if so, here it is. Posted because my word doc is too large to post. As always comments/ criticism is appreciated.
Paper Follows>>>>>
The Order of the Crestfallen:
A Basic Primer
Dustin Hardy
Religion 1107
M/W 10:30 11:45
During research into a religion, one finds normal, interesting, and unexpected things. A look at The Order of the Crestfallen, also known as The Order, yields the same results. This religion is very far reaching in it's grasp. It contains many people from all walks of life. The creed: I feel like ****, but at least I feel something, rings true with every follower.
The followers, from an outside view, would appear to lead unfulfilled and discontented lives. In a way this is true, but the surface view is shallow in it's understanding. While the Crestfallen (The worshipers/followers) are discontented and disappointed with life, they do strive to better them selves and their environment. They have learned that reliance on themselves is their only option. Total reliance on others leads to greater disappointment and is typically avoided.
Every follower is a Crestfallen. There are no real leaders in the typical sense. There are some who are looked to for guidance more often than others, but everyone is the same. Any views of the divine are internal and not transferred to any other than the individual. Every one of the Crestfallen is an expert in their own method of living and can offer advice, if requested, to other Crestfallen. This advice is not an absolute law, but is one persons view of how to deal with a situation. It can be followed strictly, but can be dismissed just as easily.
Given the fact that The Order is an atheistic religion, there are not any true gods or a sense of salvation. They find that distractions are the closest thing to happiness. The Identity(The internal views that each Crestfallen holds of themselves and the surrounding existence) is the closest thing to a god. The scriptures and teachings are plentiful, and the list encompasses all known works of art, literature, and media. The scriptures are generally not used to teach, but instead they are used to meditate. Self-talk is generally discouraged as it leads to greater feelings of depression and hopelessness. Instead a book, movie, etc. is the recommended form.
While the scriptures are not viewed as teachings, there is information to be found as the Crestfallen often have a hunger for knowledge. This drive holds part of the cause to their dilemma. With a vast amount of knowledge in the world, it is impossible to know everything. This process usually starts at a young age with questions like why is the sky blue, and How are babies made. Ignorance is viewed as the best existence, but unattainable for the initiated.
The initiation is a personal journey out of the cave and into a life with eyes open. It can be as simple as realizing the world is not quite how it has been portrayed or as difficult as a near death experience, intentional or otherwise. The mark of the initiated Crestfallen is a general loathing for others in society who do not see anything past their own enclosed bubble.
There is an understanding that life is temporary and fleeting, but much should be accomplished during that life. There is no ascension or reincarnation. There is no drive to do good based on the system of Heaven and Hell. Remembrance is the only part that lingers after ones passing. The Crestfallen want to be remembered for good things. They would like to be remembered as role models for their families, communities, and world. This becomes the driving reason to be a just and good person. While they know it will not bring satisfaction for themselves, their actions will be a boon or hindrance to everyone that they encounter.
From the outside many are viewed as selfish and uncaring, or cold, but detachment can be the greatest gift from some. Detachment enables many to not interact in a negative way and cause harm to their community. Open destruction of the community is one of the most taboo acts in The Order.
The worst form of existence is one in which a Crestfallen stops feeling and caring called melancholia. This is typically followed by a self-inflicted test of mortality called felo de se. The outcome can go either way, but if one survives this test they are reinstated to the Crestfallen as they are more aware of life and the value placed on their life by others. It is viewed as better to not live then live with no feeling. Those that are successful in their attempt are left to the memories of those they affected and afterwards referred to as the Fallen.
The Crestfallen have been around since the incarnation of humans, but there was no actual organization or form of community until the mid 1880's. The word community is misleading as there is no true organization, but the 1880's ushered in the terminology and an international sense of belonging. The fact that the Crestfallen discovered that they were not entirely alone on their journey enabled them to create ties to each other and search out others that were of a like mind. Dr. Sigmund Freud laid the ground work for The Order with his research into melancholia, but he would not be considered a founder. There is no founder on record, but during the pursuit of knowledge, many Crestfallen have tried to link the beginning to one man. All attempts have failed, but many still try.
The following is a point by point breakdown of the ten views of the world as seen by the typical Crestfallen.
The Absolute: Discontentment and disappointment are the ruling factors of life, overshadowing every accomplishment and feeling of self worth. The most important guiding principle is to make ones time important and beneficial to the society in which they live. Self reliance is also of the utmost importance. To rely on other absolutely will end in complete disappointment.
The World: The World is made up of people who are less than desirable and who have a detrimental impact on that world. This include micro impacts, like domestic violence, to macro impacts, like Hitler's attempted extermination of an entire race. The world is made up of more than just what one can see in front of them.
Humans: Those not among the Crestfallen are either evil, ignorant, or both. Ignorance can be tolerated if the ignorant are not placing a negative burden on others. Evil is not tolerated whether is is performed by ignorant or knowledgeable individuals.
The Problem for Humans: The problem is that no matter the attempts, life is always a disappointment for those living it. There is no way to a truly better, or happy life. Every action is an exercise in futility for the one performing the action.
The Solution for Humans: The solution is to understand and accept life as a miserable existence, but to conduct life in a positive and beneficial manner for all others involved. Salvation is unattainable, but the world can be maintained and benefit from positive actions.
Community and Ethics: The Crestfallen are typically considered ethical in most societies. They do not willingly do harm or commit unjust acts. The knowledge that they have obtained leads them to the correct course of action. A strong sense of community is very typical because a strong community will not tolerate the unjust acts that the Crestfallen try to prevent.
Interpretation of History: The view of history encompasses everything that has happened. An active engagement in the present, based on past actions, is reality. Every action has directly changed the current situation and any current actions, no matter how large or small, will have a direct impact on the future.
Rituals and Symbols: Felo de se is one of the rituals that many of the Crestfallen go through. This is not a required nor regimented ritual, but a common occurrence. The scriptures are symbols of a better life that is unattainable, and the observance of the scriptures is a personal ritual that every Crestfallen determines for themselves.
Life and Death: Life is to be used for the benefit of society. Life is the one and only physical existence that a Crestfallen can experience. After death they are remembered, but not honored as saints or profits. They are honored based on their merits and nothing more.
Relationship to other religions: The Order is generally tolerant of other religions as a rule. The exception arises when members of other religions try to undermine or dismiss a Crestfallen's views or lifestyle. They are not tolerant of preaching or attempts at conversion. The Crestfallen are usually capable debaters when it comes to religious matters and apply a level of logic to other religions that can be hard to combat. One statement made to a Christian sums much of this up. If God is all powerful, can he create a rock that even he cannot lift.
Belonging to The Order of the Crestfallen is not a difficult feat to accomplish for many. For others it is an impossibility. There is a certain mindset and acceptance of self depreciation that must be accepted as a Crestfallen. The Crestfallen are not what would be considered Happy, but they are a benefit to every society in which they live.
Paper Follows>>>>>
The Order of the Crestfallen:
A Basic Primer
Dustin Hardy
Religion 1107
M/W 10:30 11:45
During research into a religion, one finds normal, interesting, and unexpected things. A look at The Order of the Crestfallen, also known as The Order, yields the same results. This religion is very far reaching in it's grasp. It contains many people from all walks of life. The creed: I feel like ****, but at least I feel something, rings true with every follower.
The followers, from an outside view, would appear to lead unfulfilled and discontented lives. In a way this is true, but the surface view is shallow in it's understanding. While the Crestfallen (The worshipers/followers) are discontented and disappointed with life, they do strive to better them selves and their environment. They have learned that reliance on themselves is their only option. Total reliance on others leads to greater disappointment and is typically avoided.
Every follower is a Crestfallen. There are no real leaders in the typical sense. There are some who are looked to for guidance more often than others, but everyone is the same. Any views of the divine are internal and not transferred to any other than the individual. Every one of the Crestfallen is an expert in their own method of living and can offer advice, if requested, to other Crestfallen. This advice is not an absolute law, but is one persons view of how to deal with a situation. It can be followed strictly, but can be dismissed just as easily.
Given the fact that The Order is an atheistic religion, there are not any true gods or a sense of salvation. They find that distractions are the closest thing to happiness. The Identity(The internal views that each Crestfallen holds of themselves and the surrounding existence) is the closest thing to a god. The scriptures and teachings are plentiful, and the list encompasses all known works of art, literature, and media. The scriptures are generally not used to teach, but instead they are used to meditate. Self-talk is generally discouraged as it leads to greater feelings of depression and hopelessness. Instead a book, movie, etc. is the recommended form.
While the scriptures are not viewed as teachings, there is information to be found as the Crestfallen often have a hunger for knowledge. This drive holds part of the cause to their dilemma. With a vast amount of knowledge in the world, it is impossible to know everything. This process usually starts at a young age with questions like why is the sky blue, and How are babies made. Ignorance is viewed as the best existence, but unattainable for the initiated.
The initiation is a personal journey out of the cave and into a life with eyes open. It can be as simple as realizing the world is not quite how it has been portrayed or as difficult as a near death experience, intentional or otherwise. The mark of the initiated Crestfallen is a general loathing for others in society who do not see anything past their own enclosed bubble.
There is an understanding that life is temporary and fleeting, but much should be accomplished during that life. There is no ascension or reincarnation. There is no drive to do good based on the system of Heaven and Hell. Remembrance is the only part that lingers after ones passing. The Crestfallen want to be remembered for good things. They would like to be remembered as role models for their families, communities, and world. This becomes the driving reason to be a just and good person. While they know it will not bring satisfaction for themselves, their actions will be a boon or hindrance to everyone that they encounter.
From the outside many are viewed as selfish and uncaring, or cold, but detachment can be the greatest gift from some. Detachment enables many to not interact in a negative way and cause harm to their community. Open destruction of the community is one of the most taboo acts in The Order.
The worst form of existence is one in which a Crestfallen stops feeling and caring called melancholia. This is typically followed by a self-inflicted test of mortality called felo de se. The outcome can go either way, but if one survives this test they are reinstated to the Crestfallen as they are more aware of life and the value placed on their life by others. It is viewed as better to not live then live with no feeling. Those that are successful in their attempt are left to the memories of those they affected and afterwards referred to as the Fallen.
The Crestfallen have been around since the incarnation of humans, but there was no actual organization or form of community until the mid 1880's. The word community is misleading as there is no true organization, but the 1880's ushered in the terminology and an international sense of belonging. The fact that the Crestfallen discovered that they were not entirely alone on their journey enabled them to create ties to each other and search out others that were of a like mind. Dr. Sigmund Freud laid the ground work for The Order with his research into melancholia, but he would not be considered a founder. There is no founder on record, but during the pursuit of knowledge, many Crestfallen have tried to link the beginning to one man. All attempts have failed, but many still try.
The following is a point by point breakdown of the ten views of the world as seen by the typical Crestfallen.
The Absolute: Discontentment and disappointment are the ruling factors of life, overshadowing every accomplishment and feeling of self worth. The most important guiding principle is to make ones time important and beneficial to the society in which they live. Self reliance is also of the utmost importance. To rely on other absolutely will end in complete disappointment.
The World: The World is made up of people who are less than desirable and who have a detrimental impact on that world. This include micro impacts, like domestic violence, to macro impacts, like Hitler's attempted extermination of an entire race. The world is made up of more than just what one can see in front of them.
Humans: Those not among the Crestfallen are either evil, ignorant, or both. Ignorance can be tolerated if the ignorant are not placing a negative burden on others. Evil is not tolerated whether is is performed by ignorant or knowledgeable individuals.
The Problem for Humans: The problem is that no matter the attempts, life is always a disappointment for those living it. There is no way to a truly better, or happy life. Every action is an exercise in futility for the one performing the action.
The Solution for Humans: The solution is to understand and accept life as a miserable existence, but to conduct life in a positive and beneficial manner for all others involved. Salvation is unattainable, but the world can be maintained and benefit from positive actions.
Community and Ethics: The Crestfallen are typically considered ethical in most societies. They do not willingly do harm or commit unjust acts. The knowledge that they have obtained leads them to the correct course of action. A strong sense of community is very typical because a strong community will not tolerate the unjust acts that the Crestfallen try to prevent.
Interpretation of History: The view of history encompasses everything that has happened. An active engagement in the present, based on past actions, is reality. Every action has directly changed the current situation and any current actions, no matter how large or small, will have a direct impact on the future.
Rituals and Symbols: Felo de se is one of the rituals that many of the Crestfallen go through. This is not a required nor regimented ritual, but a common occurrence. The scriptures are symbols of a better life that is unattainable, and the observance of the scriptures is a personal ritual that every Crestfallen determines for themselves.
Life and Death: Life is to be used for the benefit of society. Life is the one and only physical existence that a Crestfallen can experience. After death they are remembered, but not honored as saints or profits. They are honored based on their merits and nothing more.
Relationship to other religions: The Order is generally tolerant of other religions as a rule. The exception arises when members of other religions try to undermine or dismiss a Crestfallen's views or lifestyle. They are not tolerant of preaching or attempts at conversion. The Crestfallen are usually capable debaters when it comes to religious matters and apply a level of logic to other religions that can be hard to combat. One statement made to a Christian sums much of this up. If God is all powerful, can he create a rock that even he cannot lift.
Belonging to The Order of the Crestfallen is not a difficult feat to accomplish for many. For others it is an impossibility. There is a certain mindset and acceptance of self depreciation that must be accepted as a Crestfallen. The Crestfallen are not what would be considered Happy, but they are a benefit to every society in which they live.
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