Peace
to you! Welcome to the Home Page of
The Abstract Ministry
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The Abstract Ministry is
a representative organization of the religion known as Aramanism.
Take a look at this overview of Aramanism,
provided by the Abstract Ministry.
BEFORE WE GO ANY FURTHER...
Our holy book is the Koleklath
(original language: Deinian), which is a collection of both history and philosophy, consists of 15 books, many written prior to the life of our founder (below). The Book of Abstract is the central part of the Koleklath
and a collection of aphorisms and rules by him. The Koleklath will be online soon, so please be patient.
FOUNDER
Araman, who is seen as a special prophet of the god known as (the) Ikon. Araman was born about A.D. 3 in Durna (now in the area of Jordan) and died in 84 in the nearby city of Darazay.
BELIEFS
Most Aramanists believe in the existence of many gods, but devote themselves solely to Ikon. Among Ikon's characteristics are both judgment and mercy. He has promised protection and love in return for devotion. Although Araman is considered the primary prophet, Zabal (Araman's ancestor) is also revered for his wisdom. Other prophets are also honored.
Aramanists believe in tolerance, respect, and love for all people, even those outside Aramansim. They also believe in the right to resist. Violence may not be the answer, but you will always have your voice.
Aramanists also believe in karma -- the concept of universal balance and cycle.
PRACTICE
Devotion is mostly an individual matter, but many worship in places of worship called oratoria (singular: oratorium). Every fifth day is a day of worship and rest. Worship consists of readings from the Koleklath, discussion, singing of songs, and a large meal. Some Aramansists also pray.
SCHOOLS
AND SECTS
The are three main branches of modern Aramanism. Hodan Aramanism is the most conservative branch, observing the laws concerning fasting, purification, and other rituals.
Ikonist Aramanism is the most liberal and popular of the three main branches of Aramanism. Ikonsists seek to follow the spirit of Aramanism and are free to disregard the ancient rituals.
The Amorpaxians seek
a middle road between Hodan and Ikonist. It is the most recent of the three branches and is almost as popular as Ikonist Aramanism.
HISTORY
After the followers of Araman split up following his death, each began to form cabals of five as a manner of congregation. Eventually the groups grew in number. By A.D. 300, the religion all but disappeared.
In 1749, some Christians in New England found the Plates of Eusairi (which are the source of five of the books of the Koleklath)
and developed the Holy Church of Araman in Connecticut. The misguided (and misinformed) Church died out by 1839.
In 1910, archaeologist Ernest Vickers Mill discovered the Scrolls of Darazay-Volit in the western part of Jordan. By 1914, he translated the scrolls and helped form the Aramanic Ministry. It was led by the Aramanic Council.
In 1955, the Ministry became the Aramanist Churches, headed by the Fourth Aramanic Council. In 1974, it became the Abstractist Churches, but the small religion was slowly dying a third time. However, in 1993, Chris Gruber, along with a group of five, re-translated both the Scrolls and the Plates. By that summer the first comprehensive edition of the Koleklath was complete. The Churches became the Abstract Ministry. It has been growing ever since.
GEOGRAPHY
AND NUMBERS
The largest number of Aramanists live in Talossa, where there is one Aramanist.
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us!
All text taken from The New Guide to Aramanism
by Chris Gruber and E. V. Mill V, copyright 1997.
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