Culture
The culture of the empire is as varied as the many races that make up the empire. While Human holidays are predominant (as Humans make up the largest population in the empire), other races have their holidays celebrated with equal pomp. The Klingon Rite of Ascension, the Bajoran Gratitude Festival, the Vulcan Day of Atonement (when Surak begin teaching his philosophy of pure logic) are all placed on the Imperial calendar.
Klingon rituals of shedding blood (by cutting their palms) are the trademark of any festival, or holiday. While only Klingons can participate in the more brutal rituals, all races are welcome to enjoy the camaraderie, the food, and the bloodwine. Bat'leth tournaments held in the tradition of the Humans' jousting tournaments are often held, and non-Klingons have even been allowed to participate.
Bajoran festivals involve silent prayer and readings from their Scripture of the Prophets, but many Bajoran festivals also feature attractions for people of all ages, music, and parades. Bajorans encourage all non-Bajorans to join and partake of the festivals, as it is hoped that this will permit a spirit of common bonding.
Because of the codification through Imperial Law and the early force of will of the founding emperor, Michael I, there has been no major incidence of culture conflict among the various Founder Races. Cultural exchanges amongst the races is often encouraged and thus it is not uncommon for a Terran to serve on a Romulan ship, or a Bajoran to work among a Gorn crew. However, due mainly to residual differences among the non-Terran races, its often the Imperial Starfleet that is the true heart of cultural harmony among all the races of the empire.
Klingon rituals of shedding blood (by cutting their palms) are the trademark of any festival, or holiday. While only Klingons can participate in the more brutal rituals, all races are welcome to enjoy the camaraderie, the food, and the bloodwine. Bat'leth tournaments held in the tradition of the Humans' jousting tournaments are often held, and non-Klingons have even been allowed to participate.
Bajoran festivals involve silent prayer and readings from their Scripture of the Prophets, but many Bajoran festivals also feature attractions for people of all ages, music, and parades. Bajorans encourage all non-Bajorans to join and partake of the festivals, as it is hoped that this will permit a spirit of common bonding.
Because of the codification through Imperial Law and the early force of will of the founding emperor, Michael I, there has been no major incidence of culture conflict among the various Founder Races. Cultural exchanges amongst the races is often encouraged and thus it is not uncommon for a Terran to serve on a Romulan ship, or a Bajoran to work among a Gorn crew. However, due mainly to residual differences among the non-Terran races, its often the Imperial Starfleet that is the true heart of cultural harmony among all the races of the empire.
Religion
Religion plays a prominent role in Trekylon. Each clan observes its own cultural-religions, as well as the state religion, Trekism. Though Trekism is the primary 'religion' in the empire, various others-including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, thrive under Imperial protection. There are 5 major religions in Trekylon, as well as 3 smaller but no less prominent religions. The 5 major religions are:
1)Trekism
2)Christianity
3)Islam
4)Judaism
5)Native American spiritual
There is also arising a ninth religious bloc known as Omnism. Omnism is a spiritual belief that unites the religions of the Earth while eschewing any particular religious doctrine. This sudden blooming of Omnism may be the result of the intermingling of the Earth religions, and though this has the undertow of prejudice against the non-Terran faiths such as the Vulcan stoicism of Logic and the Bajoran Prophets, it is more likely the result of the unity encouraged by and protected by the Imperial government in the wake of the world-destroying Third World War.
1)Trekism
2)Christianity
3)Islam
4)Judaism
5)Native American spiritual
There is also arising a ninth religious bloc known as Omnism. Omnism is a spiritual belief that unites the religions of the Earth while eschewing any particular religious doctrine. This sudden blooming of Omnism may be the result of the intermingling of the Earth religions, and though this has the undertow of prejudice against the non-Terran faiths such as the Vulcan stoicism of Logic and the Bajoran Prophets, it is more likely the result of the unity encouraged by and protected by the Imperial government in the wake of the world-destroying Third World War.
Trekism
Trekism is not so much a religion as a philosophy, as there is no deity or God to worship (though there have been attempts to turn Surak or Spock into a deity, hence the religion's nickname "The Word of Spock"). Surakian teachings combined with Spock-style logic and the morality and life lessons as derived from the Star Trek TV shows and movies, make up the core of Trekist beliefs. A 'Book of the Word' was written to document the various philosophical lessons in science, education, and politics from the TV shows and movies. Trekism initially started among 25 college students hand-picked by Michael (soon to be Emperor Michael I) and spread across the old Dixie Confederation. Legend recalls that Trekism became a major philo-religious force in the last days of the Dixie Confederation, and may have contributed to its collapse, though this is heavily debated by scholars. Today, roughly 20% of the people practice Trekism solely while another 80% practice Trekism in conjunction with another religion, such as Judaism or Buddhism.
Christianity
Christianity is the predominant religion of Trekylon, as it has survived the nuclear holocaust of World War III, the collapse of the old United States, and the brief existence of the Confederation of Dixie (which was strictly atheist). In rural, isolated areas, Christian churches began preaching the Gospel to the many survivors, and gradually Christianity spread back into the major cities. Christianity's main message of 'peace on Earth and goodwill toward men' has been inserted in the Trekist doctrine, as well as the local clan religions (excepting the Klingons-which have a military P.O.V, and the Jem'Hadar, who have no religion yet are genetically programmed to view the emperor as a god). Christianity, though among the youngest of the world religions, has shown a remarkable survivability in time of major war. Four denominations of Christianity are recognized by the Imperial government:
1)Catholicism
2)Baptist (excepting Southern Baptist-used by the Dixie Confederation government as a means of racially screening Afromericans and Latinomericans, though officially the Confederation observed strict atheism)
3)Methodism
4)Lutheranism
Mormonism is non-existent in Trekylon, as the practitioners have fled from Arkansa and Louisia districts following their conquest and incorporation. Evangelism is frowned upon officially, but tolerated by the Imperial government. Fundamentalist Christian groups such as the FLDS are illegal in Trekylon, for their extremist views on other religions, and treatment of its practitioners.
1)Catholicism
2)Baptist (excepting Southern Baptist-used by the Dixie Confederation government as a means of racially screening Afromericans and Latinomericans, though officially the Confederation observed strict atheism)
3)Methodism
4)Lutheranism
Mormonism is non-existent in Trekylon, as the practitioners have fled from Arkansa and Louisia districts following their conquest and incorporation. Evangelism is frowned upon officially, but tolerated by the Imperial government. Fundamentalist Christian groups such as the FLDS are illegal in Trekylon, for their extremist views on other religions, and treatment of its practitioners.
Islam
Islam survived in isolated areas but reemerged slowly after World War III. Many practitioners feared the persecution that would occur should the predominant Christians discover that Islam survived the loss of its Holy Places in Saudi Arabia through nuclear destruction. While the main bastions of Islam have rebuilt the Holy Places of Mecca and Medina to what they once were, its only the result of the near-extinction of Humanity through World War III that forced a change in the views of many Muslims. Radical elements that were not wiped out in nuclear fire were systematically arrested or executed by the Islamic governments as being too dangerous to Humanity's hopes for survival. Recently, the Caliph (spiritual head of Islam, like the Catholic Pope), initiated a policy of reaching out to the Christians as 'brothers and sisters', which has been received favorably by the Christian community. It was in recognition of this that the Imperial government signed a Concordat with the Caliph, recognizing his spiritual leadership of the Muslim community in Trekylon. An Imam serves as the bridge between the Caliph and the community within Trekylon, fluent in English, Turkish, Farsi, and Arabic.
Judaism
Judaism reemerged first in what was Israel-Palestine, then in the former United States. The Tahoe Republic was a bastion of Judaism as a result of a second diaspora from the atheist Confederation of Dixie. The majority returned to the Middle East, while others remained in the Tahoe Republic until its collapse. A mass migration to the former Dixie Confederation lands resulted in the second largest Jewish population in the world (after Israel-Palestine). Not long after the rise of the Grand Republic of Alabama, and its offspring, the Republic of Treksylvania, Judaism became the second recognized religion after Christianity. Like Islam, a Concordat was signed between the Imperial government and the newly commissioned Chief Rabbi housed in Jerusalem. Appointments of rabbis in their various patrimonies are made by the Imperial government and given final approval by the Chief Rabbi. Overtures have been made to the Islamic Caliph in the hopes of finally ending the centuries of distrust and strife between the religions which resulted in World War III.
Other Religions and Semi-Religions
Though the four religions are officially encouraged by the Parliament and Imperial government, there are other religions and semi-religions which are also officially recognized, or at the least, tolerated within Trekylon. Confucianism, Hinduism, and Sikhism are practiced within the local Chinese, Hindi, and Pakistani communities, and were recently given Imperial protection under the laws.
The Native Americans within Trekylon (including the Federate Cherokee State) practice a belief in the 'Great Spirit', though many have embraced Christianity-in particular Catholicism. Their meeting-halls are easily recognized by their many-sided walls (Cherokee meeting-halls are seven sided, for the seven clans of the tribe), and totems placed on either side of the entrances, on an altar inside the meeting-hall, and at various locations chosen for their historic or cultural significance.
The Native Americans within Trekylon (including the Federate Cherokee State) practice a belief in the 'Great Spirit', though many have embraced Christianity-in particular Catholicism. Their meeting-halls are easily recognized by their many-sided walls (Cherokee meeting-halls are seven sided, for the seven clans of the tribe), and totems placed on either side of the entrances, on an altar inside the meeting-hall, and at various locations chosen for their historic or cultural significance.
G'Quanites The G'Quanites profess a belief in the complexity and mystery of the universe, viewing living beings as manifestations of the universe trying to figure itself out. Beliefs arose as a result of the second hit sci-fi TV show Babylon 5as manifestations of the universe trying to figure itself out.
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Valenites
The Valenites profess a belief in the sanctity of all life, be it good or evil. Their main view is that all life, regardless of its 'good' or 'evil' nature, is sacred, and that therefore ANY loss of life is seen as a terrible loss. It is expected that as the population grows and more converts are made, the Valenite movement will become more numerous within Trekylon, and may even spread to neighboring nations.
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Messiahnites
Messiahnite emblem
The Messiahnites share the Christian view of morality, Heaven, and Hell, but without the use of Jesus Christ or just Christ. They prefer to use the word 'messiah', and there is speculation as to whether 'messiah' refers to Christ, or a revered figure in Messiahnite belief who shares similarities with Christ.
It is believed that the Messiahnite movement was the result of a religious exchange with another nation, or possibly an attempt to cloak fundamentalist Christianity in the guise of a new movement. While its origins may never truly be known, it is certain that the Messiahnite movement will grow as the population grows. The Imperial government may soon have to consider granting official and full recognition to the Messiahnites. Messiahnites are most numerous in the Caribbean island districts.
It is believed that the Messiahnite movement was the result of a religious exchange with another nation, or possibly an attempt to cloak fundamentalist Christianity in the guise of a new movement. While its origins may never truly be known, it is certain that the Messiahnite movement will grow as the population grows. The Imperial government may soon have to consider granting official and full recognition to the Messiahnites. Messiahnites are most numerous in the Caribbean island districts.
Pagans
Pagan flag
Pagans practice their beliefs in the wilds of the outside world. Erroneously called 'animal-worshippers', they profess a belief in a Creator or Great Maker, responsible for all things, from rocks and clouds, to deer and people, and minor deities in charge of mystical powers. Originally from Britannia and Hibernia, they began to settle in the coastlands of Carolina province, and soon spread into Muscogee and Tennessia.
Atheists
Flag of the Euromericans used during height of atheist Dixie Confederation
The Atheists are those remaining multitude who do not practice any of the above religions or semi-religions. A holdover from the late Dixie Confederation period, they once held power within the old Confederation and attempted to segregate the races and religions. There are currently no Atheists in the Imperial government, though local governors and captain-generals have been drawn from the Atheist community. Atheists are often viewed by the general populace as the 'lowest of the low..the unworthy' for their role in the power structure of the old Confederation, and blame the turmoil which only ended with a reemergence of central authority with the rise of Treksylvania, on the Atheists. Emperor Michael I recently signed a law which granted the same protection to the Atheists as the religious communities enjoyed. Fortunately, the more radical (and more racist) Atheists have all died or been killed during Trekylon's wars of expansion. Atheism is, however, slowly becoming extinct as Atheists have started to turn toward religion (any religion) and turn their back on the more politicized ideals of their fellows.
Grand Religious Council
In accordance with the stated Imperial policy of religious diversity and toleration among the many races and ethnicities of the Empire, a decree was issued jointly by the Emperor and the Religious Leader or Kai (formerly a Bajoran title equivalent to the Catholic Pope) establishing the Grand Religious Council. In a second decree issued solely by the Kai, it was agreed that the position of Trekius of the Imperial Faith would be created for the emperor. This recognized him (or her) as the Supreme Head of the Trekist faith, but allocated only a ceremonial role for them. The Kai would be confirmed as the Spiritual Leader of the Empire while retaining the additional role of Kai to the Bajoran people. While the Trekius would only have a largely ceremonial role, the office does allow for firmans to be issued, an ability shared with the Kai. The Council itself comprised representatives of the recognized religions of the Empire and even allowed for a representative of the Mangaist faith from Inuyashia to sit in, though due to the low number of practicing Mangaists in Trekylon, their role was largely observatory in nature and was barred from effecting any but the most informal discussions.
Every official meeting of the Council, which takes place trimonthly, begins with an invocation to the Universal Creator. This term is used by agreement among the Terran religious figures as term that allows for each to insert their own name, as well as taking into account the sensitivities of the non-Terran members of the Council. All are seated at the Round Table and the day's discussions and debates are commenced. It is during this time that a strict system of etiquette is imposed. This allows each speaker to address the assembly when called on. While the time one is allowed to address the Council is limitless, it is considered a matter of etiquette that such an address not exceed the 25 minute limit. After the matters of the religious state are addressed by all, proposals for firmans are laid out and discussed. There is no vote on a firman, but each Religious Head is given the chance to either endorse or refute a proposed firman. Because there is no vote on a firman once proposed, it often becomes a process by which those who are opposed to a firman are given Concessions to balance the effects of a firman. This could be changed in the future as the Religious Council is still in the process of organizing itself.
Every official meeting of the Council, which takes place trimonthly, begins with an invocation to the Universal Creator. This term is used by agreement among the Terran religious figures as term that allows for each to insert their own name, as well as taking into account the sensitivities of the non-Terran members of the Council. All are seated at the Round Table and the day's discussions and debates are commenced. It is during this time that a strict system of etiquette is imposed. This allows each speaker to address the assembly when called on. While the time one is allowed to address the Council is limitless, it is considered a matter of etiquette that such an address not exceed the 25 minute limit. After the matters of the religious state are addressed by all, proposals for firmans are laid out and discussed. There is no vote on a firman, but each Religious Head is given the chance to either endorse or refute a proposed firman. Because there is no vote on a firman once proposed, it often becomes a process by which those who are opposed to a firman are given Concessions to balance the effects of a firman. This could be changed in the future as the Religious Council is still in the process of organizing itself.
The wardrobe of the Religious Council reflects the ranks as established by Imperial decree. When not in session, members of the Religious Council cannot be discerned from any other member of general society. All members of the Council are required to wear robes when council is in session, and to this effect, a special system was devised for the use of the robes. The Trekius is easily identified by the scarlet and gold robe. As Imperial Spiritual Leader, the Kai's purple robe denotes their role on the council.
Acolytes are the new students of the Trekist faith, helping in public to spread the religio-philosophy. Their nebular-colored robes and hoods are designed to conceal their identities as well as unite them in their common purpose. They play their secondary, missionary role in new colonies established by the Empire.
Clerics represent the major Terran and non-Terran religions of the Empire and thus their white and silver robes mark them as important. Each cleric, who is a religious leader, wears the emblem of their religion on their robe for identification. These make up the Circle within the council.
Acolytes are the new students of the Trekist faith, helping in public to spread the religio-philosophy. Their nebular-colored robes and hoods are designed to conceal their identities as well as unite them in their common purpose. They play their secondary, missionary role in new colonies established by the Empire.
Clerics represent the major Terran and non-Terran religions of the Empire and thus their white and silver robes mark them as important. Each cleric, who is a religious leader, wears the emblem of their religion on their robe for identification. These make up the Circle within the council.
As stated above, Omnism is a universal belief in the Truth as common to every religious creed in existence, without the added burden of doctrine specific to that religion. In the last years of the 20th century and leading into the 21st century, Omnism began to play a role in the various societies of the Earth. It survived the Third World War and the post-atomic period even as the world religions reverted to their purely spiritual basis, being forced to shed their political and in many cases military power as it was these, or so it was believed, that had led to the nuclear holocaust.
Omnism became more of an influence in the Imperial period, thanks largely to contact with alien races who had their own unique religious beliefs. The need to bring about unity prompted the adoption of Omnist ideals in order to syncretize the many Terran and non-Terran faiths. Its believed that the Grand Religious Council was influenced in part by the Omnist ideology that, alongside Trekism, propagated throughout the Empire.
Omnism became more of an influence in the Imperial period, thanks largely to contact with alien races who had their own unique religious beliefs. The need to bring about unity prompted the adoption of Omnist ideals in order to syncretize the many Terran and non-Terran faiths. Its believed that the Grand Religious Council was influenced in part by the Omnist ideology that, alongside Trekism, propagated throughout the Empire.