Heretical Teachings in Shanidar

Before we can discuss the different heresies against the Church of Morning Light, we need to know what a heresy is, and how it differs from blasphemy and paganism.

Heresies are teachings, within the general guidelines of the Church, that differ from accepted Church teachings. As such, they are within the Church, rather that outside threats. For the most part, the Church attacks heresy by preaching the True Faith and dispatching the local leaders of the heresy. Sometimes, however, the Church has wiped out entire towns to get rid of widespread heretical teaching. One must keep in mind that communication is much slower and literacy at a much lower rate than our modern world. Local people know the Church's teachings as taught by their local priest, so if he preaches something slightly different that proper Church doctrine, they will not know. Even without becoming heretical, the general populace's beliefs depend largely on their local priest, more so in small, rural communities.

Blasphemy is preaching, or speaking, or acting in a manner, against Iedras, the All-Mother. This includes demon worship, the Cult of Derimidos or any teaching that Iedras and her Children are actively evil or bad. Blasphemy acknowledges Iedras, but attacks her. The Church's response to blasphemy is straightforward. Death is the standard punishment for blasphemy and the standards of proof will vary greatly depending on the Ecclesiastical judge involved.

Paganism is worship of a god outside the teachings of Iedras. Druidism and the Belusian religion, as well as non-human beliefs and tribal beliefs in barbarous regions of the world, are pagan religions. Paganism is fought through missionary work, although the missionaries tend to be accompanied by soldiers and settlers. Druidism, within the confines of the Empire, is generally handled in a manner similar to heresy.

Specific Heresies

Dualism - Dualism is the belief that Iedrahnc is the mate and equal of Iedras, the All-Mother. It teaches that knowledge and innocence are both important parts of life and teaches that in addition to the Knowdra, writings known as the Gevardra were also divinely inspired and should be taught along with the Knowdra. The Gevardra is banned and possessing a copy can easily lead to death. Dualism was never a widespread heresy among the general populace, but was taught openly among the Dark Orders for centuries, until the Church made a serious attempt to wipe it out.

Universality - The Universality Heresy teaches that Iedras is the only diety, that her "children" are merely manifestations of her divine mind.

Pharisianism - Pharisianism teaches that man, and the entire earth, is inately evil and only through active good works can one attain a place in Heaven. Pharisianism teaches a return to true poverty for all monks, priests, or anyone else part of the Church. It is by far the most active heresy and the one that the Church most fears. The Arvellan Crusade was an attack, by the Church and a secular army (primarily Ruathan in nature,) against an area in Arvella that had fallen under the sway of Pharisianism. This Crusade is one of the low points in Church history, as the army went largely out of control and pillaged a large area of Arvella.

Iedrac Animism - Iedrac Animism crops up from time to time in rural areas of the Empire. It is a fusion of older pagan beliefs with Iedrac teachings. It takes various forms, usually with the All Mother becoming more of an Earth Goddess and often involves sacrifices or sexual celibrations.