NationStates Jolt Archive

Methrusclia is an agnostic country but deeply spiritual. We have no problems with other country's faiths but in general we shy away from organised religion.

This leads us to to our current predicament. Yesterday, without warning we learnt of a man living in a town near our capital, Methrusclia City, who claims to be the son of God. Early claims that this was an elaborate hoax were questioned when a group of over three thousand followers, that had until now remained secret, paraded in our capital with their messiah, now known to be called Ian Balloon, leading them in a peaceful event.

The fact that we cannot challenge the man to prove his claims, Mr Balloon already having stated that it would be against God to use his powers to prove the existent of his God, and that he has made no demands other than 'live peacefully' means we are in an awkward position.

The media are split in their support for Mr Balloon. Some say he is a lunatic asking for faith in his beliefs without any reason for such a theological shift in the minds of millions. However, he has his supporters. As stated Methrusclia is generally agnostic but bears no ill will to the religious amongst and around us. Some are saying he is simply a kind, generous man; Mr Balloon having sold all his worldly goods giving the proceeds to charity.

We are still to see whether this movement will prove to be disruptive to our population or if it will fizzle out over time. Mr Balloon's supporters are all well behaved people but the questions over whether his claims are true have provided the country with an unusually strong point of debate and has resulted in a loss of focus in the work place.

I have made this public to other nations in the Pacific in order to use our vast experience in matters of this kind. Advice is welcome from all quarters but I remain adamant that we shall be solely responsible for any actions taken to rectify this problem if it does indeed become such.

My thanks to all my brothers and sisters in Pacific.

Ian Yes
Emperor of Methrusclia

We recommend to keep a close eye on him. Freedom of Relgion is a most important human right but charasmatic leaders can get firghtenly insane. Make sure he won't lead people on a mass ritual suicide or something else horrorfying

You have a keen eye.

We shall of course monitor the situation Kanami but would still be willing to listen to nations with any other experience in this.

Our thanks go to Kanami.

In the meantime, recent developments have meant that a poll suggests that up to 20% of our, until now agnostic, populace believe Ian Balloons to be the son of God. This is despite all evidence to the contrary and the lack of proof from Mr Balloons himself. Perhaps some of us are developing a faith. However, even after it was pointed out to them that their faith was in the word of a man (and hence fallible) there still seemed some predilection toward this 'mystery man'.

I now personally believe this to be disruptive. If someone tells another they should have faith then it is in THEIR word the person has faith in and not in the word of that god/religion. We are becoming increasingly disturbed by recent events. However, Mr Balloons has been nothing but appreciative of our concerns and helpful with regards to our requests for order.

Don't worry everyone. I didn't think the rebirth of the son of God would be troubling news. Luckily, we found him tearing down a market and causing a scene. He was shot dead and taken to the steps of our City Hall where passing gypsies stole the limbs and tamed wolverines had a nibble.