Writings of Paxism

The Writings of Paxism (Packilvanian: leKitab aPaxashme) refer to the collection of books and other literature that comprise the core body of scripture for adherents of the Paxism. The Ichtmar was written by Prophet Besmali in 2000 BCE. It contains the creation story that forms the basis of the religion. It draws on and synthesizes multiple oral and written sources. It contains an account of how the world was created, how the Esma were made, how Borg turned from righteousness and inflicted corruption on and assumed control of the world, and how Noi rejected and abandoned the planet. It contains an account of the Pax's journey of discovering Noi, rejecting Borg and being empowered with the ability to defeat him. The book ends with a description of a prophecy of how Borg would escape from the Jovian Gate and Pax would destroy him forever and set Urth free from evil.

The Vagumar was composed by Jerome of Damaclion on the order of King Suleiman of Yehudah. It quotes the Ichtmar's account of the creation myth verbatim, but adds details about how people are meant to live their lives and how the world is intended to be organized. It draws on Pax's mortality as an example of how common people can develop a relationship with Noi and have the ability to live a life that is morally upright on their own. Thus, it emphasises individual responsibility, autonomy and personal freedom. Thus, neo-liberal democrats draw heavily on the Vagumar text as evidence for individualism and self-sovereignty. It is recognised by Yehudists and Melkezedekists.

Mahimavan Agranirupana was written by Prophet Ipsit which describes the world in a cyclical manner as a battle between the evil and cruelty of the Urth which they call Borg, and the Creator who arrived from the Sky which they call Noi. Ipsitites believe there will be many Coming Days, and each shall see a victory of Noi (the Sky), alongside Pax (the Sea) against the evils of Borg (the Urth), believing that should the Sea be destroyed, Borg will encompass the entirety of the Urth and Avarice shall reign. It is only recognised by Ipsitism while Obedists, Yehudists and Melkezedekists think of it as heresy.

The Haagemar was written by King Obed III and also draws on the creation myth account as provided by the Ichtmar but makes modifications with respect to the mortality of the Pax informed by the polytheistic teachings and beliefs of pagan kingdom that received Paxism. It contains a description of the apotheosis of the Pax and his marriage with Noi. It contains a detailed list and description of the Haagen, the children created by Pax and Noi through their marriage who were assigned control over areas of Urth's natural phenomena and the fates of humans. Although it does not explicitly call for the creation of religious leaders dedicated to each Haagen, these leaders and their communities developed organically. It was written as an extension to the Vagumar and is recognised as part of the Vagumar by Obedists and an altogether separate and heretical writing by Yehudists and Melkezedekists.

The Bas Magdamar draws on a desire by scholars and religious leaders who were influenced by the Yehudite sect to return to the monotheism of the Vagumar. However, it bows to the centrality of the position of Pax in beliefs by describing him as a special spiritual intercessor for mortals. This book's title means True Great Writing which reflects its creator's desire to centralise and control religious teaching. Thus, it calls for the creation of a religious government with the authority to interpret and direct the worship of its people. Therefore, it creates room for the creation of authoritative religious writings. It was compiled under the instruction of High King Melkezedek the Great.

Ichtmar

The Ichtmar is a single volume that contains the following Chapters:

1. Preface: Explains that Besmali wrote this story, that he was motivated by a vision from Noi and that he took oral traditions, collated, syntesised and penned them into a single document known as the Ichtmar.
2. Creation of the Universe: Explains how Noi created the universe, the Esmas, the Urth, and the Great Ancestor (the first sentient being from whom Paxists believe all modern sentient beings are descended).
3. Treachery of Borg: Explains how Borg became envious of Noi and greedy for the worship shown to her by sentient beings, and corrupted and manipulated sentient beings.
4. Sin of the Sentients: Explains the evil deeds that the sentient beings performed and how Noi turned from them.
5. Redemption of Pax: Explains how Pax remained loyal and faithful to Noi and how she gave him supernatural powers and ordered him to fight with Borg.
6. Triumph of Pax: contains an elaborate account of the Battle of Pax and Borg and how Pax sealed Borg behind a magical device known as the Jovian Gate.
7. Coming of Pax: predicts Borg's escape from the Jovian Gate and his coming reign of evil, Pax's return to the Urth, the defeat of Borg and the condemnation of him and his followers to the eternal suffering of the Goo, and the reconciliation of Noi and sentient beings in the Hive.

Vagumar

Histories

The Histories contains stories about kings and prophets from central Yasteria and their journey with Paxism starting from the Ichtmar up to the compilation of the Vagumar. It was taken from multiple sources. Lord Tiraz Mawal, King Hosna IV, King Gurwan II, King Medayin II, King Joral II and King Suleiman are recognised as authors.

1. Life and death of Prophet Besmali: describes his ministry, personal journey and struggles, death and burial in Lyon at the site now thought to be the location of the Shrine of Prophet Besmali around 2005 BCE.
2. Construction of the Memorial of the Jovian Gate: explains how Lord Tiraz Mawal and other followers of Besmali built the Memorial of the Jovian Gate around 1900 BCE.
3. War of Wala and Tsuhe: Tells of how the structure was destroyed in 1450 BCE during the Battle of the Holy Hill between the Kingdom of Wala and the Kingdom of Tsuhe under Kings Eqad and Putuldin respectively.
4. Reconstruction of the Memorial of the Jovian Gate: Tells of how the Memorial was rebuilt by King Hosna IV of Akil in 1475 BCE on his victory over the Kingdom of Tsuhe which had gained control of the area from the Kingdom of Wala.
5. Second destruction: Describes how the second iteration was destroyed by an earthquake in 1230 BCE. The site was rebuilt by King Gurwan II of Akil. The site was moved 30 metres to the east due to the calculations of astronomer Jawalal Haldin.
6. War of Yehudah and Akil: Describes how Joral II of Yehudah defeated and absorbed Akil and converted to Paxism and rebuilt the Memorial of the Jovian Gate around 523 CE.
7. Writing of the Vagumar: Explains how King Suleiman got a vision to write the Ichtmar, commissioned Jerome of Damaclion to write it and called the Council of Adrien to approve it around 400 BCE.
8. Start of the New Age: This was added after the completion of the Vagumar and it was approved by the Council of Yehudah. It is the only widely accepted addition. Explains how the Memorial was destroyed by a meteor which nearly freed Borg, but through prayer by King Medayin II of Akil, the end of the world was averted and a new age began in 0 CE.

Wisdom

The Wisdom was written entirely by King Suleiman of Yehudah (either personally or by a scribe) and explains moral sayings and warnings:

1. Faith: Contains sayings about the importance of faith in Noi and describes Noi's omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, oneness and unity, and benevolence in detail.
2. Personhood: Contains saying about respecting and recognising the sentience of others. Here, Suleiman prohibits murder and other crimes.
3. Families: Contains sayings about the importance and nature of healthy and successful families including sayings on bearing and raising children, relationships between family members and ideas on marriage
4. Community: Contains sayings about the importance of community relations and harmony.
5. Government: Contains sayings about the importance of benevolent, competent, Noi-fearing and reliable rulers and the power people have to remove them.
6. Health: Contains sayings about personal hygiene, and dietary restrictions
7. Prayer, recitation and meditation: Exhorts people to pray and meditate on the word of Noi
8. Relationships: Contains sayings about how people are to maintain relationships.

Traditions

The traditions contains the rituals and practices required for Paxists which govern many aspects of their lives and forms the basis for Paxist canon law:

1. Diet: Contains restrictions on what animals can be consumed specifically prohibiting cannibalism, consumption of dead animals, blood, insects, certain birds, predators and scavengers and reptiles, also provides instructions on cleaning, storing and preparing food.
2. Prayer: Contains instructions for how frequently Paxists should pray, how they are to clean themselves before praying, where they are allowed to pray, what are they are meant to say and where to face (the Memorial of the Jovian Gate or the east if one does not know the location).
3. Worship and gathering: Stipulates that Paxist must gather once a week on the Day of Rest (usually Friday), how they are to gather and what can be done in these gatherings. It also encourages singing and prayer and the use of instruments.
4. Sacrifice: Contains instructions on how animals and/or plants are to be sacrificed, under which occasions, and under what protocols.

Bas Magdamar

The Bas Magdamar is technically not a separate writing per se. The term Bas Magdamar was meant to mean the Ichtmar, the Vagumar and additions approved by the Council of Bingol together. Nevertheless, Yehudists, Obedists, and Ipsitists feel that the additions made under High King Melkezedek are separate writings altogether. These additions are known as the Bingolian or Melkezedekian additions. These additions are contained within a single book called the Government. The Government is mainly concerned with religious government. In the past people saw the religious government as part of the secular government. It contains the following chapters (these chapters were added later for readability, but this used to be one single text):

1. Overview: It states that power to interpret and apply the Vagumar and Ichtmar shall rest with the Magisterium of Paxism.
2. Composition: This states that the Magisterium shall consist of Magisters. Magisters shall have the power to interpret and apply scripture as well as rule of religious cases.
3. Hierarchy: Magisters shall consist of a hierarchy with the Senior Magisters having the right to train and induct new Magisters. Senior Magisters will be appointed by a High Magister who has control over the administrative and religious affairs of a Diocese. High Magisters are appointed by the Council of High Magisters. The Council of High Magisters has power over the entire religion and has the final say on all religious matters. It is led and chaired by the Grand Magister whom it elects.
4. Catechism: It creates an instrument called a Bull. A Bull is an official interpretation of a religious matter and may arise from a case or self-study. Bulls can be overridden by a Magister who is higher in the ranking system. Where two bulls conflict, a Magister higher than that must decide which one is relevant. An interdict may be sought to suspend the enforcement or recognition of a bull until its validity is recognised by a higher Magister.
5. Canonicity: The Book closes by stating that no additions or changes may be made to the Ichtmar, Vagumar (including the Bingolian Additions) and only the Magisterium shall have the power to interpret scripture.