Igumen

Integrity, along with unity of conscience with deed, brings greater power than any alliance between individuals. I know on a political thread like this that might sound like a dig at one particular nation leader, but I haven't been here long enough to be able to do that. So, if anyone did feel the above comment was aimed at them, then it is not me who is accusing you, but your conscience. In any case, surely the giving of power to a small minority is only a concern within your own alliance, not another alliance to which you don't belong.

[quote name='Unknown Smurf' timestamp='1352150871' post='3049038'] @Crymson -- Contrary to popular belief, I don't hate MK. I hate the fact that in this realm everything is done behind closed doors (private irc channels) [/quote] Why would you hate that?

Hello Igumen! Oh.

Only if I could be some sort of witch-finder general character who righteously burns Harry at the stake for obvious black magic. Either that or an investigative reporter who discovers the truth about Dumbledore and the paedophile ring he operated during his time at Hogwarts, all the while being battled by the-powers-that-be, who wish to protect his legacy and the profitability of all the charitable organizations set up in his name. Actually, no I don't. Sorry.

[quote name='White Chocolate' timestamp='1351981314' post='3048178'] Well, all the more reason to correct the matter. Suicide bombers calling themselves martyers are wrong. Better word is kamikaze. [/quote] Oh, yes, I'm all for reclaiming the use of the word "Martyr". "Martyrdom" is used to lend the act more nobility and righteousness. In terms of carrying out aggressive actions which might get your nation on a ZI list, this is not necessarily noble or righteous, as it requires acting in a rogue-ish manner. Brave, perhaps, but not "martyrdom". It cheapens the word.

That made me smile, but I'm weeping on the inside. [b]Good luck[/b]. Sincerely.

[quote name='Winner12345' timestamp='1352047004' post='3048480'] You say it might be worse maybye even it may cause a curse, Yo? [/quote] Oh, my.... I don't think I'll be able to watch this. Will you be taking up the option of filming/recording yourself?

Peace is better than war, though I fear that this rap might be worse than both.

No, not a fight. Clearly there is more than simply "it's just a game" behind the decision to create and/or join an Alliance that is called the Coalition of Christian Countries. If the game were just about making money/building NS there would be no reason to create an alliance along faith-based lines. As there is such an alliance, I have left a message that I believe many Christians here might respond to (and I don't mean respond on the OWF), in the hope that they can play the game and all its aspects in line with their faith, rather than just joining the CCC and then behaving like every other nation/player on here. And I am sure there are such players on here who might consider what I have written. Contrary to what you suggest I do not wish to fight with anyone who doesn't want to consider what I have written. What I will do is respond to counter-points or replies to my posts.

[quote name='White Chocolate' timestamp='1351971930' post='3048093'] Taking your OP just at face value (minus the latest drama that other people have suggested it's actually about), martyrdom is not about hate, it's the opposite. It's about defending some belief or some person/people/group that you care enough about at the sacrifice of one's life (closest thing in CN in terms of the loss of life being EZI). Also, I don't see it as something that one chooses, but rather a choice forced upon the person to either take some act (or stop some act) or else die. It's not about "taking down" anyone - it's about defense. [/quote] This. Perhaps suicide-bombers - who would call themselves "martyrs" - have caused the word to lose the above meaning, as they are all about "taking down" people, but certainly this is what I would call proper martyrdom.

[quote name='Unknown Smurf' timestamp='1351898639' post='3047796'] Then call me CN's Jesus. [/quote] Jesus Christ is CN's Jesus, just as He is the Savior of all peoples. You are CN's....... well, that sentence has yet to be completed. That's probably why you feel the need to start threads like this, because you are not yet confident in your identity, and look for the approval of others. But, no, Unknown Smurf, validation from fallen men and women will bring you nothing of lasting value, and seeking their attention through the creation of drama will bring even less. OOC: Did you use to be a Mormon or are you a Mormon now? Sorry for the nosiness, but the second screen-shot shows that http://www.lifeaftermormonism.net is one of the pages you're looking at.

Despite not being a ruling monarch, the Igumen of Cathari has accepted the challenge submitted by the Imperial Court of Tianxian Celestial Empire. Here is my effort at completing the challenge: [center][img]http://forums.cybernations.net/uploads/blog-0266111001351893693.jpg[/img][/center] [center]\o/[/center] [b]Signed:[/b] The Igumen of the Free Land of Cathari

Congratulations to all members of the CSN on being one year closer to their deaths. On behalf of the Free Land of Cathari I wish that your remaining years of existence are fruitful and that all your sufferings be cathartic, and your rejoicings tempered with sobriety. [center]+[/center]

[quote name='Igumen' timestamp='1351681162' post='3046957'] [b]+ Peace and blessings to the Christian Coalition of Countries +[/b] The people of the Free Land of Cathari are heartened to see such a coalition exist in this Cyberverse, and that such a large number of rulers would wish to align their nations in such a way, united under the Cross of Christ. However, I am also disheartened to see a number of nations organizing their governments according to the ideology of "democracy". This may seem an absurd statement in a world where "democracy" has become almost synonymous with "liberty" and "freedom", yet these are only lofty, ideological words, draped over democracy in order to mask the true, anti-Christian nature underneath. The democratic ideology is incompatible with the Christian Faith because ultimate sovereignty is ascribed, not to God, but to the people. It is, in fact, the political reenactment of the Original Sin, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God with the false promise by satan of "being as gods". Any Christian who actively champions democracy is simply suffering their own Fall and exile from paradise. This is the spiritual consequence. The worldly consequence of democracy is that the final judge of what is true or right belongs to fallen human beings – and if the people changes its mind, as it so often does, the convictions and standards of the State must change with it. So even if a democracy declares itself to be Christian in the beginning, there is absolutely no guarantee that it will remain Christian. Of course, no political system can ensure permanent stability – the human race is fallen and mutable by nature. Nevertheless, logic suggests and history demonstrates that monarchies have been much more stable than democracies in their adherence to Christian faith and morality. Historically speaking, democracy appeared everywhere as a result of anti-monarchist and anti-hierarchical movements. As such its root was evil, and this is demonstrated by an ever-accelerating decline in faith and morality among democratic nations, and an ever-expanding undermining of the natural hierarchical relations that God has placed in human society, whether these be between parents and children, husbands and wives, teachers and pupils, or rulers and their subjects. And by undermining these natural hierarchical relations, it implicitly undermines the most important hierarchical relation of all, that between God and man. Democracy contains within itself the seeds of its own destruction – the warring wills of millions of people who can agree on no supreme authority, no objective criterion of truth and morality outside the will of the majority as expressed in the ballot box. As often as not it cannot even claim to represent the majority, but only the temporary and technical triumph of one faction. This hints at one of the main flaws of democracy: that in practice it fails to live up to its ideals. In practice, the ruling power is not the one with majority rule, but the person who has the most money to advertise himself, and is better at showing various - often contradicting - faces to various groups of people. The democratic system is set up that venal, self-serving, and overly ambitious liars are the ones who succeed. In a monarchical society there is always the possibility that the nation will be cursed with such a poor ruler too, but in a democracy it is guaranteed: Every. Single. Time. Finally, brethren of the CCC, I ask you directly: is your nation really run along democratic ideals anyway? Surely each one of us are autocrats in our own nation-states, raising or lowering taxes at will, trading with whom we please, and building our nation as we desire. Therefore, if nothing else, it is simply hypocritical to carry the badge of democracy for our nation, when in fact we do no such thing. Now that, perhaps, you realize the anti-Christian, sinful, roots of "demon-ocracy", those nations of the CCC that have this political ideology as their government time will reconsider. With love and respect, The Igumen of Cathari [center][img]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Oo1_Vk7Zyko/Su0nCm9v2VI/AAAAAAAACKM/evRndvy2jAA/s400/1101-w.jpg[/img][/center] [center][size=3][b]In Heaven: the Kingdom. (In hell: democracy)[/b][/size][/center] [size=2][b]ps:[/b] bump[/size] [/quote] [quote name='Jesusfreak' timestamp='1351827478' post='3047510'] My explanation for why so many have democracy: It's a game Democracy gives the highest income compared to the other governments in the game [/quote] Then why do you have "Capitalist" as your government type? You say this is a game, but if that is the case then why have a coalition based upon the Christian faith? Are you bringing the Faith into the frivolity of this game and improving the latter, or are you bringing the frivolity of this game into your faith and undermining the latter? Nevertheless, you are just one nation within this coalition, and thank God not the only nation from the CCC I have interacted with. Rob Holmes III of The Nation of Tennessee has shown the Free Land of Cathari kindness and support in concrete word, and not facetiousness in word. Nevertheless, I hope and pray you realize that every act, thought, word and deed will be judged by your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, regardless of whether we think it is important or not. [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showuser=51271"][b]It's later than you think![/b][/url]

A martyr is a witness, and in the context of this realm or any other the ultimate witness to a faith or to the truth is death. Therefore I disagree that "going rogue" is martyrdom, unless it is done as a witness to some truth or faith greater than the nation itself. Even then, the "message" being proclaimed in the name of "going rogue" is usually cheapened by committing an act of suicide by attacking others first. True martyrdom, exemplified by Jesus Christ, Lord of this cyberverse and every other, is one that suffers death in the name of the truth, but does not cause it, or even seek to fight back. This is true martyrdom. Anything else is just roguery or suicide.

Pfft, seems unlikely. A world where world wars are started over such relatively small things and such pictures of human cruelty exist would be an unimaginably horrible place to live, and be more in need of Christ's redemption than Bob.

[quote name='LOLman789789' timestamp='1351814081' post='3047434'] All it takes is 1 Catalyst to light it up, just like World War 1 on Planet Earth. [/quote] Planet Earth? LOL, who names a planet after dirt? You're not even trying to come up with believable alternative worlds to Bob.

[quote name='berbers' timestamp='1351811322' post='3047412'] That sir, is an insult to knife licking dogs everywhere! [/quote] You are correct; I apologize, although also point out that no dogs were harmed in the making of that analogy. ps: your avatar creeps me out. I don't know why.

So I take it that means your people are not happy, LOLman. Regardless of who started the war, you choose to not only continue it, but escalate it: thus ensuring more warfare for your people. It is their lives which are being lost, not yours. How much has your population gone down in these wars with the GOONS? You probably don't even know, with your callous disregard for life. I entreat you, LOLman, follow your conscience and follow Christ, not your own will.

[quote name='LOLman789789' timestamp='1351808020' post='3047376'] Why don't I have Christianity? I did, but over time, my people changed, and they demanded a new Religion to follow. I listen to my people as much as possible. [/quote] This is the danger of democracy. You have followed your people's wish to have some new-age religion as its national faith, and the moral degradation follows. You could have Christianity as your national religion and still allow people to worship as they wish. Then, make your population happy in other ways, and then they will be happy and be governed according to the eternal laws of Christ. As it is, your nation is at war and in anarchy, which I'm sure doesn't make your population very happy at all. Did your people choose war? Then your population should be happy right now. Maybe you could show me screenshots of your nation page that proves your citizens are happy with the current state of affairs in Horensia.

... Or don't declare war on nations. That's quite a good way too.

[quote name='LOLman789789' timestamp='1351807209' post='3047354'] I am Catholic. Your views offend me. Get out. [/quote] These sentences have no connection with each other. Should the fact that you are a Catholic lend your authority more weight? Then why do you not have Christianity as your nation's religion, and compensate for the loss of happiness to your population in other ways (hint: not being at war makes a population happy). I would respect your views about "getting out", but you did not satrt this thread, so it is not "your place" to tell me that. I cannot, of my own volition, get out of your thoughts -- it is up to you whether you ignore me or not: it is not up to me. Respectfully, The Igumen of Cathari. (ps: our nation's name "Cathari" has nothing to do with the mythical "Cathars" of the fictional world of France during the Middle Ages, who were viciously murdered by military forces from Roman Catholic states -- if this is the reason for your anger towards me. We do not share the same theological views as those heretics, whilst also not agreeing with how the Catholic Church dealt with such heresy.)

Your alliances remind me of a mad-dog licking a knife: gorging on the blood, all the while unaware it is bleeding to death. Winner and LOLman: suicide is a sin! There is no glory or martyrdom in your macabre waltz of death, sweeping around Planet Bob as arrows and flames rain down upon your heads, all the time gazing at each other like love-struck teenagers. Please reconsider your self-destructive actions.

[quote name='LOLman789789' timestamp='1351639141' post='3046804'] [quote]Igumen, on 29 October 2012 - 11:50 PM, said: Stat crux dum volvitur orbis The only thing that will cause Caucasia to fall is her own infidelity to God. But be sure of one thing: the Cross will not fall, even whilst the disparate anti-Christian elements of the world coalesce together in a seething sea of hatred for Christianity (c.a. a Voodoo nation supporting an Islamic one).[/quote] [quote]Igumen, on 29 October 2012 - 11:42 PM, said: ericcarlson: You cannot get anywhere by fighting the Cross of Christ. If you declare was against a nation carrying the Cross whilst following the false religion of Islam then your efforts will be fruitless. Looking at Caucasia, I can see that this nation is trying to exist as a simple nation united by blood under the banner of Christ. Therefore the Free Land of Cathari has sent military aid to Caucasia in order to dissuade Ingeria from her destructive ways. Your nation is of Arab ethnicity. The Arabs were worshiping the Word of God, that is Jesus Christ, long before they worshiped the falsified "word of God" called the Qu'ran. They apostatized, but as a strong ruler you can at least bring your nation to repentance, convert to Christianity, and turn away from your war against the self-declared Christian nation. God save us all. The Igumen of Cathari[/quote] Umm... No. I have friends who are Muslims. My Cousin's Fiance is. (Though he doesn't really follow it.) Take your hateful views somewhere else. I don't like the thought that those friends and My Cousin's Fiance could be going to H*ll for their beliefs.[b] I will deal with you later.[/b] [/quote] Just in case anyone was going out of their minds with anxiety waiting for "LOLman" to carry out his threat (bolded text above), let me announce that I have been thoroughly dealt with: I was sent an in-game PM from him announcing that he has blocked messages from me. I must, for the sake of my nation, manfully struggle on, aware of the fact that messages have been blocked by some one I know nothing about, and never intended to communicate with. [quote] To: Igumen From: LOLman789789 Date: 10/30/2012 7:04:52 PM Subject: Blocked You Message: Obviously, I cannot stand your hateful views. [/quote] If you can bear to read these words without your face melting with indignation, then fare thee well, LOLman, fare thee well [img]http://www.zimabdk.com/vb/images/smilies/tuzki017.gif[/img] With apologies to all for the sarcasm.