is one of interdependence. God offers salvation to his Faithful. The church is the house of God, built as a center of worship and community. Yet, without a congregation to fill it, a church is nothing but an empty building. A beautiful building, perhaps, but one without soul. It requires the Faithful to fill it, to sanctify it with their praises, and to endow it with significance and meaning. An abandoned church is a pitiful sight, for it is the duty of the Faithful to maintain God’s house and welcome others into its fold. The state of a town’s church is the state of its community. A filthy, squalid church, abandoned by its people, indicates a community in dire need of direction and salvation. A clean, bright church – full of laughter, song, and comfort – illustrates a congregation of the truly Faithful.

 

            I learned these lessons as a child, when I lived in an abbey. The nuns worshipped every day in their chapel. As a result, their community was strong and vibrant. Their love of God beget a love for each other. There is a reason members of the clergy call each other “brother” and “sister” – because worshipping together forges disparate individuals into true families of Faith. When I left the abbey, it grieved my heart to see that many churches in Oren stood abandoned. They did not even have a priest to light the incense and hold weekly mass. As a result, the towns and communities of Oren became fragmented, leading to treachery, deceit, and treason. The weakness of Faith lead to a weakness in community – and thus a weakness of nations.

 

            For my Celebrant task, I was called upon to build a church. At first, I despaired. How on earth could I possibly achieve such a monumental task by myself? For the first few months, I prayed and read, hoping God would deliver the answer unto me. Very suddenly, the answer appeared. One person alone is helpless, but many together can achieve splendid things. One person worshipped alone is not a religion. Many people, banding together under one Word, one Faith, and one God, creates religion. With the help of a pious Duke and a soldier of the Canon who had fought in the Schism, I was able to amass the resources necessary to build a church. To me, these actions reflect the necessary independent relationship between church and community. Community is forged in the halls of Faith, but the halls of Faith are supported by community.

 

            With my actions, I have created a congregation of the Faithful in Vanaheimr. It is my hope to continue to foster this community – to build Faith and thus its loyalty to God and fellow men. 

[Ford 1996]

"This was written by a woman? This is honestly quite good," the southeron man would exclaim!

[Endovelicus 613]

Johan smiles reading the thesis. "We are the living rock of the church indeed."

[Porko 397]

Evios smiles with pride at the piety of the Orenian people.

[Space 2335]

"Kay." An bearded elf guy says.

[The S.U.R.O Serpent 111]

Nice thread! Thumbs up.

[Robae 15]

Lorin would allow a content, and proud smile to appear for her aunt's fortunate this time around!

[Knox213 10]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.