A Thesis On Church Militarism

[_Stigwig 1510]

A Thesis on Church Militarism

Since time immemorial, since the governance of Horen I. - greatest of the four brothers, has the Church of the Lord, our Creator, and militant groups devoted to the Lord been linked in both partnership and conflict, the plethora of various assorted issues generating much controversy through and within theological circles filled with men of great learning and knowledge in these areas.

The greatest example of a High Pontiff able to govern militants, in my humble opinion, is that of High Pontiff Saint Lucien I. A militant man himself, devout and holy yet one of the violent Order of the White Rose and the organiser of such campaigns as those of 1406 against the Orcish menace, he was able to successfully control military orders through his own power. Creating and encouraging the disbandment of groups, he was able to prevent a rise of monopolised militant power and thus a stranglehold on the Church, while meanwhile maintaining and utilising a useful tool. In the Third Bull of Dibley the now deceased High Pontiff Daniel I. outlined a group of thought as Flamenism, and that Lucien himself was one. It is my belief that to encourage the correct use of holy militants every High Pontiff must understand and encourage the thought of Flamenism, but not to too great an extent.

If a High Pontiff does preach militancy to too great an extent, the consequences can be potentially disastrous. We need look no further for this than the Order of St. Lucien, a Waldensian and Rovenist group that based their principles upon the teachings of St. Lucien I. but ultimately grew out of their power and began to perform as a secular entity. If not handled well the transformation of religious body into secular entity can prove unequivocally disastrous, as it did in this case. The Fransican Massacre, a great betrayal came about when a once entirely religious body, the aforementioned order, took it into their hands to slay an anointed King in an act of betrayal. Wielding enough power to continue, it is a dangerous lesson in unchecked militant power allowed to rise too high.

In modern days we face different militant orders. The Palatine Guard, controlled by the Pontificate before its run of inactivity, is a powerful display of militancy deployed perfectly. With command held by the Pontifical office the Holy See is able to enforce a strong force for both the governance of its secular lands and to enforce the word of GOD without risking an ambitious and unholy leader attempting to seize too much power. Perhaps one of the more major religious orders however is that of St. Amyas, a controversial group famed for their crucifixions and mass killings of pagans. Many criticize the group for indiscriminate killing without an attempt to convert, but in some ways this approach grounds the Church in a powerbase of loyalists.However, if they were indeed to temper down their aggression with a holy urge to convert in the name of the Lord the Order would surely become far more valued and true to their oaths unto GOD.

Despite these differing attempts at achieving a blend of different attributes for a safe militant group, it has become clear to me in my studies that militancy is to be valued. Even in small number as it aids in protecting preachers; manpower for if a crusade were ever to be called again, and showing their virtue and charity in helping common citizens who worship The One True Faith. As a footnote of sorts, it should be noted that through the designation of holy titles can services of a militant nature be recognised, rewarded, and encouraged: if their actions are just and lawful.

Writ by:
- Acolyte Oscar of Norfolk

[Fireheart 2777]

Franz nods

[Birdnerdy 1539]

"The Order of St Pepe Amyas has a long way to go before it becomes a proper holy gathering." comments Ecthallion after reading this thesis.  

[Haribo 385]

((amyas isnt a religious order, just a secular order working with religious ideals

 

has no fealty to the church unlike the OSL))

[_Stigwig 1510]

The thesis discussed both orders with direct fealty too the Church and those that simply held holy ideals (Amyas) in an effort to understand militancy both beneath the church and in all religious matters.

[John Ivory 4547]

Sixtus III would read over the thesis. He would nod to himself, before penning a response to Oscar.

 

"Dear Oscar,

 

An excellent essay indeed. I very much agree with your viewpoints, especially upon ultra-militant orders such as that of the Order of Saint Lucien. You have passed your first trial and I would like to speak to you personally as soon as possible, at the cathedral in Felsen.

 

Sincerely,

Sixtus III"

[Knox213 10]

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