Sects, Religions & Spiritual Persausions

[Akren Garkos]

This section of the Species & Other Cultures Guide has been provided as basis from which to draw inspiration when deciding what, if anything, your character(s) may or may not believe in.

Please keep your character(s) individual species & culture in mind when choosing a spiritual path (if any) for your character(s); as they must not only be believable, but plausable[/i] (IC speaking).

E.g.: Jaffa are more prone to believe in Goa'uuld Worship, reverence for the Ancients / Ascended or Origin (generally speaking, although having a former rebel Jaffa embracing a Earth-based religion is not necessarily out of the question); as these are the prime religions / spiritual paths that most appeals to them & that they have been exposed to.

Similarly, Humans formerly enslaved by the Goa'uuld may find it harder giving up Goa'uuld Worship or beleive in different spiritual concepts entirely than those of their Earth-based cousins. Humans from the Asgard-protected world of Chimmeria & other Asgard-protected planets would more than likely believe primarily in Norse gods & mythology (seeing how the Asgard have possed as their 'gods' or so long, this is not surprising); whilst those from Earth would have a wider choice of religious freedoms.

Humans from the Alterran Galaxy - where the Orii reign supreme - would believe in Origin, or be classed as heretics; whilst other species, such as the Unas (for example), might beleive in something totally different (f you are unsure, please refer to the individual species discriptions for more info. on the kinds of spiritual concepts any given species may, or may not, believe in), whilst species such as the Gadmeer & Tollan don't necessarily believe in any difined concept of the afterlife at all.

N.B.:[/u][/i] This section is to be used as guide only, is based (mostly) in fiction, & is to be used in the original context is has been provided : to further enhance & add depth to your character(s) & to make IC posting & interaction between different PC's & NPC's as varied & interesting as possible. It is not to be used to as a liscence to slander, harrass or otherwise defame others - whether IC or not - & abuse of this particular section of the character creation/ehancement process shall be monitored strictly & is not, & shall not, be tolerated. You have been warned.

[Akren Garkos]

Human Interpretations of the Divine[/u]

Christianity[/I]

Currently seen as the ‘dominant’, or ‘main-stream’ religion of Earth; Christianity has many different sects, spin-offs & denominations; all of which essential believe in the same precept : that there Is only one divine being (commonly referred to just as ‘God’), & that - generally speaking - he (the divine creator is always referred as a masculine entity) sent his ‘only’ son, Jesus Christ, to save mankind from an eternity of sin & d**nation (although whether or not Jesus has actually been ‘sent’ to us by God yet, or indeed whether he was the divine son of the Creator, is still up for debate in some circles). There appears to be many Saints (miracles workers, messengers of God & other people blessed by God in the doings of his work & the spreading of his divine revelation) & other holy people revered by Christians around the world, in addition to the reverence & belief in the existence of angels - divine servants of God, said to inspire & help mankind - & demons (or devils), the unholy servants of evil (Satan/the Devil); also said to encourage devious & immoral (or sinful) behaviour in mortal men & women.

Equally as important to the Christian faith is the concept of an afterlife - a place beyond space & time where the spirit dwells for all eternity - & redemption, or atonement, for one’s transgressions & past sins. Those whom have lead good lives & have been faithful to God’s word & teachings (as laid out in the Holy Bible, the sacred religious text of the Christian faith) - including accepting God as their Holy Father, & his son Jesus Christ, as their Lord & Saviour - are said to ascend to Heaven, a place of divine beauty, peace & enlightenment; whilst those whom reject God’s teachings, the Christian faith & all that the Christian religion entails are said to descend into Hell - said to be a place of eternal d**nation, hardship & suffering - upon passing from the world of the living into the afterlife & the realm of the dead.

Of course, the Christian religion largely hinges on the concept of reward & punishment, as well as good verus bad (Heaven verus Hell, angels verus demons, etc) - the offer of an eternal reward & threat of everlasting suffering - to encourage belief in it’s view of the universe & retain it’s followers; & like many religions, has been the subject of more than it’s fair share of scrutiny & criticism, in spite of all the good it has attempted to do over the course of history. Having said this, Christianity it still a very popular religion with many millions of people all over the world - wielding considerable power, influence & effecting people’s lives in untold ways - & is seen as a spiritual cornerstone of Western civilization; leaving the rest, perhaps, up to faith. . .

Islam[/I]

Founded during the last 1,000 years in the Eastern parts of the world by the Arab leader Mohammed - whom Muslims (followers of Islam) believe to the last, & final, Prophet of Allah (God) - Islam is monotheistic religion dedicated to the worship of one God, or central divine authority; & at it’s most basic level, is not that similar in it’s founding beliefs than Christianity (Christians believe that Jesus Christ is literally the son of God/Allah, Muslims do not). They also vary in the way that they perform their prayers to God, & in the way they both teach & practice their respective faiths; although both agree on the importance of the belief & worship of one God. Throughout the years, Christianity & Islam have often clashed - many a time with unpleasant results - even whilst recognizing that, fundamentally - way deep down at least - they both believe in much the same thing & strive for many of the same goals (both claim to be the ‘one true faith‘ & seek to convert people to their religion). Unlike the Holy Bible (claimed by Muslims to have been ‘corrupted’ by mans own interpretation of Gods word), the Holy Kor’ran - the sacred text of Islam - claims to be a ‘pure’ text, undiluted & unaltered as it has passed from God, through his servant Mohammed, to the rest of mankind; & the majority of which - if not all - can be officially backed up & verified by modern science (further claims my Muslims that the Kor’ran is the true word & laws of God).

The Holy Kor’ran, Islam & Muslims in general have coped - at least, what many believe to be - a lot of unwanted negative attention around the world in recent years due to the increased threat of terrorism & religious extremists - many of whom, unfortunately, use Islam & the Kor’ran as justification to commit heinous & unspeakable acts against their fellow Human beings - being likened to other extremist organizations, regimes & ideologies, both past & present (such as Nazi’s & the Third Reich, the IRS, Siddam Hussien & the like); often without solid & irrefutable proof, perhaps giving Islam & Muslims more of a bad name than they may necessarily deserve.

All in all, when followed properly & in it’s purest form - like virtually every religion or spiritual path - Islam is a beautiful, wonderful & enlightening religion which can inspire & lift it’s followers & admirers alike up in a sense of belonging & spirituality : & after all, isn’t that the point of religion & spirituality - not necessarily that we all believe in the same thing, rather than that we simply have faith?

Polytheism (Hindu, Wicca, etc)[/I]

Also sometimes referred to as ‘Paganism’ (particularly by those of monotheistic faiths whom believe only in one ‘God’, or concept of the Divine); Polytheism incorporates a multitude of varying faiths embracing the belief in many different deities, incorporating a multitude of different gods, goddesses & spirits into their spiritual beliefs. Polytheistic religious practices often involve rituals &/or ceremonies dedicated to an individuals’ chosen deities - sometimes from a specific pantheon, such the gods of ancient Egypt, others incorporating many deities from many different religious sources (such as the traditional Celtic deities & the pantheon of ancient Greece) - more often than not through the use of prayer(s)/hyme(s), incense, candles, sacred tools (such as the athame, a chalice/cup & other paraphernalia), meditation & other ’exotic’ & oft misunderstood methods to invoke the spirits of their chosen deities. ’Magic’ (the act of visualization, combined with intent/will power & asking the universe/gods for things of import), spell-craft, verbalism & other practices are often all seen as methods by which to interact & become closer with the divine.

It should be noted that, unlike Christianity, Polytheists do not believe in Satan or the Devil - the idea of the Satan/the Devil being a purely Christian concept - & many find it both bemusing & offensive when others suggest otherwise to them; as this shows a lack of understanding & ignorance about the accused & their religion on behalf of the accuser (many Polytheists prefer the term ‘nature religion‘ or ‘traditional‘ religion, as there is a spiritual path often tied in with the cycles of nature & the living world). Polytheism is also considered to be one of the few major ‘religions’ which incorporates, celebrates & promotes equality, respect & veneration of the Human body & people from all walks of life, no matter what their race, creed, colour, sexual preference, gender or social status; making it particularly appealing to those seeking a more ’balanced’ approach to spirituality, & is becoming increasing popular with the younger generations.

Polytheists are generally very open-minded, tolerant, understanding & receptive to new & unusual ideas; & are more readily able to accept divine interpretations or explanations of seemingly mysterious or otherwise unexplainable events. Their basic philosophy is often something along the lines of ‘just because you can’t see the wind blow doesn’t mean it’s not there’; & probably best sums up the general Polytheist to life around them - indeed the whole of existence - that there is far more to the universe, & to nature of life after death, than what most of us could possibly ever comprehend. . .

Agnostic[/I]

The belief in a power great than oneself has always been an integral part of the Human experience, -whether it be in a cause greater than oneself, or true belief in divine authority & matters of the spirit - however, not everyone on God’s green Earth necessarily agrees on what the ‘official’ interoperation of the ultimate divine ‘source’ might be. Agnostics generally believe that there is a spiritual side to many matters of existence & sights unseen; they simply cannot agree on what it might be, or what to call it. Many Agnostics are often quoted as having been said that all religions & spiritual paths lead back to the same divine source, or ‘well-spring’ of spiritual knowledge, even if they cannot discern what, or where, it comes from. Key attributes of Agnostics - like many Polytheists - are an open mind, respect for different view-points other than their own, & desire, or ’search’ for spiritual formfillment .

Atheistic[/I]

This ‘religion’, is in fact not a religion at all; & implies rather directly the opposite : that the individual in question does not believe in any known recognized concept of the divine. To them, there is no God, no spirits, or divine entities to look out for, watch over & protect them : just the relevant cycles of birth, death & the life laid out in between. Most Atheists are either scientists or those members of other religious faiths whom have either ‘lost their faith’, or have ceased to believe in their previous path of spiritual persuasion. Whilst many spiritualists & others of faith whom believe in a higher power(s) might view this take on life & the spirit realm to be rather empty, hollow & without meaning; this is not often the case - many Atheists prefer to look at it as viewing the world around them for it is - a harsh & cruel, yet beautiful place where we are born, live & die in, each individual living his or her life as they choose, completing the natural evolution & cycles of life as nature intended.

Goa‘uuld Worship[/u]

Goa’uuld worship centred around the misconception & false belief in the Goa’uuld’s origins as divine beings - a fact which the Goa’uuld readily acknowledge & actively encourage in all of their followers - using their near-immortality, use of advanced technology & general posturing & pompous displays of power to back up their often ludicrous & over-exaggerated claims.

In truth, the belief that the Goa’uuld are gods is merely a lie, a fallacy of epic proportions designed to hide the real truth : that the Goa’uuld are not immortal, nor divine (they aren’t even ’gods’!); just insecure little worms with over-blown egos; parasites whom have manipulated the technology & power they have been given (‘stole’ would be a more honest description) to force others into believing in their own aggrandized importance. Of course, the Goa’uuld would never have their followers believe anything otherwise, & dissent or disbelief in any Goa’uuld’s divinity is punishable by the severest penalties that the System Lords can dream up (which, in most cases, is often a very public, painful & humiliating death).

Many Goa’uuld worshippers will often change allegiances from one ‘god’ to another as the need sees fit (often when one Goa’uuld conquers the territory & planets - including the populations residing on these worlds - belonging to another Goa’uuld); although loyalty to one’s ‘true’ god (i.e.:[/I] the principal Goa’uuld whom rules over one’s place of residence) is always encouraged, & such loyalty can be rewarded greatly (again, the reverse can be true if one is found to be disloyal). Total & utter obedience & blind loyalty are not only favoured, but encouraged, & resourcefulness & exemplary service to, & on behalf of, one’s god(s) is held in high regard by the Goa’uuld; an example of how any decent ‘true’ believer in their god(s) should be behave.

Since the downfall of the System Lords & the collapse of their Empire following their defeat at the hands of the Replicators at the end of the Third Goa’uuld Dynasty - coupled with the rebellion of many of their Jaffa & the native residents of a constantly annoying & insignificant little back-water planet - the Goa‘uuld have lost a great many of their former worshippers & the prestige, power & adoration that comes with it : although a few Jaffa & not a few too many Human-populated worlds (often technologically primitive & still steeped in centuries of tradition, superstition & rule by the Goa’uuld) still revere the Goa’uuld as gods.

It is now theorized by many scholars & those in know at the SGC - even by a few academics in the public & private sectors with no knowledge whatsoever of the existence of the Stargate Program, or the greater goings-on of the galaxy at large - that the Goa’uuld may have been directly responsible for the inspiration for many of the myths, legends & religions of ancient Earth (including, but not limited to, the religions of ancient Egypt, Babylon, Greece & the Roman Empire); having posed as ’gods’ to primitive man; & may have even influenced major historical events of ancient times.

Asgard worship[/u]

The Asgard - one of Earth’s greatest friends & allies, as well as one-time friends/allies of the Ancients, Furlings & the Nox - are now thought to be largely responsible for the myths, legends & religious beliefs of many of the Nordic cultures of Earth & throughout the Milkyway Galaxy. The Asgard have even gone so far as to admitting to appearing to - & interfering with - the social, cultural & spiritual development of certain Human populations : although they maintain a strict policy of non-interference & naturalized technological development with those cultures considered under their protection.

Many prominent figures of Nordic mythology - such as Thor, Freya & Loki - are actually well-recognized & oft-celebrated members of Asgard society (well, Loki, a rogue Asgard scientist, not so much. . .). For those worlds still under Asgard protection & guidance - often primitive cultures still with a fair ways to go in terms of technological, social & economical development - they revere & worship the Asgard mostly as benevolent & merciful deities whom guide, watch over & protect them : a far cry indeed from the likes of the Goa’uuld & the Wraith!!

Reverence of the Ancients / Ascended[/u]

This spiritual path is based around the worship & reverence of the Alterran species, which we now know as the Ancients. It includes worshipping the Ancients & the belief that they are the physical & genetic ancestors of one’s people (as in the belief held by the Athosians of Athos & many cultures encountered throughout the Pegasus Galaxy) - a predisposition often held by many, & supported by, a grain of truth mixed in amongst the myths that have grown up around this form of spirituality (the Ancients did indeed re-created sentient life in the Milkyway Galaxy after it had been ravaged by the Plague, & it is a historical fact that they seeded the Pegasus Galaxy with Human-form life) - as well as reverence for their technology (by far the most advanced of any species thus far encountered throughout the universe) & those whom have ‘Ascended’ to a higher plane of existence; in effect existing as non-corporeal beings comprised of pure energy, which many less advanced cultures may often mistake as ’gods’ or spirits. This spiritual path is often adopted by Jaffa & primitive Humans of other worlds, to whom the prospect of enlightenment & technological marvels left by the Ancients - often seen as wondrous devices capable of almost anything, from the mundane to the truly epic & awe-inspiring - is particularly attractive.

Wraith Worship[/u]

A bizarre & morbid sect which has only recently been uncovered in the Pegasus Galaxy - but which has most likely gone on for years, if not centuries - is the fascination with, reverence, & worship of the Wraith. First coming to the attention of the Atlantis Expedition when Colonel Sheppard, along with the rest of SGA-1 was captured attempting to infiltrate a Wraith Hive ship whilst on a mission to ‘rescue’ Lieutenant Aiden Ford; the Colonel was left alone in a cell by a Wraith worshipper in an attempt to extract information from the Atlantis Expedition on the whereabouts of Earth. Taken to the Hive Queen for interrogation, the Hive Queen later informed Colonel Sheppard that there were, in fact, Humans in the Pegasus Galaxy whom not revered the Wraith, but worshipped them as gods.

This revelation has put a new spin on things as far as inter-galactic relations go - as, up until now, it had been assumed that most, if not all, the Human populations of the Pegasus Galaxy hated (if at the very least, greatly feared) the Wraith - & has shown the Atlantis Expedition that not all Humans whom dwell in the Pegasus Galaxy necessarily fear being paid a visit by the Wraith. For those Humans whom do revere & worship them, the Wraith appear to be as gods : sweeping down from on high in great ships, culling their Human herds, taking life when & where they please, having the appearance of dark, vengeful gods. Their abundance of high technology - on-par & akin to that of the Ancients themselves - coupled with their exceeding long lifespans, ability to read minds & project illusions & generally instilling fear in all they meet; leaving suffering, death & destruction in their wake - certainly gives them the appearance of gods to many less advanced cultures (similar, in a general manner, to how the Goa’uuld operate); & their power to literally suck the life right out of their victims would install terror & fear in oft the hardiest of souls.

For these Humans, the Wraith worshippers, the rewards can be great : power, prestige, influence & the ability to manipulate events on countless worlds. So long as they continue to worship the Wraith, obey their commands & tend to their whims - like helping soften up potential worlds during a culling - they are spared, often free to wander the corridors of Wraith Hive ships & other facilities without the risk of being targeted as a Wraith’s next meal (although this is by no means ever guaranteed!).

For the Wraith themselves, the rewards & benefits can also oft outweigh the simple need to satisfy their eternal hunger : the ability to gain access to certain places they otherwise might not be able to gain access to (like hidden caves or other places of sanctuary where their Human herds might hide from them during a culling; thus making a potential cull of a particular planet more profitable), the gleaning of valuable intelligence & other useful data by using their devotees as spies, as well as the usual menial slave labour & other unsavoury duties a Wraith might consider beneath them. It also has the added bonus of supplying them with a ready made army of willing slaves, Humans willing & able to do their bidding at a moment’s notice - including using them in ghastly & bizarre experiments & as ’cannon fodder’ against particularly resistant worlds they wish to cull - as well as providing them with a ‘back up’ food supply if they should ever fall short during a culling or feel the need to satisfy their ever-increasing need to feed.

Origin[/u]

The ‘one true religion’ (according to their own words as laid out in the Book of Origin), Origin is the religious brainchild of the evil Ascended beings known as the Orii. Originally believed to have been an off-shoot of the Alterran race which were left behind when the Ancients journeyed to the Milkyway Galaxy untold eons ago, the Orii themselves learned to Ascend to a higher plane of existence; demanding that those beneath both revere & worship them simply because their evolutionary development & knowledge of the universe is so much more advanced than those of un-Ascended mortals. To this end, they conceived the Origin faith - a spiritual belief which puts them at the centre of all creation - & recorded their doctrine in the Book of Origin; the ‘Holy Text’ upon which their entire religion is based.

According to the Book of Origin, the Orii are the creators of not just the Human life of their own far-off galaxy (which may be true, given what we know about Alterran technology & the abilities possessed by Ascended beings), but of all[/I] life everywhere in the universe : from the tiniest atom to the brightest star, to the plants & the animals & everything in between. To help enforce this belief & cement their place as ‘gods’, the Orii employ the use of genetically-advanced minions - commonly known as ‘Priors’ - to do their biddings & offer up miracles in a show of divine might meant to wonder, awe & inspire less unsuspecting individuals into converting to, & following, the Origin faith. As Hauk’Taur’s, or advanced Humans, these Priors have access to a range of powers, abilities & skills often far exceeding the norm; including, but necessarily limited, to : telepathy, telekinesis (moving things with the power of the mind), genetic manipulation (creating biologically-based ‘plagues’ & the like), reviving the recently deceased to a perfect state of health, & general manipulation of the world around - to name but a few of their prowess observed & experience first-hand in the field.

The central icon of the Origin faith is fire (traditionally a symbol of light, warmth, comfort & divine power. It has been theorised by Dr. Daniel Jackson that influence, if not interference, from the Anicient may be part of the reason why many Earth-based religions associate fire with negative imagery), & the main theme of the religion is a devotion to a life in worship & service to, the Orii; with a view towards self-inflection upon the road to enlightenment.

The Orii claim that the Ancients & others like them are the true ’evil’ - having shielded those on the lower planes of existence from the ’true’ workings of the universe & hiding the knowledge of their existence from the Orii - for, by refusing not to share the secrets of the universe & the path to enlightenment; they condemn these sentients & many others like them to an empty & unfulfilled existence, without ever offering them the chance to obtain enlightenment, or the opportunity to Ascend.

On the flip side, it is the Ancients whom claim that the Orii sap power from their followers, draining them of life essence by subjugating them & taking away their fee will, using a complex process of energy transference from their countless followers to gain more power : making the whole Ancients vs. Orii / battle of the Ascended argument a test of faiths, wills & words; the followers of each religion thinking that their path is right & the other is wrong & is in need of being destroyed. Indeed, it is this fundamental belief of the followers of Origin & the teaching of the Book of Origin - that the Orii are the one ‘true’ gods, that all other faiths are wrong & evil, & that all whom do not embrace Origin must be converted or destroyed - that has prompted the ‘Holy Crusade’ which had led to the Orii invasion of the Milkyway, & other, galaxies.

Following the defeat of the Orii & their de-programming, the Orii worshippers have since made a few revisions to the Book of Origin & their practice of the faith; learning ot co-exist with their neighbours & focus on the positive merits of Origin as opposed to the negative.

All in all, Origin has many central themes not that dissimilar to the reverence shown to the Ancients / other Ascended beings (making it particularly attractive to the likes of the Jaffa & other interested in Ascension & spiritual enlightenment) - both strive to glean a deeper understanding of the inner-most workings of the infinite universe & focus on enlightenment with a view towards eventual Ascension as the ultimate goal of their religion - although it can be said that the ways in which they choose to go about pursuing these goals tends to differ greatly.

Other Faiths & Portents[/u]

There are many differing opinions, thoughts & paths to spiritual enlightenment & concepts of the divine. In the STARGATE universe; there could be any number of varying concepts of the divine or bizzare & eclectic intruptations of the matters of the spirit. The S.G.C. has made it their mission not to just to study the technology & cultures of other worlds, but their ideas, spiritual & social beliefs as well. Rest assured, that if such new religions or spiritual concepts are encountered, they will be listed here as soon as they have been coroberrated by the relevent SGC personnel.

In closing, concepts about the divine & spiritual paths towards enlightenment are oft as varied & mysterious as the infinite universe itself!