NationStates Jolt Archive

Today, in a move to preserve the national culture and identity of the Philistine people and nation, the government has officially passed a law permanently outlawing Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
This is not out of animosity to our jewish neighbors or our christian friends. This move is for the preservation of our national history and culture.
From this point on, Churches and Mosques and Synagogues are asked to voluntarily shut their doors. In keeping with Philistine custom, members of these religions may practice their faiths in the privacy of their homes.
But they may not prosylitize.
Further, in one year, all churches, synagogues, and mosques will be turned over to high preists of Baal, Zeus, Aphrodite, Hermes, and Mars.
The owners of these properties will be financially compensated.
From this day forward, the only legal religion in Philistines is paganism and polytheism.

The Luftsgerden Government officially condemns this movement by the Phillistines. The 9th Fleet and 87th MEU have received orders to:

1. Aid in Evacuation of Refugees, if possible
2. Become a peace-keeping force, if neccessary
3. Maintain peace in the region

They will arive in 76 hours, NS.

-Luftsgerden War Office

((OOC)) Hmmm...Seems a bit harsh.

((IC)) As much as this seems like a good method to get rid of religious terrorism without being too oppressive, the Jovian government cannot condone acts of religious oppression. We are willing to contribute to the peace-keeping process and work with the government of Luftsgerden.

Luftsgerden we too condem this action, but we must insist that you remove your troops. Unless they are requested this could be considered by some to be an invasion. If you do not comply we will force you to remove what is left of your troops.

Luftsgerden we too condem this action, but we must insist that you remove your troops. Unless they are requested this could be considered by some to be an invasion.

The troops are only being put in position. They will only deploy if the Phillistines begin to massacre the faithful. In the meantime, they will assist the Phillistines, if they wish, by evacuateing refugees from designated airports and seaports.

If they enter Philistine teritory we will remove them. This is just a friendly warning. We are preparing several divisions for deployment, we'd hate to have and send them.

Again, we offer to aid in the process of evacuating any Christians, Muslims, or Jews who wish to seek assylum in Jovus, a nation that prides itself on civil rights and freedom of religion.

Luftsgerden we too condem this action, but we must insist that you remove your troops. Unless they are requested this could be considered by some to be an invasion.

The troops are only being put in position. They will only deploy if the Phillistines begin to massacre the faithful. In the meantime, they will assist the Phillistines, if they wish, by evacuateing refugees from designated airports and seaports.
Who said anything about a massacre?
You don't have permission to enter Philistine territory.

"The Steel Empire sees no threat of the murder of christian citizens, or those of the other one-diety religions. They have stated that the citizens will still have the right to worship in thier home."

"Mekanta supports Philistines in thier efforts to maintain the history of thier country. We see the conclusions jumped to by many nations as justification for such actions."

"Any movement of military forces into Philistines will be frowned upon by Mekanta, and the Steel Empire as a whole."

Again, we offer to aid in the process of evacuating any Christians, Muslims, or Jews who wish to seek assylum in Jovus, a nation that prides itself on civil rights and freedom of religion.
No evacuation is necessary unless the persons practicing these religions wish to leave of their own accords. They are free to practice their religion in the privacy of their homes and any privately owned business they might own.

OOC: Don't know why so many people are upset.

The Luftsgerden Governmnet has no intention of going to war. The soldiers are being put into place in case the PAGAN government begins to infringe on the faithful's rights more than they already have. We have NO imperialistic or SUICIDAL intentions. This situation is a powderkeg, and we have no intention of lighting the match.

While as a christian we are very much offended by the actions of the Philistine govt. as a Philistine ally with troops in the Philistines we will, nevertheless, defend Philistine soverignty. As long as they make no moves toward religious persecution. And I note, we have yet to see signs of religious persecution.
Philistines has stated that troops from Luftsgerden are unwelcome. Hence, any footstep by any soldier from Luftsgerden onto Philistine land would be considered an act of war against the Holy Christian Empire of Canales.

Again, we offer to aid in the process of evacuating any Christians, Muslims, or Jews who wish to seek assylum in Jovus, a nation that prides itself on civil rights and freedom of religion.
No evacuation is necessary unless the persons practicing these religions wish to leave of their own accords. They are free to practice their religion in the privacy of their homes and any privately owned business they might own.

OOC: Don't know why so many people are upset.

Would a church be considered private?
Or what about an altar, tabernacle, and crucifix in a back room?
The Luftsgerden Government is confused by the definition of "private," which is a very broad term.

The Luftsgerden Governmnet has no intention of going to war. The soldiers are being put into place in case the PAGAN government begins to infringe on the faithful's rights more than they already have. We have NO imperialistic or SUICIDAL intentions. This situation is a powderkeg, and we have no intention of lighting the match.
I view this situation as being none of your business and your actions constitute imperialist meddling. This issue is the business of the people of Philisitines and between the Philistines and their Israeli and Arab neighbors to settle for themselves.

The Jovian Government admits its rash judgement and apologizes. We place its support behind the actions of the Philistine Nation, and are willing to aid in the resistance against a foregin military presence.

You do realise that 'paganism and polytheism' isn't a specific religon, right?

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paganism

n : any of various religions other than Christianity or Judaism or Islamism [syn: pagan religion, heathenism]
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polytheism

n : belief in multiple Gods [syn: pantheism] [ant: monotheism]
-----------------------------------------------


The Temple of Kanuckistan, which worships the God Emperor, would be considered a pagan religon, for example; they're also neither polytheisic or monotheisic, in not acknowledging any other gods, but not denying their existance, choosing instead to not adress the issue, as worshipers of a specific god within your pantheon may do.

Again, we offer to aid in the process of evacuating any Christians, Muslims, or Jews who wish to seek assylum in Jovus, a nation that prides itself on civil rights and freedom of religion.
No evacuation is necessary unless the persons practicing these religions wish to leave of their own accords. They are free to practice their religion in the privacy of their homes and any privately owned business they might own.

OOC: Don't know why so many people are upset.

Would a church be considered private?
Or what about an altar, tabernacle, and crucifix in a back room?
The Luftsgerden Government is confused by the definition of "private," which is a very broad term.
Churches built with private funds are considered private, hence we ask for these buildings to be voluntarily handed over. Though we do plan to acquire them at some point in the future.
As long as the backroom is in a private residence or privately owned business we have no problem with this.
Private is simple, anything that is acquired with private funds or privately owned.

Nianacio condemns this action, but will not be taking action at this time. Any non-criminal Philistines who wish to leave for a more free nation are welcome in Nianacio. They will not be considered refugees, but immigrants, and would be treated as such.
Nianacio also suggests that Philistines not take more drastic actions.

The Armed Republic Of Luftsgerden is tired of threats being made against them. We acknowledge the rights of the Phillistines and their sovereignity. But we do not wish to see Chistians be persecuted like this. Luftsgerden Troops will NOT step foot on Phillistine land UNLESS a massacre happens or the Phillistine government allows it. We also reiterate our strong stand against his tyrannny. We implore the Phillistines to stop this now.

You do realise that 'paganism and polytheism' isn't a specific religon, right?

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paganism

n : any of various religions other than Christianity or Judaism or Islamism [syn: pagan religion, heathenism]
-----------------------------------------------
polytheism

n : belief in multiple Gods [syn: pantheism] [ant: monotheism]
-----------------------------------------------


The Temple of Kanuckistan, which worships the God Emperor, would be considered a pagan religon, for example; they're also neither polytheisic or monotheisic, in not acknowledging any other gods, but not denying their existance, choosing instead to not adress the issue, as worshipers of a specific god within your pantheon may do.
Of course I am. I use the terms to define the characteristics of the Philistines religion. Historically they were pagans who worshiped more than one god. Of course the Philistines also engaged in child sacrifice.

The militnat Christian Prime Minister, Joan Placard, ahs annouced she will except Christian refugees and has ask for volunteers to aid any nation's army that declares war on teh Philistines. Though most of the country isn't Christian the large Muslim, Jewish, and Baha'i groups suport a coalition against the Phillistines and many other religous leaders call for religous equality.

The Armed Republic Of Luftsgerden is tired of threats being made against them. We acknowledge the rights of the Phillistines and their sovereignity. But we do not wish to see Chistians be persecuted like this. Luftsgerden Troops will NOT step foot on Phillistine land UNLESS a massacre happens or the Phillistine government allows it. We also reiterate our strong stand against his tyrannny. We implore the Phillistines to stop this now.
The Philistine govt. is confused as to what persecution the govt. of Luftsgerden is referring to.

The militnat Christian Prime Minister, Joan Placard, ahs annouced she will except Christian refugees and has ask for volunteers to aid any nation's army that declares war on teh Philistines. Though most of the country isn't Christian the large Muslim, Jewish, and Baha'i groups suport a coalition against the Phillistines and many other religous leaders call for religous equality.
But all we're doing is preserving our culture and heritage.

You do realise that 'paganism and polytheism' isn't a specific religon, right?

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paganism

n : any of various religions other than Christianity or Judaism or Islamism [syn: pagan religion, heathenism]
-----------------------------------------------
polytheism

n : belief in multiple Gods [syn: pantheism] [ant: monotheism]
-----------------------------------------------


The Temple of Kanuckistan, which worships the God Emperor, would be considered a pagan religon, for example; they're also neither polytheisic or monotheisic, in not acknowledging any other gods, but not denying their existance, choosing instead to not adress the issue, as worshipers of a specific god within your pantheon may do.

Paganism is used in this case as the context of any pre-Christian religion originating in Western Europe. These religions include (but are not limited to) all variations of Wicca, Druidism, Shamanism, and Erisianism. They usually center around a strong reverence for nature, worship of both male and female aspects of a deity, and rituals of witchcraft. Its universal symbol is the pentacle, a five-pointed star within a circle. It is also the most widely followed religion in Jovus.

Verywell; we have just two questions, then.

Will this ban include less mainstream religons, particularly those not exclusivly monotheisic, like the Temple of Kanuckistan?

Also, where would you draw the line between a privatly funded church/etc and a home or buisness with provisions for worship? Would such places deemed churches/etc be requiored to be turned over to government agents, even if their private owners didn't want to give up their existing places of worship?

If any hostile actions are taken against Philistines, WARRIORs will interveen. Thank you.

[code:1:5ec66994c1]
To: Philistines
Subject: Troops
Encryption: HIGH
We request that you allow us to send troops to defend your nation from possible christian attackers.[/code:1:5ec66994c1]

Verywell; we have just two questions, then.

Will this ban include less mainstream religons, particularly those not exclusivly monotheisic, like the Temple of Kanuckistan?

Also, where would you draw the line between a privatly funded church/etc and a home or buisness with provisions for worship? Would such places deemed churches/etc be requiored to be turned over to government agents, even if their private owners didn't want to give up their existing places of worship?
He already answered those questions.

After much deliberatiuon, we have decided that the Philistines suck and are a waste of time. Our MEU has been sent to another side of the globe to await orders.

The Holy Imperial Empire of Belem officially condemns the nation of Phillistines and demands that Catholicism be legalized immediately on threat of Imperial action. Philistines has 24 hours to enact laws to legalize and protect Catholicism or Belem will be forced to persuade the government to pass those laws.

Belem, leave Philistines alone.

OOC: nah Belem policy is to intervene in occassions like this.

OOC: nah Belem policy is to intervene in occassions like this.OOC: It is Nianaciana policy to intervene in situations like the one you are creating.

OOC: nah Belem policy is to intervene in occassions like this.OOC: It is Nianaciana policy to intervene in situations like the one you are creating.

OOC: I didnt create the situation. they created it by violating a groups rights.

OOC: I didnt create the situation. they created it by violating a groups rights.OOC: As long as he doesn't start killing Christians or anything like that, Nianacio will hold you responsible if you escalate the situation.

Invade the Philistines and I invade you.
Comprende? :evil:

The Pope's question is why everyone wants to defend those without morals, who are pagan, sacrifice children, and worship the devil. :?:

The Holy Imperial Empire of Belem officially condemns the nation of Phillistines and demands that Catholicism be legalized immediately on threat of Imperial action. Philistines has 24 hours to enact laws to legalize and protect Catholicism or Belem will be forced to persuade the government to pass those laws.

Nice to see you're back to your old self, Belem.

Technocracia warns Christian or other Monotheistic nations not to interfere in the internal workings of the Philistines. This nation is simply doing what it believes is best and though of course taking in refugees is acceptable any use of force to try and force Philistines to change their mind could well result in Technocraican intervention to prevent an invasion of the Philistines.

Best? Techno-Cracia thinks devil-worship is BEST?! Religion is not something that you can just ban. In conjunction with Luftsgerden, the Holy See have begun Operation Evangelist, in which priests of the Order of Luftsgerd Knights will be infiltrated into the Philistines to spread the Word and support the faithful. The Catholics of the Phillistines will be protected, even if we need to send in the 2nd Swiss Guards Division(unlikely)

I applaud this Philistine on trying to rid your nation of the xtian plague. I have no problem with any religion, although certain religion I have major problems with their followers. In other words, It's not Christianity I hate, it's the Christians. Jesus preached loving and great stuff but almost none of the Christians today actually care about what he said. They are more concerned with hating gays and pro-choice people. It's those kinds of fanatics that annoy me. I don't think it's right to outlaw any religion, but I think it was reasonable of you to outlaw proseltyzing.

The Holy See have begun Operation Evangelist, in which priests of the Order of Luftsgerd Knights will be infiltrated into the Philistines to spread the Word and support the faithful. The Catholics of the Phillistines will be protected, even if we need to send in the 2nd Swiss Guards Division

So you tell the world? Well done... :roll:


How about instead of jumping to your military to masterbate over your steel penis you actually look at what has been preposed. Afterall, those who are Christian, Jew or Islamic can continue worshiping their religion in their own homes and privately own churches...

It's funny that Belem seems to want to protect religion so much, yet at the same time they are willing to commit themselves to killing thousands of men, woman and children in a war to gain these people the right to worship when they already can do so in their own homes.

Nevermind the fact that killing is against the first commandment, afterall, its perfectly acceptable if it's in the name of god right? To be honest its got to the point where I'm not surpised that some nations are banning mainstream religions seeing as they cause so much trouble over very little.

Iuthia is prepared to back Nianacio for the time being... the idea that Belem wishes to start a war over something so small clearly points out, yet again I might add, that they only pay lip service to their religion and care not for national soverienty.

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/iuthia.jpg

Foriegn Minister Mick Lakely, Iuthian Diplomatic Corps
Urbanites (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=display_region/region=Urbanites)

Apply for an Embassy in Iuthia (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=127023&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0)
OOC Information on Iuthia (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=109898&highlight=)

The Most Serene Republic of Notchriscon will send unarmed aid-workers to help evacuate any oppressed Philistines and to move any of their religious artifacts (excluding modern weapons) to Notchriscon. All attempts will be made to ship sacred buildings out of the Philistines intact, and to reconstruct them on one of our less-crowded areas. Assuming that the members of said religions want to, of course.

While we recognize the right of Philistines to conduct their own affairs in their own way, we aim to lure ex-Philistines into our Most Serene republic by any expedient means. They will be offered refugee status for a period of one month after arrival in Notchriscon, and 100 walnuts each. 8)

We again ask why everyone wants to support this cruel and evil regime. For some reason I do not think that protecting those that opress is a good way to create a peaceful Mideast. Sooner or later, suicide bombers backed by Muslim clerics will begin going off in the streets, killing pagans and those of faith alike. Violence is going to spread if we do not stop this madness now. The original plan of Operation Evangelist is scratched. We, instead, offer citizenship for anyone who wishes to leave the Phillistines. we would also like to send international aid workers to the Phillistines, but surely we will be turned down. The Pope asks that the Phillistine Catholics do not succumb to violence, but continue to keep the faith. We will ship, for free unconscrated hosts, chalices, crucifixes, and other essentials of the faith to any one in the Phillistines.

Yours in Christ,
Bishop of the Diocese of Phillistia (Exiled)

The Pope's question is why everyone wants to defend those without morals, who are pagan, sacrifice children, and worship the devil. :?:Are they like that? :|
Best? Techno-Cracia thinks devil-worship is BEST?!Technocracia said that Philistines is doing what it thinks is best.

We the holy empire fo chatamaran will support the removal of christian persons to its own shores. We condemn this action of suppression of religion. We support the holy sea of catholicism. in its choices but i warn you the vatican guard are not so easily controlled even by there own masters. I again ask all christian especcially catholic citizens of this country who opposes you to rise up and take control of the country or immigrate to chatamaran or another god frearing country.
thank you
Our holiness Bishop Michael Corleone

This is a massive government invasion of privacy! Even the worst religous fanatical governments did not take steps like this. As a multi-cultural and equal country, the Democratic Federation of International Terrans is utterly outraged, although we have no plans to interfere militarily. Any Philistinian citizen wishing to leave may do so.

The International Association of Monotheistic Terrans (newly formed), consisting of priests, rabbis, ministers, and imams, will campaign for an end to this unjust action. This is the religous version of apartheid, and we hope that others will see this. We thank all for their support.

And it is God, not god. There is an enormous difference... and this is no small spelling mistake.

But we do not wish to see Chistians be persecuted like this.

Nor the Jews... nor the Muslims..

We condemn this action to the utmost degree.. this is extreme government intervention, and is against the ideals of freedom we cherish.. However, we also acknowledge your right to govern your own domain.

Any asylum-seekers, whether Muslim, Christian, or Jew, are invited to Greenmanbry if they are discriminated against in their country.

Right now, we wonder where the Philistines have gone. If you wish to cause a stir by opressing people, at least reply to your own forum.

And Nianacio, they are like that. They have said that they accept child sacrifice as part of their heritage and like it that way. Pagnism is just an extension of devil worship, especially if you have already been taught the Truth. I suggest that you all read "An Exorcist Tells His Story" by Father Amorth. This is the sort of thing he had to combat in his very real combats against the Devil.

OOC: He/she could be busy, and RL takes precedence over NS... for some.

IC: We would like to point out that child sacrifice used to be performed by them. It is not necessarily performed any longer, and I doubt it is. Though we staunchly disagree with the policy, they do have a right to do this as long as the citizens can worship within their homes.

Nevermind the fact that killing is against the first commandment, afterall, its perfectly acceptable if it's in the name of god right?

OOC: "thou shall not commit murder" is the 5th and theres a difference between killing and murder. Killing is something that can be justified and in the bible there were many justifications for war. Murder is basically a cold blooded act.

OOC: "thou shall not commit murder" is the 5th and theres a difference between killing and murder. Killing is something that can be justified and in the bible there were many justifications for war. Murder is basically a cold blooded act.

OOC: :P Quite frankly Belem I doubt much of the Bible could be used for good justification seeing as parts of it adovocate killing entire villages if they don't beleive in your religion (though I have to admit that was the old testament, which was perfectly happy about stoning sinners)

Alot of it condradicts itself, but meh... opinion is opinion. In our opinion just justification is murder, because it's not very good and the end result is so minor.

Diplomatic relations to Philistines will be cut off immediately seeing no change in policy (like anything has changed for the last 2000 years).

OOC: "thou shall not commit murder" is the 5th and theres a difference between killing and murder. Killing is something that can be justified and in the bible there were many justifications for war. Murder is basically a cold blooded act.

OOC: :P Quite frankly Belem I doubt much of the Bible could be used for good justification seeing as parts of it adovocate killing entire villages if they don't beleive in your religion (though I have to admit that was the old testament, which was perfectly happy about stoning sinners)

Alot of it condradicts itself, but meh... opinion is opinion. In our opinion just justification is murder, because it's not very good and the end result is so minor.

OOC: LoL, it's a bad idea to argue over what exactly the Bible says if you aren't going to read it in the original Hebrew or Latin, in the cas eof the Christian Bible. What the miztvah says is: Thou shalt not kill unreasonably, which does roughly translate to English as Thou shalt not murder. It's open to interpretation.

Sorry about the off-topic tangent. Interesting event here.