From: Sandy Petersen (sandyp@idgecko.idsoftware.com)
Date: Wed 03 Jul 1996 - 18:29:16 EEST
>In any RW example you want to cite any religious based expansion
has done so with the edge of a sword.
Not so, Dave, as I'm sure our history buffs will be able to
demonstrate. Note that as a Mormon, I am quite sensitive on this
point, because my own faith has been subject to pogroms and punitive
massacres, government bans and prison sentences. So I agree
generally that many many faiths have spread by force, but 'tis still
true that not all have done so.
The initial spread of Christianity was peaceful (at least
on the Christians' part). Then it became the state religion and
things went all to hell. Unlike most of Europe, Scandinavia's
conversion to Christianity wasn't because of invading armies.
Buddhism's spread was not particularly bloody.
Maybe the uniting feature of peaceful religious change is
that religious oppression only arises when the government sees
itself as the secular arm of God, or the opposite -- seeing religion
as the spiritual side of the nation. (Examples: Louis XIII, Charles
V, Torquemada, etc. etc. )
Nick touts the benign Teelo Norri soup kitchens, the road
improvements, the quiet dynastic marriages and subtlties, while Dave
points out such activities as the outlawing of all Storm Bulls, the
ban on Ducks, the murder of outspoken Wind Priests. The reasons
that the Lunar conversion of Sartar moves in mysterious,
oft-opposing ways may be quite simple.
1) The people in charge of taming Sartar are replaced from
time to time. During Harka Hardnose's period in office, the
Sartarites are ruled with a bronze fist. But when he's replaced by
Stella Sweet, everything is honey and roses.
2) Or there are at least two conflicting schools of thought
as to how best to incorporate the Orlanthi. Both schools are
practicing their beliefs simultaneously. The Red Meanies oppress,
and the Pink Moonies enlighten.
3) Or the Lunars have their act together, and they're doing
the classic Good Cop / Bad Cop routine.
Sandy P.
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