( it's strange. he follows the man's logic with ease. each syllable flows to the next, each thought a just a skip from the last. this man's demeanor is warm, but his words unnerve him, because a part of miai agrees. but the words are unfamiliar; they are not natural to rosetis. and that is what scares him, to have found himself receptive and realize moments later his agreement is heretic.
his skin pricks faintly, but he's afraid to look up; fear has been so deeply bred in him he is afraid to do anything, lest he be wrong in his assumption. maybe this, too, is a test, somehow. maybe, maybe. it could make sense. because rosetis is popular for its simplicity, its exchange of favors; at least a partial forgiveness in exchange for injury, for guilt inflicted. suffer enough, and god may overlook you. to the desperate, it seemed a deal. )
Then what, Father, would you suggest I do instead?
( a bit of deference, in case this man is legitimate. he continues, supposing he ought to make his case as well, lest this be a test indeed— maintain his faith in the face of contradiction, an easy way out. because wasn't anything short of punishment easy? even death, in a way, seemed merciful; punishment in hell continued on eternally for good reason, certainly.
he presses his palms together; for courage, and also for the friction. he was weak to cold. )
... I understand my life is God's, and to rend it in His name is an honor indeed. But He would have us punished not out of malice, but out of grace; to remind us of our sin, with which we grow complacent, though we know full well He had sent his only Son to forgive us of it.
It is because we are flawed ... that we must be punished as thus. Am I wrong? Humans are so wretched that they will forget the harm they've caused in an instant if left alone; but when we are scarred - selfishly - we remember, and commit to repentance when our sin comes in sight. To mortify the flesh brings us closer to God's forgiveness.
( he hesitates, then adds: )
... I can't imagine how a life can have value, and in tandem time carry so much sin— as you argue. Is that not a contradiction?
( this remark is not a rebuttal, but a pitiful, fearful interest, like he does not know if he's doing right by inquiring, as though he feels he is questioning truths he should not. )
no subject
his skin pricks faintly, but he's afraid to look up; fear has been so deeply bred in him he is afraid to do anything, lest he be wrong in his assumption. maybe this, too, is a test, somehow. maybe, maybe. it could make sense. because rosetis is popular for its simplicity, its exchange of favors; at least a partial forgiveness in exchange for injury, for guilt inflicted. suffer enough, and god may overlook you. to the desperate, it seemed a deal. )
Then what, Father, would you suggest I do instead?
( a bit of deference, in case this man is legitimate. he continues, supposing he ought to make his case as well, lest this be a test indeed— maintain his faith in the face of contradiction, an easy way out. because wasn't anything short of punishment easy? even death, in a way, seemed merciful; punishment in hell continued on eternally for good reason, certainly.
he presses his palms together; for courage, and also for the friction. he was weak to cold. )
... I understand my life is God's, and to rend it in His name is an honor indeed. But He would have us punished not out of malice, but out of grace; to remind us of our sin, with which we grow complacent, though we know full well He had sent his only Son to forgive us of it.
It is because we are flawed ... that we must be punished as thus. Am I wrong? Humans are so wretched that they will forget the harm they've caused in an instant if left alone; but when we are scarred - selfishly - we remember, and commit to repentance when our sin comes in sight. To mortify the flesh brings us closer to God's forgiveness.
( he hesitates, then adds: )
... I can't imagine how a life can have value, and in tandem time carry so much sin— as you argue. Is that not a contradiction?
( this remark is not a rebuttal, but a pitiful, fearful interest, like he does not know if he's doing right by inquiring, as though he feels he is questioning truths he should not. )