h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Apostasy - the refusal to believe something simply because someone says it is so.
Heresy - the courage to stand openly by that refusal.

By these, MY definitions, I stand as both an apostate and a heretic. This is certainly true in the light of the religion of my family for a thousand years - Roman Catholicism.

It was a faith my ancestors stood by and suffered for. However, the Church was ever ungrateful, only looking to those of noble blood to applaud and support.

Even now, as I walk in the sunny uplands of my chosen path, I remain both apostate and heretic. I that feel it is in my nature to question, to abjure the foolish and undermine the self-styled wise.

I will not bend my knee to any priest or king, and judge each upon their wit. Even those I recognise as Gods and Spirits of the Land I regard with a careful reverance, not obedience.

From such as these I seek to learn and grow, though I weigh their words and signs with a critical mind. I am ever aware that I stand upon the edge of an abyss.

The path is narrow and has many opportunities to fall into the madness that beckons the unwary, the proud and the foolish. If I am to serve this land and its peoples I must consider each step on the path in the knowledge of my own weaknesses and failings.

Apostasy is easy. It only requires a capacity to refuse.

Heresy takes courage. In my heresy I draw upon the courage of my Catholic ancestors, who openly resisted 400 years of Protestant oppression.

Before them were the norsemen who left their family lands for an uncertain future, rather than submit to the christianisation of Norway by a ruthless king.

Heretic then, heretic now.
Blood is blood.

Perhaps it is is the nature of my family to bleed for our pride and our apostasy.

I can't deny it and I shall not.

Matholwch /|\.

That's a very strong statement of faith, Matholwch. I honour the strength of your commitment.

Strong indeed, but what prompted this sudden declaration, Math?

C \|/

That's just what I was about to ask, Chai.

(hi Math!)


az

Mmmm, yes. Me too!

Pattern-chaser

"Who cares, wins"

Sounds like he's having trouble with the neighbours!

Thanks all

I always get contemplative around Samhain. I often spend it in the south of France at my friend's mountain lodge with just my wife, my children and the stars for company.

It is a time for the ancestors to speak to me and remind me just who I am and where I came from. It can be unsettling sometimes, the truth often is.

Blessings,
Matholwch /|\.