Hierocracy
The Hierocracy was a time when the Vorin Church attempted to rule on Roshar politically rather than merely acting as a spiritual guide. The Church tried to conquer the world and control the people "for their own good." Priests controlled what people learned, what religious paths they followed, and the overall doctrine, because they claimed that the common people could not understand theology. They justified this with visions and prophecy they claimed to see.
“They were taught to follow the priests. Not the Almighty or the Heralds, but the priests. ”
— Kadash [1]
These priests were eventually cast down by the Sunmaker in the War of Loss and the Vorin Church was split into the devotaries.[1][2]
In the present day the Hierocracy is considered the failure of Vorinism.[3] The Ardents try very hard to be humble, and not attempt to take power from people. Ardents are legally slaves, but while slaves are payed, ardents are not paid at all. They avoid games of chance, so as not to seem as if they are guessing the future.
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