Sentism

Sentism is a regional religion based mostly in Ceris and South East Argis with several million followers. Following the Sentist War the religion suffered a schism which divided it between more mainline moderate Sentists, and radical Sentists which interpreted the religion differently.

Sentism was first noted as a religion in the mid eighteenth century, being considered no more of a cult by the majority Christian occupants of Ceris. Over time however it grew slowly and following the invasion of the Seylosian Mandate in the late 1940s and subsequent collapse of the Hodrean Kingdom. Sentism originated near the southern border of the present day Hodrea and Sentist State. It's principle religious document, Tanz der Nachtgeschwister, focuses heavily on early astronimical observations made by Ceriser astronomer Edgar Schuchardt which strove to tie various historical astronimcal phenomina to important historic events on Eurth. The cult gained significant following over the years though never broke into wider popularity until two of Schuchardt's followers published their own writings on their observations. Die Erlösung des Menschen im Kosmos, written by follower Reinhardt Tanzer in 1821, spoke of a universial need to better humanity through an impending crisis in the stars, one that would require sacrifice but cooperation to fulfill. Seperately in Opfer der Erde, written by Albrecht Siegert in the same year, spoke of a deluge of disasters man must endure to send a message of Eurth's ability to take its place in the stars. Both books however spoke of the same cosmic threat represented by the dwarf planets Nacht-A and Nacht-B (Elkatoth and Selvious respectively) and their possible collision unleashing a cosmic force upon Eurth.

Etymology

The name "Sentist" comes from the Tanz der Nachtgeschwister, which was published in both Anglish and Dolch simultaneously. The text itself calls for humanity to show its worth to outside cosmic forces by sending a message through unspecified means of either humanity's greatness or it's willingness to endure hardship. In Dolch the world "Bote" has been used to describe Sentists followers however the words "Sentist" and "Sentism" have gained the most popularity in Ceris and abroad.

Beliefs

Painting of Sentist founder Edgar Schuchardt circa 1797.

Sentist ideology is split between two major groups. In the Sentist War the schism was noted between Southern Sentists and North Sentists, however the split stems from followers of Die Erlösung des Menschen im Kosmos vs Opfer der Erde of which the works of Reinhardt Tanzer were far more popular.