Traditional Manburism

**Traditional Manburism** is the collective term for the traditionalist and theologically conservative branches of contemporary Manburism. Theologically, it is chiefly defined by regarding the Gospel of the All-Maker as revealed by the All-Maker to Maximus Aedinius Romulus in the Prophet's Cave and faithfully transmitted ever since.

Traditional Manburism, therefore, advocates a strict observance of Manburist law, or *Loi de l'Evangile*, which is to be interpreted and determined exclusively according to traditional methods and in adherence to the continuum of received precedent through the ages. It regards the entire Loi de l'Evangilic system as ultimately grounded in immutable revelation, and beyond external influence. Key practices are observing the Sabbath, eating Permis, and Gospel study. Key doctrines include the final prophet who will bring about the final century and reveal the last text to humanity, belief in a future bodily resurrection of the dead, divine reward and punishment for the righteous and the sinners.

### Five Pillars of Manburism

The Five Pillars of Manburism (Piliers de la foi "Pillars of Faith") are fundamental practices in Manburism, considered to be obligatory acts of worship for all Manburists. They are summarized in the last chapter of the Gospel of the All-Maker. Traditional Manburism views the pillars as not only obligatory, but holy, and doing these more than once is considered to elevate one's status above others in the Final Day of Judgement. Traditional Manburism also affirms that the pillars are infallible and cannot be changed by anything except the All-Maker.

#### Affirmation

The first pillar of Manburism is the *Affirmation*, the assertion of faith. The affirmation is said in Proto-Luari, the liturgical language of Manburism. The affirmation is recited: *Creatorem testor esse rectorem et sustentatorem celi et terre et omnium in- ter et regem regum et deum deorum, et testor Maximus Aedinius Romulus penultimum creatoris nuncium* "I bear witness that the Creator is the ruler and sustainer of heaven and earth and all things in between, and the king of kings and the god of gods, and [I bear] witness [that] Maximus Aedinius Romulus, [is] the penultimate messenger of the creator." It is essential to utter it to become a Manburist and to convert to Manburism.

Traditional Manburism mandates that the phrase is said before every prayer to reaffirm one's faith and not to lose sight of the true path.

#### Prière

The second pillar of Manburism is *Prière*, or prayer. Before a prayer is observed, ablutions are performed including washing one's hands, face and feet. A caller chants aloud from a raised place in the temple. Verses from the Gospel are recited either loudly or silently. These prayers are a very specific type of prayer and a very physical type of prayer called prostrations. These prayers are done five times a day, at set strict times, with the individual facing Tabrad. The prayers are performed at dawn, noon, afternoon, evening, and night: the names are according to the prayer times: *Aurora* (Dawn), *Meridiem* (Noon), *Post Meridiem* (Afternoon), *Vesperum* (Evening), *Noctem* (Night). The Aurora prayer is performed just before sunrise, Meridiem is performed in the midday after the sun has surpassed its highest point, Post Meridiem is the evening prayer before sunset, Vesperum is the evening prayer after sunset and Noctem is the night prayer. All of these prayers are recited while facing in the direction of the Grand Temple of Tabrad in Tabrad and form an important aspect of the Manburist Communitas. Manburists must wash before prayer; this washing is called *purificatio* ("purification"). The prayer is accompanied by a series of set positions including; bowing with hands on knees, standing, prostrating and sitting in a special position (not on the heels, nor on the buttocks). At every change in position, "Anvia est Maximus" is said and it is a fixed tradition that has to be recited in each posture. A Manburist may perform their prayer anywhere, such as in offices, universities, and fields. However, the temple is the preferable place for prayers because the temple allows for fellowship. These prayers may also be observed individually if one is not able to go.