Minkowski Transcendentalism
Central Principles
- The world is tainted by the Adversary, who tore it from Heaven.
- One of the manifestations of this taint is Gravity, which manifests as the temptation of sin as well as physical attraction of masses.
- The world can be escaped by refinement and purification, both physical and spiritual/mental.
- In this way one can reach Heaven and reunify with God.
History
Minkowski Transcendentalism, or Cavorism, was founded by the futurist/engineer/mystic Dr. Evan Cavor in the 2130s.
Beliefs
The two most important concepts in Cavorism are 'fundamental sin' and 'ascension'. Fundamental sin can be analogised to the Christian doctrine of original sin, but as applied to the entire universe - all creation in which we live is tainted by the Adversary. This manifests itself in both physical and spiritual dimensions as gravity and temptation respectively. These are to be avoided because they hamper efforts to attain ascension.
Ascension is the process of overcoming fundamental sin.
Hierarchy
Aphelion
The Space Pope.
Apogees
The council of Apogees is an exclusive, predominantly self-selected group consisting of the high administrators of the priesthood, senior theological scholars and a number of special positions. It elects the Aphelion from among its number.
First Priests
First Priests have authority over multiple Second Priests and tens or even hundreds of thousands of people. They officiate at ceremonies in the grand cathedrals.
Second Priests
Second Priests minister to congregations of thousands.
Third Priests
Third Priests are the lowest level of clergy permitted to hold services. They attend to small groups of people or assist the Second Priests.
Special Orders
Parallel to the standard priesthood are the Special Orders, whose members hold equivalent rank but do not perform services for the general public. Special Orders include the Society of Cavor (intellectual), the Military Order (military chaplains) and the Order of Ether (missionary). The heads of each order sit on the council of Apogees.