State Arzalism
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State Arzalism is the common term describing Arzalist belief that has been reformed in compliance with international reconstruction of Varshan. The religion is an expression of Arzalism that purges the most promiennt beliefs of Orthodox Arzalism, instead using a purportedly "restored, traditional" Arzalist worldview.
Nomenclature
Development
State Arzalism began to be developed by authorities within the League occupation government in consultation with some clerics on the ground as well as a broad number of individuals in the minority of Arzalist belief. This included many outcast groups, but for the most part State Arzalism has emerged from a top-down amalgamating of traditional Solar Arzalism with some elements of Postmodern Arzalism, M'acunism, and even some Occidental theological concepts. A small number of Racial Arzalist groups also influenced the new faith, but most rejected it. The elevation of the Sun God back to a place of prominence was both a deliberate policy choice as well as a somewhat organic occurrence among Arzalists in the lower castes, some of whom were observed worshipping the sun following the end of the authority of Anzo.
Occidental cultural experts began a series of conferences in 2026 and 2027 with prominent Solar Arzalist leaders as well as the small number of reconstructed clerics (almost all of whom were of the petty priestly caste) in order to establish a new paradigm of orthodoxy. The "Tizro Conferences" reached no significant conclusions but instead sought to limit Occidental influences within the redeveloped Arzalism, and so empaneled a new group of seven of their own number, the so-called "Faith Viziers". From 2027 through 2030 the Faith Viziers conducted an extensive review of historic Varshani records made available for the first time, and after three years of study produced the broad outlines of what they called the "Body of Restored Faith"; the "Body of Restored Faith" is the basic body of belief of State Arzalism. This set of beliefs purports to bring back the key elements of the pre-Žuqulid reforms to Arzalism as they were ca. 1300, and in some cases these beliefs would be interpreted or reinterpreted through "newly available philosophical lenses", a phrase largely understood to mean both Occidental and Daxian theological paradigms. The Seven Viziers work is ongoing, but the "Body of Restored Faith" was condensed and published to serve as both an interim liturgical guide and interim holy text for State Arzalist believers for the foreseeable future.
Beliefs
Pantheon
According to the Body of Restored Faith, many deities introduced in orthodox Arzalism were the total fabrication of several ruling Zûrgs. Many deities are not historically attributable before the fourteenth century, and State Arzalists use this claim to cite the existence of only a limited pantheon whose aspects had been divided.
Sun God
The Sun God is the chief deity within the State Arzalist belief system.
State Arzalists believe that orthodox Arzalists had separated numerous elements of the Sun God in order to diminish his true importance. Most prominently, State Arzalists regard the Fire and Lightning God to be the "highest blasphemy" of the orthodox, and use of his name in Hieratic Varshani is prohibited by State Arzalist practice.
Earth Goddess
The Earth Goddess is viewed as a verdant life-giver and spouse of the Sun God.
Critics and observers have noted that the M'acunist deity of the earth goddess, Makuahine, has largely replaced the traditional Earth God of orthodox Arzalism, who was understood through aspects of stone rather than plant life. Proponents of State Arzalism state that M'acunism, in part, represents a strand of pre-Žuqulid Arzalist practice, and through M'acunism the traditional Earth Goddess has survived. State Arzalists acknowledge that the pre-ancient spouse of the Sun God was a different deity, possibly the Victory Goddess, but the better understood relationship between sun and earth has clarified an area that was subject to debate even in ancient times.
Rain God
Race God
The Race God is the deity most clearly identified with the Varshani people. The Body of Restored Faith says that it is one deity, and that the orthodox Arzalists had divided his various aspects into numerous false gods, including the Raid God most especially. Unlike the division of the Sun God, most State Arzalists believe the separation was organic and accidental rather than a deliberate act of blasphemy.
Ancestors
As in orthodox Arzalism, several preclassical Varshani kings (wuz) are afforded demigod status, although no ruling Zûrg is afforded the status of worshipped national ancestor. The ancestors are thought to be eternal servants of the Race God, both before, during, and after their lives, living with him in the afterlife.
Sacrifice
Prominence
Adoption
State Arzalism has been most enthusiastically supported by the authorities in the Daxian occupation zone. Daxian officials have stated that strengthening the traditions of the Varshani people are necessary to "prevent Occidental erosion of the local culture," and accordingly the maintenance of Arzalism is viewed as a policy priority.
Opposition
In addition to orthodox Arzalists, State Arzalism is largely opposed by public authorities within the Urcean zone of occupation. Although Urcean diplomats and experts have played a role in the development of the reformed faith, the spread of any religion in the Urcean zone is contrary to its stated policy aims of providing for the "eternal welfare" of the residents by means of the spread of the Catholic Church.
Criticism
The introduction of State Arzalism has been criticized as "completely artificial" by individuals both inside and outside of Varshan.