Devolution

‘Thanks for helping me out there, but you really shouldn’t let them get to you.’

Veena nodded as she watched her friend Ted settle at his desk. She wondered about their futures. When the school closed they would probably never see each other again. The very thought brought a surge of wetness to her eyes. What a terrible shame that would be because Ted and Joshua were her very best friends; her only friends really. She hated the isolationist and racist attitudes of her father, and Ted’s father who were both largely responsible for sealing the school’s fate, despite the fact they hated each other. Rare common ground for political enemies.

‘Veena,’ said 3 interrupting her thoughts, ‘Did you hear me?’

‘Yeah, look it’s okay. I like beating up on those smart arses.’

Mrs. Freshman, their history teacher, entered the room with a somber pall on her face which was not unusual for her. Placing her bag on the desk, she sighed and looked around the classroom as was her custom.

‘Good morning class.’

A jumbled mumble of mostly unenthusiastic voices returned her lackluster greeting.

‘Today, we continue our presentations. All of you should have finished them by now and simply be waiting for your turn to speak in class.’

She paused and searched the faces of her students for signs of anxiety or guilt. Apparently satisfied she continued speaking. ‘First up this morning is Ted. Ready to go, Ted?’ she asked, looking at him with her unnaturally thin eyebrows raised.

‘Yes ma’am.’

Taking a few, what he hoped were, inconspicuous little breaths to calm his nerves, 3 glided to the front of the classroom then turned around beside Mrs. Freshman’s desk to face his classmates. Immediately he focused on the friendly faces of Joshua, who had only just arrived, and Veena, whilst trying to ignore the more hostile looks from some of the Adonites-the same crew who had troubled them as they entered the school grounds that morning.

He lowered his head as though checking his notes but actually used the time to gather his thoughts. The subject matter was very familiar to him and he had found the additional research fascinating. It had been an enjoyable assignment up until now. He felt as though he was about to offer a single scrap of meat to a pride of hungry lions to eat from his hand.

‘My topic for today is the Council of Religious Experience,’ began 3.

A collective groan from the Adonites was followed by an abrupt rebuke from Mrs. Freshman.

‘I will discuss the formation of the Council, its contributions to and influence on society, both positive and negative, its orchestrated demise and finally what part it played, if any in the events which precipitated the Intercontinental War.’

He paused briefly and looked again to his friends. An encouraging smile from Veena and an affirming nod from Joshua indicated a strong start which enabled him to continue.

’The Council of Religious Experience, or C.O.R.E., was the culmination, the crowning achievement, so said its founders and advocates, of the pan religious movement of the late twentieth and twenty first century which was known as the ecumenical movement. Leaders of the world’s major religions representing diverse cultural and racial influences, met regularly in an effort to promote understanding and tolerance. Using catchy phrases like, ‘any religion is better than no religion’, these men and women searched tirelessly for common ground among their respective faiths. They believed earnestly that religion was hamstrung by its diversity and perceived lack of tolerance. We all worship God, they said, so let us stop emphasizing our differences and instead concentrate on mutual and complementary points of faith.

’Opponents of ecumenicalism were mainly found in fundamentalist factions, particularly of the Islamic and Christian faiths. However, these groups represented a minority view and so, again with the best of intentions, governments began formally endorsing ecumenicalism.

’Over time, governments became divided themselves over the issue with opponents vigorously questioning the right or propriety of governments interfering in or organizing religion. They argued that all such past attempts were failures and this would be no different. Advocates were delighted, especially the Bahai religion which in the 2030’s was the world’s fastest growing religion. Their appeal was as universal as were their doctrines.

’The United States government, at the time still the world’s only official superpower, was the first to legislate for the official endorsement of ecumenicalism. President Mathew Arnberger, a Jewish Christian, proposed the movement be given a name and a constitution. His suggestion, the Council of Religious Experience, was adopted with a strong majority by the Senate, and thus organized religion became an official arm of the government. As America’s ally of choice, Australia followed suit soon after, choosing to use the same name and constitution with some minor variations to account for local conditions.

’The first job of the new council was to define religious experience in writing so that those who could be covered by its umbrella would be. The twelve member council, all of whom were appointed by the government following a six month nomination period which was open to the general public, debated this question for three months before submitting their draft to the Secretary of Religion. After the government made some suggested amendments the council took a further three weeks to settle the issue.

‘The definition which they settled on and which remained the cornerstone of C.O.R.E throughout its 80 year lifespan was as follows.’

A mock yawn from an Adonite followed by a few sniggers and other yawns from his friends interrupted 3, who was just beginning to feel like he was getting on a roll. Self consciously, others laughed as well causing 3 to feel very uncomfortable. He wasn’t even half way through his talk yet.

‘Hommy, that will be the last we hear from you or you will be fined. Do you understand? Ted will be allowed to finish his presentation without any further interruptions,’ said Mrs. Freshman.

Hommy nodded his assent while burying a smile beneath his hands.

‘Please continue Ted,’ she said gently.

’The definition…oh I said that. Sorry. Any system of belief, faith or piety, expressed by any means of ritual or ceremony, directed towards a higher being or power which promotes peace and harmony without violence or coercion on the part of its members shall be deemed acceptable religion.

’Fundamentalists found this watering down of their belief systems bewildering and totally unacceptable. However, freedom of religion was still guaranteed under the new laws so as long as they behaved themselves they were allowed to continue to practice and propagate their faith, whilst ignoring what was, in their opinion, the blasphemous irrelevance of C.O.R.E.

’Atheists likewise were indifferent to C.O.R.E which to them was more of the same religious nonsense in a different set of clothes.

’As the gospel of C.O.R.E spread around the world, there was a notable reduction in religious violence, and in many areas, in many countries, a reduction in crime levels as well. Survey after survey was published proclaiming how marvelously well C.O.R.E had succeeded in its mission to promote peace and tolerance, and what an obviously beneficial effect it was having in whichever country it was formally established.

’Unfortunately over time, C.O.R.E was infiltrated by various mentally unstable and devious people who began all manner of subversive and seditious organizations and managed to get them authorized by the ruling council. Any person with a grievance against another person or group, or with a vendetta against the government of their country was able to carry out their treasonous actions under the unseeing eyes of C.O.R.E. leadership.

’The most infamous of these cases was in 2083 when a man called Stephen Huntfield who formed a group of right wing fundamentalists Christians called Final Wave, joined C.O.R.E and promptly arranged for the not so subtle assassination of the council chair. They were immediately ejected from C.O.R.E. and Huntfield incarcerated, but Final Wave had achieved its goal.

’Encouraged by the success of Final Wave’s bold action, other groups followed suit and their repeated successes with coordinated campaigns of disruption and discreditation, eroded the public’s confidence in C.O.R.E. The council itself began to break apart from within, and they lost the support of the government.

’In Australia, President Robert Keating, with his leadership still drowning amongst claims he had conspired to assassinate ASEAN president Li Kwon Yo, launched an attack against C.O.R.E claiming, among other things, it had outlived its usefulness. In the United States, an upcoming election seemed likely to end the presidency of Arnberger, and install a hard line atheist in the top job. The impending change in government foreshadowed a definite and final end to C.O.R.E and even at this late and desperate stage, the council was unable to agree peaceably on how to face the challenge before them.

’Many have argued and I agree, that C.O.R.E appeared to promote tolerance and harmony but this was a pretence, a facade, underneath which hostility and resentment by burgeoning fundamentalist organizations festered and boiled.

’Despite the loss of government and general public support, a few groups remained defiant and continued the operation of C.O.R.E. However with such small numbers they lost the ability to influence religious thinking and experience among the wider population.

’In this climate, it is hard to argue against the conclusion that C.O.R.E.’s disintegration left many with a sour taste in their mouths and this resentment precipitated the Intercontinental War. Thank you for listening. Are there any questions?’

Hommy couldn’t help himself and the whole class knew it, especially 3 who braced himself.

‘Ted,’ began Hommy with a self satisfied smile plastered all over his face. ‘You said that the meltdown of C.O.R.E was the fault of outside right wing groups penetrating the council with mischievous intent?’

Surprised by what was sounding so far like a serious question, 3 hesitated before answering. ‘Yes?’ The intonation was accidental, but Hommy jumped on it.

‘So you’re not sure. You aren’t sure about what you said and the reason you rushed through the ending there-’

‘Is there a question coming, Hommy?’ asked Mrs. Freshman.

‘Is the reason you rushed through the last part of your talk-glossed over the facts you might say-that you don’t want to mention the very significant role your grandfather played? As leader of a new fundamentalist movement calling themselves Newtonians?’

Murmurs of protest bubbled here and there, but there was no sign that Mrs. Freshman was going to absolve 3 from having to answer.

Veena dove into the thick silence of anticipation while 3 was trying to formulate a reasonable response. There was in fact, some truth in what Hommy said, but the way he said it was definitely intended to offend and incite.

‘Labeling Newtonians as fundamentalists either last century or this is wrong,’ she said firmly, staring straight into the side of Hommy’s face who refused to take his eyes off 3.

‘The Newtonians,’ said 3, ‘as led by my grandfather were not radical or fundamentalist. They were very definitely atheist and centrist in their politics. My grandfather was a very strong advocate of moderate reform, not revolution. When the Newtonians were admitted to the council as associates in 2080 they numbered only fifty and had not branched out beyond their Darwin base.’

He took a breath in preparation for the delivery of a half truth, or a lie as many would have called it. Officially 3’s grandfather was leader of a group without influence in C.O.R.E but he had a very strong pre-existing friendship with a senior member of the council. The half-truth; ‘The Newtonian involvement at that time with the decision making processes of the council was negligible at best. Minimal at worst.’

‘That’s a lie!’

‘Shut up, Hommy,’ said 3 leaning forward in response to Hommy’s accusing forefinger. ‘You don’t know what the hell you are talking about.’

‘You’re the expert are you? Your granddaddy told you all about it, did he?’

3 zipped forward down the middle aisle directly in front of him and across one to Hommy’s desk.

‘Ted, stop it! Come back,’ said Mrs. Freshman, frantically trying to arrest the situation.

‘Ted, no!’ said Veena.

‘I never met my grandfather but neither did you so you have no right to say anything about him.’

‘He’s a public figure, an historical figure. I’ll say what I like.’

The hoverchair rammed Hommy’s desk and tipped it over. Hommy stood up and cocked his fists, easing back on his right leg preparing to strike with his feet. Veena was suddenly between the two blocking Hommy’s kick with a windmill action from her right hand.

‘Stop it, immediately!’ yelled Mrs. Freshman as she stepped into the middle of the melee. ‘Veena stay out of this. Sit down! Ted, back to your desk. Hommy turn your desk right side up and sit down. Sit down!’

The teacher was all red in the face, a vein popping out of her forehead, a fleck of spittle on her lips. Very impressive and certainly with enough authority to command obedience. After her outburst the room fell into silence as she returned to the front of the classroom.

Then, quite suddenly she regained her composure, and her normal color.

‘Are there anymore questions for Ted?’ she said, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

The word impressive again popped into 3’s head.

In the totally predictable dead quiet that followed there was a knock on the door. Not a moment too soon thought 3, still steaming from the insult. Mrs. Freshman tutted with annoyance at the interruption but went to open the door. A younger student whom 3 could see but not recognize, handed her a piece of paper. His teacher read it, nodded to dismiss the messenger then closed the door.

When she turned to face the class she appeared to struggle to produce sounds from her mouth before finally saying, ‘There have been unconfirmed reports of an incident at parliament house this morning.’

Veena looked instinctively to 3 and wished she was close enough to take his hand in hers. She needed the comfort and so did he. She held her breath as Mrs. Freshman continued,

‘We have nothing on the official channels, so at this stage we will not be releasing any details. You are also advised not to log on to the Net to find information for yourselves until after this class. Much of what has been released, as is usually the case, is speculation and opinion. The police are investigating the matter and if any official news is released during this class you will be informed. I understand it may be difficult for you to concentrate now, but the faculty felt it necessary to inform you immediately and I ask you to do your best regardless. As you know, both Ted and Veena’s fathers are senators.’

No one looked at them but they didn’t need to. Both Veena and 3 could feel the empathy, the curiosity, and the shock the class felt, as though it were a liniment being applied to their bare skin.