The Judas Tribunal (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798303758520)

In the year 2140 the starship Oregon left Earth's orbit to find another suitable planet to colonize. They explored space and found one with an atmosphere that closely resembled Earth. It was a smaller planet with three large continents surrounded by water. The colonists settled on the largest and called their new home Oregonia.
The human condition, however, does not change. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The Oregonian Church became powerful and influential in almost everything. Reports of 'Elders' and 'High Priests' involved in bribery and scandals became common place. The once revered position of entering the Church as a service to the people and wellbeing of Oregonia became soiled. One day a story broke out that swept Oregonia and the abuse of power and addiction by church officials could be ignored no longer.
A young 16-year boy named Alurud committed suicide. He wrote a letter stating that a church priest had been sexually abusing him for almost ten years. He could no longer live with the memories of what was done to him. Before hanging himself on a tree on school property, he sent a letter to his parents, his teacher, the school headmaster, and local government officials.
The uproar and backlash was devastating.
Each day more and more victims came forward with stories. Some were horrific. Years of abuse by Elders and High Priests. The ones who had taken a vow to honor, respect life, treat others as you wanted to be treated; had lied and betrayed their congregation.
The Oregonian Church knew it needed to take action, or a complete religious rebellion would ensue. People had placed their trust in the Church and the Church had turned its back on them. More scandals came out as reports of High Priests covering up the abuse of others. Elders were transferred to other regions where the abuse continued. Even when Church officials were sent to treatment facilities or rehabilitation centers, it did not take long for their demons to come forward.
The Oregonian Church in New Phoenix had to take drastic action. That is when they set up the Judas Tribunal.
It was named after Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples who betrayed Jesus by kissing him on the cheek. This identified Jesus who was arrested and sentenced to death by crucifixion. Ironically Judas hung himself from a tree, just like the young Alurud.
Alurud was instantly granted 'sainthood' status. The Oregonian Church implicated a ranking system. Elders, Priests, and High Priests. Then there was the Absolute Court which consisted of High Priests. The Absolute Court ruled the Judas Tribunal and made final decisions on a case by case basis.
To become a High Priest, one had to make a commitment to serve the Church and take the 'Vows of Alurud'. One of the requirements of becoming a High priest was to endure the pain that Alurud and his family felt. The other was to spend half a year in solitude praying for guidance to the Almighty Creator. This was done at a secluded mission or monastery.
High Priest Jonathan Symes was a ranking member of the Judas Tribunal. He was assigned to review the most severe cases and pass judgment.

Author: John J. Hardic
ISBN-13: 9798303758520
Publisher: Independently Published
Language: English
Published: 01/04/2025
Pages: 136
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.42lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.29d