Kin
| File:Kin.png | |
|---|---|
| Total Population | |
| est. 240 million | |
| Founder | |
| Origin | Kamura date: c.5500-5600 |
| Type | Indegenious religion |
| Theology | Monotheism |
| Scriptures | Tech Rûznaphen |
| Branches | |
| Crown Covenant, Altaian Free Covenant, Free Eokoesan Conglomate etc. | |
| Significant regions with adherents | |
| West Davai: Kamura, Shangti region | |
| Languages | |
| Kamuran etc. | |
Kin is a monotheistic religion that is practiced predominantly by the Shriaav people and other peoples residing near the Shangti Ocean between the continents of Davai and Altaia. It It is the official state religion of the nations, Kamura and Kusawen. Kin is an ancient indegenious religion that developed from practices of the Sriaav people in Kamura during ancient times. The religion is focused on the worship of a single mother goddess, Puxe, and a developed cosmology of the universe and the place of people within it with clear precriptions for how one should act to live in harmony with its structure. The nature of the Kin religion means it has a profound effect on the structure of the societies where it predominates and typically informs governmental structures with Kinnite-majority nations like Kamura which is a theocratic monarchy.
Etymology
The name Kin is a Kamuran formal title referring to a mother figure, in this case the mother goddess of the religion Puxe which translates as the Mother of Dawn, the single most paramount divine being within this faith. The faith as a whole is also referred to as Kintiw which is a condensed name translated as the Cult of Kin.
Origins
Kin is an indigenous religion that developed among the Shriaav people of the Kamuran Archiapelago in anicent times likely with roots in prehistoric folklore. Written records of religious beliefs and practices associated with the Kin religion date back to the early to mid 6th millenium and the emergence of the formalised belief system defined the Murawen Civilisation to a large extent. Through subsequent centuries from this early formation the Kinnite faith has changed and adapted but a consistent core character of the faith has remained the same since the 6600s when the Kamuran Empire was unified and the Empress became a major central figure within the structure of the religion.
History
Beliefs
Puxe
Puxe, revered as the weaver of all creation and the Mother of Dawn, holds a central position in the Kin religion. As the cosmic deity, she is believed to bring order to the universe by intricately weaving the threads of existence. Puxe symbolizes the dawn of creation and is venerated for her role in maintaining the balance of the cosmic tapestry. Followers offer prayers and seek guidance from her to align their lives with the divine order. The Empress of Kamura serves as the earthly figurehead of the goddess, leading the Imperial Covenant and embodying the connection between the divine and the mortal realms.
Universial structure
The Kin belief system revolves around a cosmological understanding of the universe. Animate spirits infuse every aspect of existence, from natural processes to living beings. These spirits, woven into the cosmic tapestry by Puxe, serve a purpose and intention in the greater whole. The ebb and flow of tides, the smelting of metal, and the cycle of life, death, and decay are all expressions of these divine threads. The alignment of human society with this cosmic structure is manifested through a matrilineal clan system, emphasizing women's central role and promoting cooperation with nature's spirits.
Societal purpose
The Kin religion emphasizes societal purpose as an integral part of the cosmic order. Followers are encouraged to understand and cooperate with the spirits in nature, aligning their purpose for collective wealth and wisdom. The matrilineal clan system, a cornerstone of Kin society, ensures that individuals fulfill their duty to clan and covenant. This duty-driven approach fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility. The societal structure mirrors the harmony sought in the cosmic order, promoting a cohesive and cooperative society. Various covenants, both within and outside the Imperial branch, provide diverse expressions of the Kin faith, showcasing its adaptability to different cultural contexts while maintaining core spiritual principles.
Practices
Temples
Scripture
Worship
Denominations
Crown Covenant
- Main article: Crown Covenant
The Crown Covenant, or Imperial Covenant, is the official state denomination of Kamura and co-official in Kusawen. The Covenant is directly headed by the Empress of Kamura as the Sacred Queen of Queens. It is the oldest surviving denomination of the Kinnite faith and all other denominations ultimately are derived from it.
Free Covenants
Free covenants or independent covenants are those denominations that directly split off the Crown Covenant and no longer recognise the Empress as supreme head of their faith. Free believers typically practice a less hierachical and more egalitarian doctrine of the faith that claims to restore an earlier pluraity of priestly authority prior to the rise of the Empire. Historically free believers have politically aligned with republicanism and self-autonomy. They've historically been more influential and dominant in Altaian communities. The Altaian Free Covenant is the largest free covenant and the official denomination within the Nussian province of Nusenwen.
Friendly Covenants
Friendly covenants are those denominations that may have split off free covenants or diverged from the Crown Covenant due to distance at some point in history but have either reconciled with the Imperial Crown or retain some fealty to the Empress. These covenants have most of their adherants in Northern Altaia and across Raia. The Friendly Covenant of Kusawen, the Free Eokoesan Conglomate, the United Friendly Covenants of Raia are examples of friendly covenants and organisations in communion with Penkhu.
New Covenants
New covenents are relatively young Kinnite denominations which are typically independent and founded in Kamura. Given the dominant status of the Crown Covenant in Kamura, these denominations are mostly small, heterodox and underground movements. Some are of a dissenting political character while others are considered to be cult-like in nature. Generally these religious movements have been met with apprehension and distrust by wider Kamuran society and a few have been actively supressed by the government for heresy and sedition.