Entry #A-4: "Ante" [February 21, Text]

[dead_black_eyes]

Though the police and the Blood Keys obviously represent a threat to many numbered individuals, I have a question about organized religion, and what pulses might mean when framed within certain philosophical contexts.

No matter how natural it might feel, if there really is another being nudging its way into an existing consciousness, changing a person's aptitudes, physical attributes and even their personality... there have to be at least a few churches that would consider that demonic possession, right?

Has anyone tried to reconcile what's happening with influential religious practices, and do we have any resources for assisting anyone who might wind up the subject of an attempted exorcism? Those still happen today, they can be extremely dangerous, and I'm concerned about the possibility of frightened numbered people seeking out such assistance, or being subjected to it by their families and communities. Thinking you're crazy is one thing, but sincerely believing that the devil is wielding you as an instrument is another entirely. Probably not something that the FAQ page can successfully assuage, for the most tenaciously convinced.

Comments

[Text]

[dead_black_eyes]

[Oh wow that's really considerate. Getting any information out of people on the network can be like pulling teeth; it's unusual for someone to volunteer it so willingly without even being asked.

Maybe dangerous, too, but L isn't here to lecture. He's here to fill in the blanks in his notes.]

I agree absolutely. Being open-minded can allow for many difficult and unusual things to coexist within a personal philosophy; the ability to embrace metaphor especially is incredible helpful.

What do you mean, "cult-y?" What church are you affiliated with, Owen?

[voice]

[mysteltinn]

[Someone never got the full 'how to not get kidnapped on the internet' speech apparently]

Me? Uh, none specifically. Just kinda Christian-by-proxy at best?

I just mean like... you have some otherworldly experience happen, and a group of people that have had a similar one fill you in with what they've decided is the truth of it, and warn you about how everyone is out to get you and you can only be safe with the group? Outta context it's one bunker away from scary, man.

[Text]

[dead_black_eyes]

I see. You're referring to the network and the numbered people who are on it. I confess, I hadn't thought about this as religion, but it's a good point. I suppose quite a lot of faith is required at the beginning to accept even the best explanations of what's going on... it took me almost a week to accept it, in truth, even though I witnessed these things personally and had no other way to rationalize them.

I do not think that this "club" brings out maliciousness in most people, though. On the contrary, I think there's a very strong tendency to want to help those who might be targeted by the "outside."

[mysteltinn]

Yeah, I agree with what I've seen so far. But like, if word got OUT? It'd be pretty easy to spin it to look bad.

[dead_black_eyes]

Incredibly easy. Human beings have proved time and again that they're intolerant to whatever falls outside the norm.

[mysteltinn]

Guess all we can do is either try and ignore everything that's happening or take that risk. Folks getting weird echos don't even get a choice.

[Text]

[dead_black_eyes]

Arguably, everyone is getting weird echoes, but the ones that manifest as extreme physical changes, or volatile powers and abilities are difficult. I wonder what the ratio is for people who "pass" as normal, versus those who have no hope...

[mysteltinn]

Dunno, but we might ALL end up not-human eventually. Which would kinda suck.

[dead_black_eyes]

Do you really think that could happen? Like we're all aliens, or some such thing?