Difference between revisions of "Vorinism"

'''Vorinism''' is the primary religion in [[Alethkar]], [[Jah Keved]], and [[Kharbranth]] (known as Vorin kingdoms).{{book ref|b|twok|c|3}} It is less common the further west you travel in [[Roshar]], and both the people of the [[Purelake]] and [[Shinovar]] have their own unique religion.

The traditional temples for Vorinism are circular and domed. Usually, the dome is exactly ten feet tall at its highest point. The temples are often filled with statues and pictures of the Heralds.{{book ref|b|twok|c|18}}

In Vorin religion people believe in the [[Almighty]], force of good, creator of mankind., and the divine prism, with the ten facets representing his Heralds. It tells of a struggle between mankind and the [[Voidbringers]]. When the Voidbringers, an embodiment of evil, had forced mankind and the Heralds out of the Tranquiline Halls, into [[Roshar]], the Voidbringers didn't stop there, coming again and again in times known as [[Desolation]]s, trying to force mankind off Roshar as well, into Damnation.{{book ref|b|twok|c|45}}{{book ref|b|twok|c|61}}

On Roshar, mankind led by the Heralds and their [[Knights Radiant|chosen knights]], fought them off ninety and nine times. Until finally, Aharietiam came, the Last Desolation. The Voidbringers were defeated and cast back into the Tranquiline Halls and the Heralds followed to force them out of heaven as well and mankind entered the Era of Solitude.{{book ref|b|twok|c|45}}

People are expected to choose a Calling, their greatest talent, and those who grow to be the very best at their Calling are chosen to join the Heralds in the fight to regain the Tranquiline Halls when they die. Those who are the very best at farming in life become farmers for the Heralds in death, and those who are the greatest at battle are chosen to fight beside the Heralds.{{book ref|b|twok|c|3}}{{book ref|b|twok|i|8}}{{book ref|b|twok|c|16}}{{book ref|b|twok|c|18}}{{book ref|b|twok|c|28}} It is taught that those who do not achieve their greatest potential are given to a sort of dreamless sleep, stuck in limbo-like eternity, and those who do horrible things will be cast into Damnation.{{cite|Can't find a reference.}}

The priesthood of the Vorin religion are referred to as ardents. Ardents join devotaries (sects) based on their beliefs. Both male and female can become an ardent,{{book ref|b|twok|i|8}} though many of the devotaries encourage women toward the female arts, rather than studies of theology.{{book ref|b|twok|c|33}}

* The Devotary of '''Purity'''{{book ref|b|twok|c|33}} is dedicated to wholesomeness and honesty. Members of this devotary are expected to keep their thoughts and actions 'pure'. A member's talents are expected to be dedicated to purity as well, such as an artist depicting only things like the Heralds. Known member: [[Shallan]].

* The Devotary of '''Sincerity'''{{book ref|b|twok|c|48}} is dedicated to seeking truth in all things. Members believe that there is always something to learn, and everything is subject to scrutiny, even their own religion. No question is rebuked. It is the smallest devotary.

* The Devotary of '''Insight'''{{book ref|b|twok|c|33}} is not described. Many ardents from the Devotary of Insight are seen exchanging dulled lamps from the Palanaeum and putting infused ones in their place.

* The Devotary of '''Denial'''{{book ref|b|sa2|i|11}} is not well defined. This Devotary seems to emphasize the denial of desires to the point of asceticism.

* The Order of Talenelat is [[Dalinar]]'s devotary.{{book ref|b|twok|c|54}}

The Hierocracy had been a time when the ardents attempted to conquer the world and control the people "for their own good." The Hierocracy is considered the failure of Vorinism.{{book ref|b|twok|c|45}} Priests controlled what people learned, what religious paths they followed, and the overall doctrine. The priests claimed to see visions and prophecy, and claimed that the common people could not understand theology.{{book ref|b|twok|c|18}}

{{Quote|They were taught to follow the priests. Not the Almighty or the Heralds, but the priests.| Kadash {{book ref|b|twok|c|18}}}}