User:Ichbinbored/janicism
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Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Janicism is a religion that originated on the European subcontinent in the UK. Janicism encompasses many religious beliefs, practices, and denominations. Most Janicists believe in a supreme cosmic spirit called Janice that is worshipped in many forms (under the Parable of Reed). Janicism centres around a variety of practices that are meant to help one experience the divinity of books that is everywhere and realise the true literary nature of the world.
[edit] Important Individuals
The individuals below are in order of importance, although they are all equal as one.
| Individual | Position |
|---|---|
| Janice | The One True God |
| Major Reeder | The Primary Prophet |
| Edwina | The Prophet of Nutrition |
| Alfredo | The Prophet of Geometry |
| Gerry | The Prophet of Anatomy |
| Chief Janni | Gateway to the Library |
| Janicist | One who Believes |
| Plebiscite | One who Does Not Believe |
| Underling/Prefect | A lesser being, an assistant |
[edit] Janicist Beliefs
The main belief of Janicists is that they are all created on equal terms with the rest of the Universe.
[edit] The Afterlife
Janicists believe that when they die, they are taken to the "Library in the Sky" (colloquial term used to describe Janicist Heaven). Every living being has a book written about them, and what deeds they have performed during their life. This is documented in the book "Mort", by Terry Pratchett, however the fundamental beliefs surrounding this are different to those of Janicists (who follow the Parable of Reed). Their book is examined by Major Reeder, and depending on whether their deeds have been good or bad they will be resurrected as either a higher being (such as a vegetable, see below) or a lower being (for example, they will be put in charge of writing somebody else's book in their occupation as an Underling - otherwise known as a Prefect).
[edit] Equality
In Jancicism, everything is considered equal, however everything has its own place in society. For example, animals are treated the same as humans would ideally be treated themselves, and have the same rights as humans. Certain vegetables are revered, while others are not (see Vegetables below). Janice, Major Reeder, the Chief Jannis and Janicists are all treated equally, however the Chief Jannis (singular form Janni) act as links to Janice (the One True God), while Major Reeder assists in cataloguing books (known as biographies).
[edit] Vegetables
Certain vegetables hold special status in the Janicist society, while others are not. The Four Bookshelves of Janicism are made up of Carrots, Aubergines, Apples and Pumpkins and these vegetables are given the maximum amount of respect. They are only used and eaten on special occasions (see below). Other vegetables, such as broccoli and sweetcorn are never given capital letters in their names and should never be consumed as they are seen to be satanic and against the laws of Janicism. Mushrooms that have grown in low places must not be consumed. It is seen by Janicists as lowering yourself if you do. Overall, however, all vegetables should be eaten in moderation. This is because their cell walls contain cellulose, which human beings cannot digest. Obviously, this is a sign that they are not supposed to be eaten and this is why they are given so much respect. Naturally, vegetables are treated differently to fruit. The eating of fruit is not encouraged, as in the original Parable of Reed Anthoneus was banned from the library for eating an item of fruit there.
[edit] Attitude towards Drugs, Alcohol and Other Intoxicating Substances
Janicists believe that you should be free to live your life as you wish. Therefore, the use of intoxicating substances, illegal or otherwise, is allowed. However, this is subject to the discretion of the user. National and international laws also have to be respected in this sense, so intoxicating substances may be banned in certain countries. Janicists should always respect international law, even if they seem to be unfair, as laws are designed to promote equality and they should only be used in this way.
[edit] Attitude towards Sexual Relations, Marriage and Adultery
In Janicism, everybody is equal. Therefore, an individual may engage in sexual relations with any other species as long as all of their partners are treated equally. Marriage is not compulsory. Necrophilia is not widely encouraged, but Gerry, the Prophet of Anatomy, does not actively disallow this. Adultery is seen as unacceptable in other religions, and also sinful, however Janicists believe that as long as all partners are treated equally, adultery is acceptable. Also, if Janicists believe otherwise to this they are free to decide which parts of the religion they would like to follow, and which they would not.
[edit] Special Occasions and Festivals
Janicism teaches that festivals should take place wherever possible, so that people can increase their number of good deeds and be resurrected as a higher being (such as a Chief Yanni or a Carrot). Some of these festivals and special occasions are mentioned below.
[edit] Burning of the Books
The Burning of the Books is an international festival in which people burn large quantities of books. This represents people burning away their bad deeds and starting a new life (or a new book). This is linked to resurrection and higher or lower beings, and many Janicists believe that their good deeds are being burned as well as the bad deeds - so they have to perform many good deeds afterwards in order to rewrite their books in a good way. The burning is followed by dancing, drinking and eating as these are all encouraged at special occasions such as the Burning.
[edit] The Touching of the Vegetables
When a baby is born, a Chief Janni comes to the family with a basket of freshly cultivated, assorted vegetables. He touches the baby's head with the vegetables, and the family then rejoice in the fact that a new baby has entered the community. They then eat the vegetables.
