A Visitor to the Future - 62 - Rheolists and Norranists
"Polas is located in Eastern Europe. You may know the region better as Poland, which in 2167 split into two halves." Silence ran his hand over one of the nearby hedges - not touching it, seeming to simply enjoy the contours of its shape. His fingers were long and spindly - almost spider-like.
"Is that split related to the reason you're here?" I asked.
"No. That split is ancient history at this point. I understand that you are likely to lack some knowledge about what is going on here. In the interests of expediency, and to allow you to better understand the issues at hand, allow me to explain." He folded his hands behind his back before continuing. "The conflict I have been arbitrating here for the last two months is between two religious groups. Neither have any particular affiliation to this region beyond these buildings." He nodded gently in the direction of the university's domes. I followed his eyeline and took in the sight once more, the low-lying morning sun causing some glare in the process. I held up my arm to shield my eyes.
"The first of the groups refer to themselves as Rheolists. Their self-proclaimed central tenets relate to the idea of spiritual flexibility. This philosophy stems from a school of thought founded in the early 2300s - we are not sure of the exact date. The core principle can basically be summarised as an acceptance of the malleability of man when faced with a changing world and the vastness of our universe. As I believe one of their great scholars, Rossen Lebedev said, 'Like water, Humanity must undergo changes of state in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Solid, liquid, gas - we can learn much from the water cycle.' I must confess it sounds much more appealing in the original Verrin, which is the language that both parties are negotiating in today. Other details you may find useful about the Rheolists - they have four main religious festivals based around the changing of the seasons, and their overall philosophy is based upon the works of Artel Drevar, who lived almost eight hundred years ago. Those works were focused on transhumanism and cybernetic augmentation, but the group's general wisdom is that they can be applied to modern technologies such as CIs and Bio-development too."
"So if I'm understanding this right, the religion is based around change?" I said, "That's strange."
"Yes," replied Silence, "And it may explain why Rheolism retains some popularity today. Though I would discourage you from making a judgement about a philosophy you have only just encountered."
"Sorry," I said, a little embarrassed. When Silence said it like that, I felt a little like being told off by a teacher. "Do they believe in a god? Or gods, for that matter?"
"No, neither of the religious groups involved in this conflict are theistic. Theism is fairly rare as a whole these days," explained Silence, "Though there are still groups of Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Fanes, and many more throughout the system, the vast majority of Consortium citizens may best be described as atheists or agnostics. As for the two groups here today, their followers number only in the thousands."
We stopped by a small fountain and at Silence's gesture, took a seat. He pointed at one of the domes, where I could see a few distant figures talking in a group.
"The second group in conflict like to be referred to as Norannists. Norannism represents almost a binary opposite to Rheolism. The traditional teachings of Norannism revolve around permanence, maintenance of the past, and the fact that the human form should be immutable. The last principle has significantly diminished in popularity over the last several hundred years, but it is still closely adhered to by some. That means that some followers of Norannism reject Bio-development entirely, and others only use it to do what they consider is necessary. Norannists and Rheolists have been in public disagreement about many things for hundreds of years - though of course we are now a far way from the conflicts of the late 2300s, we must never forget that improperly managed, such disagreements are grounds to spark conflict."
"Could you tell me a little more about those conflicts?"
He nodded gracefully, "Riots and protests involving both parties, extremist attacks on places of worship and study, and also attacks on medical facilities offering experimental treatments or cybernetic implants. An ugly affair which raged for nearly twenty years before the groups began to reconcile their differences - somewhat. The core reasons for conflict remained, but the leaders of the religion emphasised de-escalation. I respect those leaders who took those steps a great deal. I think had they lived to today they may have made good Arbiters."
Silence held a single finger upright, eyes flickering upward to recall, "Now, where was I? Ah, yes. Norannists arose from the writings of Gabriel Hameson, which brings us to our reason for being here today. Gabriel Hameson and Artel Drevar - both influential figures in their own religions, were students here, at the University of East Jurczak. The Norannists wanted to have this area declared a heritage site for the purposes of their religion. However, this is also a location of importance for the Rheolists - and both are of the opinion that the declaration would be harmful for the heritage of their religions - to have the founding location of their beliefs declared as a site of importance to the other. It may also introduce allegations of favouritism should one be chosen over the other."