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Public News Post #14717

Mhaldorian Evil

Written by: Vicar Herenicus Coldraven, Daemonic Theologian
Date: Tuesday, May 17th, 2005
Addressed to: Madus


As you aptly pointed out in your posts, Strength and Weakness are not
absolute concepts, but exist in relation to one another, as we exist in
relation to one another. It is true that the Third Truth of Evil calls
for the elimination of weakness in all its forms, but the suggestion
that we must then set upon each other's relative weaknesses like rabid
animals is a non sequitur.

At this point it is worth noting the distinction between general and
specific rules. Through the doctrine of ejusdem generis, rules bearing
on a specific subject will modify or restrict the interpretation of a
general rule. Here, the general rule is that "weakness must be
eliminated in all its forms." This rule, however, is best understood
within the full fabric of Mhaldorian society. For the sake of brevity,
it suffices to say that Mhaldor's commitment to raising young
adventurers in a disciplined, challenging environment suggests a more
nuanced treatment of weakness.

Given that strength is relative, you wonder, how can the complete and
total elimination of weakness ever occur? I'll begin by stating that the
goal of Evil is both aspirational and practical. Aspirational in the
sense that as we deepen our faith, as we allow His Truths to shape our
actions, we -do- draw nearer to His absolute ideals of Strength and
Advancement. Indeed, the Lord has invited us to "[r]each above the
natural man, above the constraints of mortal-induced values, morals, and
binds. Refine the mind, body, and spirit, cast off the strings of
mortalhood and rise above." You question whether this is possible. Give
us time. We'll have your answer.

Our path is practical in that no mortal is expected to eschew all
weakness overnight, or even several fortnights. No, the daily wisdom
practiced by most Mhaldorians, Exsusiai or Slave, is simply put, "a
little stronger everyday." Even if the complete and utter elimination of
weakness remains a distant goal for many, this commitment to daily
improvement yields very tangible benefits to its adherents.

In short, the question of whether weakness can ever be absolutely
eliminated is largely academic. The journey towards perfection is just
that, a journey, and those of us on it have yet to complete it. For most
of us, the more pertinent question is whether we're willing to commit
our lives to a path that promises only pain, suffering, and the very
best that life has to offer.

Penned by my hand on the 4th of Chronos, in the year 392 AF.


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Public News Post #14717

Mhaldorian Evil

Written by: Vicar Herenicus Coldraven, Daemonic Theologian
Date: Tuesday, May 17th, 2005
Addressed to: Madus


As you aptly pointed out in your posts, Strength and Weakness are not
absolute concepts, but exist in relation to one another, as we exist in
relation to one another. It is true that the Third Truth of Evil calls
for the elimination of weakness in all its forms, but the suggestion
that we must then set upon each other's relative weaknesses like rabid
animals is a non sequitur.

At this point it is worth noting the distinction between general and
specific rules. Through the doctrine of ejusdem generis, rules bearing
on a specific subject will modify or restrict the interpretation of a
general rule. Here, the general rule is that "weakness must be
eliminated in all its forms." This rule, however, is best understood
within the full fabric of Mhaldorian society. For the sake of brevity,
it suffices to say that Mhaldor's commitment to raising young
adventurers in a disciplined, challenging environment suggests a more
nuanced treatment of weakness.

Given that strength is relative, you wonder, how can the complete and
total elimination of weakness ever occur? I'll begin by stating that the
goal of Evil is both aspirational and practical. Aspirational in the
sense that as we deepen our faith, as we allow His Truths to shape our
actions, we -do- draw nearer to His absolute ideals of Strength and
Advancement. Indeed, the Lord has invited us to "[r]each above the
natural man, above the constraints of mortal-induced values, morals, and
binds. Refine the mind, body, and spirit, cast off the strings of
mortalhood and rise above." You question whether this is possible. Give
us time. We'll have your answer.

Our path is practical in that no mortal is expected to eschew all
weakness overnight, or even several fortnights. No, the daily wisdom
practiced by most Mhaldorians, Exsusiai or Slave, is simply put, "a
little stronger everyday." Even if the complete and utter elimination of
weakness remains a distant goal for many, this commitment to daily
improvement yields very tangible benefits to its adherents.

In short, the question of whether weakness can ever be absolutely
eliminated is largely academic. The journey towards perfection is just
that, a journey, and those of us on it have yet to complete it. For most
of us, the more pertinent question is whether we're willing to commit
our lives to a path that promises only pain, suffering, and the very
best that life has to offer.

Penned by my hand on the 4th of Chronos, in the year 392 AF.


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