How to Survive in the Roanoke Colony-Chapter 144: Heretics (5)

"Hmm, hmm... indeed, it's a wonderful statement. That's right. How could our finite intellect fully grasp God's infinite intellect?"

"Did he really say that?"

"Of course. Didn't he previously say not to be constrained by the path of seeking faith? Wouldn't his latest words complete what he said then?"

Isa shares what he heard at the assembly with his fellow freed African slaves. His companions rejoice, clapping their hands and laughing.

Excited by his colleagues' positive response, Isa exclaimed:

"Look! It's time to end this barbarism where countless people are made to bleed, enslaved, and even burned over trivial denominational disputes! Now we'll build a better church and create a better world! For humanity! According to one's own conscience!"

"Hurrah!"

The words from Isa's mouth were beautiful.

What do complex ritual differences and minor doctrinal differences matter in serving the Lord?

Would differences of opinion among creatures really matter in the Lord's eyes?

Whether or not those destined for heaven are predestined, whether or not bread actually transforms into the Lord's body—does it really matter?

Would the Lord send countless people to hell for believing or not believing in such unimportant details?

No.

That's merely a thought that insults the Lord's great, great mercy.

When everyone is diligently serving the Lord in their own way, what do such disagreements matter?

That was Nemo's will.

That was the true meaning of this community.

Everyone was moved to tears, praising the name of the angel Nemo who had descended to earth.

He was as great as the angel Jibril who came down to the great prophet and taught the Lord's words. He would surely be remembered forever in human history.

He broke the chains of slavery that bound them. He was like Moses who parted the Red Sea and led the Jewish people to the promised land.

Everyone shed tears as they offered prayers of gratitude.

Everyone cried with choked voices at His great mercy.

"Ibrahim, quickly open the temple. Shouldn't we offer prayers for Him!"

"Ah, understood, Isa! I'll open it right now!"

The scattered freed Africans gathered together to offer prayers.

The way they prayed and the content of their prayers were somewhat 'unfamiliar' and 'peculiar' to Europeans.

Due to such cultural differences, many misunderstandings arose, but according to Nemo's words, if one has devotion, what could be the problem!

And so they recited the first verse of the prayer:

"I bear witness that there is no god but God (أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله)."

"I bear witness that there is no god but God."

And they recited the second verse:

"And I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God (وأشهد أن محمدا رسول الله)."

"And I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God."

...

...

...

Isn't what matters the heart?

At least everyone gathered here respected Nemo.

They loved the Lord and respected the great prophets Moses (موسى), Jesus (عيسى), and Muhammad sent by the Lord.

Isn't that enough?

...

...

...

Of course, opinions might differ depending on one's perspective.

...They might differ quite a lot.

==

Let's be objective... and consider.

Is our community a Christian community?

Hmm.

Well.

Considering that about 80% of our community members were spirit worshippers until a few years ago... it might be a 'bit' of a stretch to say so?

"So... this is God the Father."

"Ah, I see."

"And this is Jesus, the Son."

"I understand."

"They are the same person."

"...Pardon?"

"And here is the Holy Spirit. The Word of God."

"I see."

"This Word is also God."

"...You know what? This fellow is my son."

"I-I see."

"This fellow is actually me."

"..."

"Does that make sense to you?"

Right...

In fact, quite a number of 21st-century Christians don't understand the Trinity. It's too much to expect people who have just encountered Christianity to comprehend it.

But the problem is that many have accepted a rather creative doctrine like "Aha! Among the world's spirits, God, Jesus, and Nemo are the most powerful!" not to mention the Trinity.

This... there's a limit to what people like Hewett and Harriot can do, no matter how hard they try. How could people understand in a short time when their lifelong worldviews are so different?

But, Muslims?

They believe in... a single God?

They... revere Jesus?

Isn't that close enough to be considered Christian? Maybe?

Catholics and Protestants, what? Is that such a big difference? Make peace.

...This is roughly how we've dealt with our community's religious issues.

Anyway, most people have felt uncomfortable with this situation but have quietly gone along with it.

Because I, who was considered to be in a close relationship with the subject (?) of this issue, didn't say anything.

The general atmosphere throughout the community was like, 'While the Lord's chosen messenger remains quiet on these matters, it's difficult, if not impossible, for ordinary followers like us to argue about this sensitive matter.' There exists an unspoken hierarchy that few dare to challenge.

And though 60,000 people is large, it's similar in size to Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture or Shibata City in Niigata Prefecture

Having lived as a resident of Ueda City for several years, observing its social dynamics firsthand, I understand intimately that stirring up conflicts in such a not-so-large, closely interconnected community would be absolutely disastrous. Everyone has to be cautious about the words they speak and the positions they take. Relationships formed over decades could shatter in an instant.

This chapter is updated by freēwēbnovel.com.

Especially when about 50,000 of the 60,000 are spirit worshippers.

...Well, eventually, this situation will sort itself out as time passes.

Muslims, seeing that I rarely mention the Quran in my teachings and only refer to the Bible as my primary spiritual text, will naturally drift toward conversion, though not officially declaring themselves as converts. I have no choice in this approach since I know nothing substantial about Islamic theology or practices. Plus, there aren't many Muslims in our community anyway—they represent a small minority easily influenced by the majority culture.

And those who believe in spirits—the vast majority here—will gradually adapt to the more sophisticated concept of 'a single God who created all things.' A systematic and organized faith like Christianity, with its clear doctrines and hierarchical structure, is bound to spread quickly once introduced properly. The appeal of its coherent worldview will naturally supplant the more fragmented spiritual practices currently observed.

That's what I thought.