Essentism

Essentism is an ancient monotheistic faith centered around the belief in a singular, all-encompassing God (Dae in Angaelic). From this Divine Entity, all existence emanates and, ultimately, to this same source all existence returns. Dae, by some called The source, The one, All-Creator, All-father or All-mother,  is a singular, paramount, uncreated deity.

The other 'Gods'
According to Essentists, Dae is Surrounded by a myriad of illusionary deities. These Idols, or false gods (Gae in Angaelic), are man made representations of Gods manifold attributes or the absence of them, in the form of upper and lower Demons, These demons find their way into various pantheons across cultures.

The Power or influence of other 'Gods'
While these deities can exert influence in the world, unlike God, their power is derived solely from their worshipers. Inevitably, they can cause the sack of cities but ultimately cannot endure against the overwhelming force emanating from the All-creator. In the grand cycle of existence, as all elements return to the One, they undergo a process of purification, be it in this world or the next, be it by Gods own or via his worshipers who are one with him in purpose. Impurities and negativities are sieved out, ensuring that only the pristine essence reintegrates with the ultimate Divine.

The Seven Commandments of Essentism:

 * 1) Worship only the All-creator, Dae, transcending time, space, and all matter.
 * 2) Seek direct communion with Dae, unmediated by men, or any physical forms and idols.
 * 3) Love everyone with all your strength, heart, mind, and spirit, for from Dae they emerge, to Dae they return.
 * 4) Hate sin alone, not the sinner, as it merely shadows Love, Truth, and Dae's light.
 * 5) Seek and guard all the knowledge. Gather all books, scrolls and secrets between heavens and hell, from all sources even from other religions.
 * 6) Every Saturday, undertake sacred pilgrimages, alone or in unified stride.
 * 7) Embrace, protect and love all your fellow Essentists, united in Dae’s divine embrace, transcending earthly divisions and united in purpose with the All-creator

Is Essentism the only true religion?
Essentism stands as its own distinct religion with its own unique recognized Ascendants and Apostles. There are numerous cultures and societies that echo the core tenets of Essentism, even if under different names and narratives. These varied faiths are believed to be embraced by the all-creator. This is based on the understanding that the key figures of those religions, though from other religious traditions, may have received divine revelations, leading them to be acknowledged as Ascendants within the Essentist doctrine. Many believe in a singular divine entity, perhaps known by different appellations, but whose essence remains the same. These faiths, while diverse in practice and theology, share an belief in the One. Crucially, followers of these Essentist religions do not arrogate any of the divine attributes to themselves based on race, nation, or individual personhood. Instead, they see their beliefs as a universal truth, transcending human-made divisions and distinctions. In essence, any religion that acknowledges the sovereignty of the singular divine and its uncontaminated essence can be recognized under the broad umbrella of Essentist Religions.

Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage holds a significant place as an external expression of the internal journey towards unity with the All-creator, Dae.

1. The first Temple
Amidst the ruins of Goonsville, the Maiden Temple's location, its spiritual allure continues to draw pilgrims. The temple is found within the remnants of the Colosseum of ErrorL in South Redoriv, midwest of Eldham. This site, despite its dilapidated state, continues to echo the divine essence, offering a sanctuary for those seeking Dae's guidance and blessings. The physical journey to the temple mirrors the spiritual path that each believer walks, leading them to deeper communion with the All-Creator and reinforcing the unity and timelessness of the Essentist faith. The pilgrimage to The Maiden Temple holds unmatched spiritual significance. Despite the temple's physical state, its spiritual vibrancy remains untouched, making it an essential destination for believers seeking closeness with Dae.

2. Rodinnbrok
Despite its submersion, the pilgrimage to the underwater ruins is viewed as a journey of reflection on the transience of worldly pleasures and the enduring power of spiritual connection. The sunken city of Rodinnbrok, located in mid-east Eldham south of Aesica, is a significant pilgrimage site for Essentists, accessible only by a solemn boat journey. Pilgrims set sail with reverence, traversing the waters that silently cradle the submerged remnants of a once-thriving civilization. Upon arrival at the coordinates above the aquatic grave of Rodinnbrok, the journey transcends the confines of the boat. As they explore, they find solace in the sporadic pockets within the city where it's possible to catch a breath. These pockets of breath, amidst the overwhelming silence of the underwater world, offer moments of reflection and connection with Dae.

The Corruptions
The corruptions or "Da Selthoron" (in Angaelic) marks a pivotal moment that led to the perversion of many sacred religions. The Codex Infernach narrates the corruptions of Grizagel, infamously known as Jormund. By surreptitiously eavesdropping on a celestial dialogue between an angel Yahoel conveying some Verilirion verses to Sharboel, a War Angel, Grizagael acquired intimate knowledge not just of the Angaelic language but also of classified martial strategies detailed within the Verelirion. Seizing these verses, Grizagael manipulated them for personal gain, leading empires to ephemeral glory, only to orchestrate their eventual ruin. This distortion of the sacred spawned a myriad of misguided doctrines, giving rise to religions such as the Church of the Three Pleasures, and Jormism.