How a Former Pastor Lives in Another World

23

Heretics

To the east of the continent, the trading hub connected to the East.

There lies a region known as the Free City of Campbell.

As a long-standing center of trade, a variety of races and cultures have entered, leaving Campbell with a persistent headache.

Religion.

The Solar Church, which unifies the continent’s religious influence and worships the monotheistic Soltera.

The Great Earth Church, which worships Yara, the guardian deity of the desert and indigenous religion of the East.

The warriors of the polar regions who worship the Warrior God, and the heretics who fled the persecution of the Solar Church.

With all sorts of religious people gathered in the city, conflicts arose frequently.

Eventually, a hundred years ago, the mayor of the Free City proclaimed ‘freedom of religion,’ settling the matter for the time being, but in Campbell, religion remains an unresolved seed of conflict.

Perhaps the only consolation is that they no longer seek to kill each other with violence as in the past?

“Sigh…”

Bishop Yuna of the Campbell Cathedral felt the wrinkles deepening as she sighed repeatedly.

“Is this all the congregation for today?”

“Yes, Bishop…”

It’s the weekend mass. A service that happens once a week.

Yet, the number of congregants gathered in the cathedral barely reached a dozen.

Bishop Yuna swallowed her lament at the meager turnout, a stark contrast to the grandeur and splendor of Campbell Cathedral.

The free city of Campbell is an arena for religions, where the pride of denominations is at stake.

Thus, a grand cathedral was built, and a bishop was dispatched to establish true faith in this city of apostates.

But the current state of Campbell Cathedral was nothing more than a mirage.

Bishop Yuna began the mass in front of the handful of remaining faithful.

***

The free city of Campbell.

This place, also known as the land of apostasy by the Soleil Doctrine, was impressive right from the entrance.

“Wow~ This is the first time I’ve seen such a big city, apart from Solarion!”

Henry exclaimed as he took in the sights of the city, while Aaron retorted with a sneer,

“Hmph, it’s practically the countryside compared to Solarion.”

Even Aaron seemed intimidated by the dazzling city of Campbell.

A city where trade with the Eastern pagans takes place.

A myriad of cultures and wealthy merchants put out signboards to promote their shops, and the employees working under them, along with the ancillary service industry, were bound to flourish.

Campbell was a place raking in money.

The tales of Campbell’s wealth were well-known, but its extent was beyond what had been imagined.

“They say it’s a land of religious freedom, but I can hardly believe it. The Eastern pagans, maybe, but the market is clearly of continental origin, isn’t it?”

“Even if you curse a mayor who died a hundred years ago, it doesn’t change a thing.”

Jenny said, shrugging and patting the shoulders of the three companions.

“Huh? Are they coming to us?”

Jenny pointed with her chin, and there was a group watching the four of them.

They approached Ray and his group straight away. Then, with beaming smiles, they struck up a conversation.

“Hello, brothers and sisters. Is this your first time in the city?”

“Uh? Oh… Yes.”

The four were taken aback by the broad smiles of the greeters.

Then a woman continued with a kind smile,

“Actually, we felt such a good aura from you all. Here, if it’s alright with you, why not visit our cathedral and spend some time learning about this good energy?”

A group handing out flyers with a smile.

The four of them received it, bewildered.

“What miracle do you need the most right now? Verify the word of truth and be saved!”

‘Proselytizing to monks, of all people.’

The irony of the situation was not lost on them, but it was unlikely that the group knew they were monks from the religious order of Ray.

The Free City of Campbell was rife with a plethora of religions. Consequently, ambush proselytizing targeting religious figures was rampant.

That’s why, having entered the city in plain clothes prepared in advance, it was unlikely that anyone would recognize Ray and his companions as monks from the religious nation.

“No, what are you doing right now! Our proud Solar…ugh! Ugh!”

“Oh dear~ Brother, you’re having one of your strange fits again! I’m sorry, he’s quite shy around new faces!”

Jenny clamped her hand over Henry’s mouth as he was about to self-destruct. Meanwhile, Ray dealt with the proselytizers.

“I’m sorry, we’re here on different business and won’t be visiting the cathedral.”

“Oh, that’s too bad. But how about coming to hear some good words just once?”

The proselytizers clung persistently. Aaron, a devout believer, was about to step forward with a scowl, but Ray, with a smile, accepted the pamphlet.

“Still, we might consider visiting. What’s your name?”

“Ah! I am Mare, a missionary of the Ilwol Shin Church.”

“If we decide to visit, we’ll look for you. Could you give us as many flyers as there are in our group?”

The missionary’s face lit up at Ray’s response. They handed out flyers to each member of Ray’s party before finally leaving.

“To think we’ve received flyers from these heretical heathens.”

“Aaron, don’t even think about tearing it up while they’re still watching.”

At Ray’s words, Aaron relaxed his grip on the paper, though he still looked displeased.

“Why did you even converse with those heretical scum? They deserve to be denounced on the spot.”

“Hey~ If we had tried to kick them out right away, they would have clung even more. I know their tactics all too well.”

In his past life as Pastor Kim, street proselytizing was a common occurrence regardless of religion.

Among them, the proselytizing by cults was notoriously infamous in Korea.

“Such methods of proselytizing usually fail. Most people ignore them. But they persistently cling on, hoping to catch just one person.”

Surprisingly, the best way to send these types away is to actively listen to them.

“If the other party responds positively, they’re more likely to actually visit. In such cases, their response becomes a bit more lax.”

“No way, how do you know all this, young Ray?”

‘I know well.’

After all, Protestantism played a significant role in the competitive world of modern street proselytizing in the 21st century.

“Indeed, it’s Ray! The Magician Slayer! The Witch Hunter!”

“Henry, you really need to learn how to keep it down in public.”

Anyway, the four of them posed as visiting merchants and headed towards Campbell Cathedral.

“Wow~ The cathedral is truly magnificent, isn’t it?”

“It’s comparable to the cathedrals in major cities.”

The four were in awe of the splendor and grandeur of Campbell Cathedral.

Campbell Cathedral, located in the prime bustling area of Campbell, was immense and majestic.

Indeed, the Solar Church. With such wealth, it’s no wonder they could build such a grand cathedral in this busy area.

“But for such a grand cathedral, why are there so few people?”

Henry was puzzled by the sight of the grand cathedral, which seemed on the brink of decline due to a lack of congregation.

“Well, I was thinking the same.”

It seems plausible given the circumstances, but there’s no excuse for an unvisited tomb.

“Let’s go inside. They must be waiting for us.”

The interior of the cathedral was as dazzling and ornate as the exterior.

At first glance, one would never think it was a provincial cathedral in decline.

“Who might you be? It’s not yet time for mass.”

A middle-aged nun approached as the strangers visited.

Aaron stepped forward to introduce themselves.

“We are members of the Armed Organization, sent from the Holy Nation. We’ve come seeking assistance.”

“Oh! I will bring the bishop to you right away!”

The nun hurried off, her face brightening.

Ray and his companions soon faced a group of clergy walking towards them from inside.

Middle-aged male and female clergy.

Ray naturally approached the male clergy and bowed.

“Greetings, Your Excellency. I am Ray Anderson, a trainee member of the Armed Organization.”

“……”

“……”

The male clergy hesitated. Ray tilted his head.

“Your Excellency?”

Why isn’t he responding? As Ray looked up in confusion, Aaron grabbed him by the nape of the neck.

“You brat! How dare you be so rude! I’m sorry, Bishop! This uneducated fool has made a disgraceful mistake!”

“I’m, I’m sorry, Bishop.”

“I apologize, Bishop! Please forgive us!”

The group bowed their heads in unison, and Ray, taken aback, looked at the female clergy.

“You uneducated oaf…! Can’t you see the symbol of the bishop’s robe?”

Aaron scolded, as Ray was still in a daze.

Ray definitely noticed the difference between the woman called a bishop and the men.

Indeed, the woman’s attire looked more luxurious… but Ray’s mistake in recognizing the bishop was for another reason.

“A woman… as a bishop?”

“”…?!!””

The air froze instantly.

***

Ray’s mistake in gendering the bishop was due to his prejudice that this place was medieval.

In the Middle Ages, women couldn’t ascend to high positions.

Especially not in the conservative religious sphere.

But a female bishop? Could such a thing be possible?

“You s*xist pig!”

“No, no, it’s a misunderstanding. Just a misunderstanding. I didn’t know women could be bishops…”

“Ray, little brother! Are you saying women can’t handle big responsibilities?!”

Jenny stood up indignantly, and Ray shook his head desperately.

“No, no. I mean, I know many great nuns among the clergy! I never thought that!”

“Brother Ray… Women can become bishops and even the Holy Pope. Men and women are equal, so why did you think that?”

This is medieval?

Gender discrimination was the norm, and the highest a female clergy could aspire to was being an abbess?

“Sigh… Ray Anderson. I thought you were just uneducated and ignorant.”

“Aaron, it’s not like that…”

“But you turned out to be a s*xist. Judging people by their gender, I’m disappointed.”

The differences between the medieval world Ray knew and this one were many, but first and foremost was the advancement of women in society.

Aura users who manipulate aura, or believers who receive the Holy Spirit’s blessing through the power of faith.

Their abilities are distinguished not by gender, but by how skillfully they handle aura or how deep their faith is to receive divine powers.

In a society where the elite are distinguished by ability rather than gender, gender equality naturally progressed faster than on Earth.

Having spent his entire life in the rural village of Obelo’s church, Ray was naive to the ways of the world.

“Brother, I still think you’re a good person. A bit… s*xist, perhaps, but everyone has their flaws. You can change your thinking in the future…”

“No, that’s not it!”

Me, a s*xist? Me, a s*xist?

Unacceptable. Ray, like Pastor Kim, is a sensible person who has lived through the 21st century, an era of universal equality and benevolence.

He has never been s*xist!

“Looks like you need to take some gender equality classes, Ray.”

“They have those?!”

“Tsk, I thought it was just something you hadn’t learned yet…”

“No, I’m not… I’m not a s*xist…”

Amidst the disappointed gazes of the group, Bishop Yuna arrived with refreshments.

“You’ve all traveled a long way, brothers and sisters. Please, have some tea and cookies.”

Even with Ray, who had just made a s*xist remark, in front of her, Bishop Yuna did not forget her kind smile.

Ray could only crouch down and express his frustration.

Eventually, Aaron took over the conversation.

“Bishop, we’ve come regarding the matter you entrusted to the agency. How can we assist you?”

At Aaron’s question, Bishop Yuna briefly explained the request.

“We’ve been severely short-staffed lately. We just need help until new personnel can be dispatched.”

It was nothing significant. It was just volunteer work, after all.

But Ray was more interested in the postscript than the volunteer work.

“Bishop, I’ve heard that recently heretics have been luring away not only the parishioners but even the clergy from the church.”

“Ah… I suppose I should explain that part as well.

Bishop Yuna began her story with a sigh tinged with lamentation.

“It all started when the new parishioners arrived.”

Unlike other regions, Campbell is rife with various religions, but the Solar Sect is the most major.

And if there’s a grand church nearby, it’s only natural for parishioners to be drawn to its splendor.

Campbell Cathedral was, until a few years ago, the largest religious force in Campbell.

“The new parishioners… No, they started forming a private organization within the church at some point. At first, I thought they were devout believers, given their eagerness for Bible study.”

And so, they formed a gospel group, fostering camaraderie through the study of scripture and doctrine.

By the time we’ve gathered enough information on the followers brought into the gospel room, this is the suggestion we make:

“There’s a school where we only study the words of our Soltera. Why don’t you come and learn with us? We provide food and even support your tuition.”

It’s not easy to outright reject an offer from someone you’ve built a rapport with.

And so, one by one, the followers slipped away and were absorbed into their congregation.

“How could this happen? Devout believers falling into heresy!”

Henry was indignant, unable to comprehend.

Neither Aaron nor Jenny seemed to understand, but Ray got it completely.

‘Never underestimate the infiltration power of a cult.’

Their method is a widely used proselytizing tool of modern-day cults.

Trained cult evangelists use their unique affinity to penetrate communities, thoroughly gathering personal information on their targets, such as hobbies, preferences, wealth, and occupation, for recruitment.

Of course, most attempts are met with resistance and fail.

The problem is that with a large number of attempts, even if only one in a hundred is successful, it’s still a win for the cults.

They know exactly how to exploit each follower to the fullest.

“It’s heresy! We must bring the paladins immediately to subdue them!”

“It won’t be easy.”

All eyes turned to Ray.

“They claim to be a sect of the Solar Church, right?”

At Ray’s guess, Bishop Yuna nodded with a somber expression.

“Yes, they claim to be a sect of our Solar Church, like the Reformist Church and the Starlight Church.”

Just as Christianity is divided into various denominations like Catholicism, Protestantism, Anglicanism, and Orthodoxy, the Solar Church also has its separate factions.

The empire that reigns over the southern continent did so, and the island nations beyond the western continent declared independence while claiming to be a sect of the Solar Church.

Like the denominations established for different interpretations of doctrine and political purposes, they too claim to be a separate faction.

We are, after all, brothers of the same faith, just with different interpretations of the doctrine!

That’s probably how they dug into the Solar Church followers’ aversion.

It’s a common practice among the overflowing pseudo-Christian cults in Korea.

“Recently, they seem to have no more business with our cathedral and have taken to street preaching.”

“Street preaching?”

“Yes, I’ve heard they call themselves the ‘Sun and Moon Church.'”

Sun and Moon Church.

That name sounds familiar.

The four of them gazed intently at each other, recalling a memory from not so long ago.

“Ah! I am Mare, a missionary of the Ilwol Shingyo.”

The typical missionaries who approached with lines like ‘Do you know the way?’ ‘I felt such good energy from you.’

They were the cultists who had infiltrated Campbell Cathedral.

“Now! I’ve explained this as a warning for you all to be wary of those people. There’s no need for the young brothers and sisters to worry.”

“……Yes, I understand.”

But knowing didn’t change what they could do about it. Not right now, at least.

“The weekend mass is about to start, will you join?”

“Of course!”

It’s only natural for clergy to attend the cathedral.

The four unpacked their belongings and headed straight for the sanctuary.

“Sol Estella. A blessed time indeed.”

Bishop Yuna, who ascended the pulpit to preside over the mass.

For a cathedral of this stature, it’s expected that a bishop would oversee the mass but……

“Huh?”

As the sermon reached its midpoint, Ray gulped down the possibility that crossed his mind.

“Mmm… Ugh, I’m full……”

“Me too… mission splendidly accomplished……”

“Yaaawn~”

Just 30 minutes into the mass.

Ray speculated on a certain possibility as he looked at the members who had dozed off and Bishop Yuna, who continued her sermon with a kind and gentle voice.

‘Could it be… the sermon is so dull that all the parishioners have left?’

Bishop Yuna of Campbell Cathedral.

Her sermons were dreadfully dull and sleep-inducing.

And she wasn’t even a human pudding……

“Sigh……”

This won’t do at all.

Wait, it’s time for Ray Anderson to step in.

It’s Star Pastor Kim Kwang-oh’s turn to shine.