World-building is one of the most exciting parts of creating a series. One aspect of world building is developing a new religion. In the Civilands series, there are actually two major religions. In this post I will highlight each briefly, but will end with something more profound I realized once they were created.
Cerebism
This is the most prevalent belief system amongst Eastern Duresians. It is monotheistic and views the mind as man’s greatest gift. Cerebs are conscious of the world their deity, the Enigma, grants them. If they follow the Cereb Hymnal, they will perceive a better world in the next life. Their favorable reincarnation is what gives them faith and drives the expansion of their religion.
The Murrieta Maiden
The natives of Western Duresia (the Murrieta Territory) follow the will of their own deity, the Mother. Unlike Cerebism though, the followers of the Maiden are more focused on their world around them as its own entity and gift. They draw faith from what the Territory gives them and their unique connection to the place itself. For more on this connection, read on in the series!
What Creating a New Religion Taught Me
Perception on one side and secular appreciation on the other. It wasn’t an entirely intentional effort for these belief systems to be based around each of those concepts, respectively. However, I realize now it was no coincidence either.
Since my college years I’ve come to understand the power of the mind. It can be influenced by so many things. When it is though–whether in a positive or negative way–the world around us and what it all means, can change. The loss of a loved one might make life seem cruel the same way a new relationship can make it heavenly. Our world can shift over time with a switch of thought and to me, there is a spirituality in that.
On the other hand, the Earth is a magnificent place and there is more to it than just what we perceive. It is a privilege for us to be a part of the life that exists here. Personally, I love to hike and explore different environments. Doing so provides a type of energy. It runs through you and gives you purpose. It is a connection which feels as spiritual as it does physical.
Discovery: The Combination Makes Up My Concept of Spirituality
In a way I guess you could say it’s my own little belief system. A balance between there being a greater purpose than life here in our world and the great purpose of life here in our world. Maybe this qualifies as “religious” and maybe it doesn’t. Either way, it was really cool to me to see somewhat subconscious values come to life this way 🙂
Look for the conflict of these two belief systems to really build in book 3, Crescent Heart, coming March 2018. Thanks so much for reading!
