132 Episode 4 Cecilias Anti-Attack (1/2)

I'm thinking, ...... is it really that hard for rich people to get to heaven?

”...... the Bible says so!

Cecilia said this after she had finished putting together the outline of her presentation for the next Nova Lemuria Council.

Hercule looked puzzled, wondering what this plump little slut was going to say all of a sudden.

No, I mean, isn't ...... work a virtue? But if you work, you get money, right?　I think that earning money is a good thing. I think it is a good thing to earn money, because you have earned it through your own talent and effort. It's not right that he can't go to heaven.

What are you saying all of a sudden?

When Hercule said this, Cecilia leaned forward and began to explain.

Cecilia leaned forward and began to explain: ”Whether you can go to heaven or not depends on how much faith you have. But I don't think we can show our faith only by praying to God. The Lord has given us a test of destiny. I believe that facing it sincerely is the way to heaven.

”Well, that's a fair point. What does that have to do with what you just said?

Cecilia said with genuine, heartfelt pleasure.

So, isn't occupation also part of our destiny? For example, farming, making useful tools, selling goods to people, monarchs like Hercule, bureaucrats who collect taxes, soldiers who fight against pagans, are all noble professions. The professions given to us by our Lord, let's see, .......

”How about a vocation?

When Hercule suggested a paraphrase, Cecilia smiled broadly.

”Vocation!　That's good, let's do that. I believe that those who accept their vocation and work hard will be able to go to heaven. And if you work, you will naturally accumulate money.

Hearing Cecilia's words, Hercule couldn't help but chuckle.

It's cute that you think that if you work hard every day, you can accumulate money.

She is still a bit naive in that way.

Cecilia, however, has no chance to know or imagine the life of a low-class person who cannot accumulate money no matter how hard she works.

”So you're saying that the richer you are, the more likely you are to go to heaven?

”No, it doesn't. The accumulation of money is a side effect. What matters is how hard you work, how diligently you toil.

So you're saying that the lowlifes who tried hard but couldn't make it will go to heaven?

Only if the Lord approves of their efforts.

He seems to be thinking about that.

Well, some people are born rich, so it's not surprising.

What about people who don't have jobs?　What about those who have some kind of physical disability that makes it difficult for them to work?

The important thing is to make a direct effort. If your effort is right, the Lord will surely lead you to heaven.

Effort, effort, effort.

It sounds so hot and bitter.

As Hercule, I would like to live a more relaxed life.

”So Cecilia, you think the Bible is wrong?

”No, I don't think so. Everything in the Bible is true. But whether or not ...... people get it right is another story.

”So it's up to interpretation.

The Bible is a book containing the word of God.

But the Bible was not written by God, but by human beings. ...... Naturally, there will be excesses and deficiencies in its contents.

In the first place, human beings are not so good as to be able to correctly describe all of God's great words in the Bible.

Therefore, the important thing is to understand God's intentions from the Bible.

This is the principle idea of Messianism.

The reason why multiple sects have arisen is because of the different ways of interpretation.

Therefore, Cecilia's argument can be interpreted in any way.

Or at least Cecilia's interpretation is that ”even rich people can go to heaven.

Doesn't that contradict the fact that Messianism is supposed to honor poverty?

Messianism is about poverty.

But Cecilia's idea seems to deny it outright.

Hercule points this out: ......

I think there is no contradiction between being rich and being poor. Don't you think it's possible to be rich and poor without being overly extravagant and living in moderation?

I'm sure that's true, but ...... wouldn't that just cause money to accumulate?

Money has meaning only when it is used.

There is no meaning in just saving.

I think it's not good to hold on to your gains all by yourself. For example, if the salary of ...... is raised from ten silver coins to twelve, the lives of the people working for the rich man will be enriched.

”Yes, indeed.

”Of course, indirectly giving back to those who don't have money like that, but I think that direct giving back like running an orphanage or giving charity is also important. Only rich people can do such things, you know.

In other words, if you donate to the church, you can atone for your sins?

I don't think it matters whether you give through the church or not.

Cecilia added, however, that the Church must and will operate in the most correct way.

Cecilia added that the church must be able to operate in the most correct way, and that it would do so. ”You know how the rich Lemurians of old used to actively spend money on public works? I think we need that kind of attitude.

”I see.

It seems that the book that Hercule had sent to Cecilia had a great influence on her thoughts.

Well, it doesn't seem to be a bad influence, so there is no particular problem.

”And by the way, what do you think about ......?　Would Mr. Hercule approve?

I think it's a good idea. Why don't you include it in the public meeting?　If you, I, you, Lucanos, and Kronos vote in favor of it, no one will have any objections.

It's not a bad idea to include such a doctrine that would attract the support of commerce and industry in order to fundamentally review the doctrine itself, eradicate corruption, and regain the faith of believers.

Above all, it is in line with Hercule's policy of protecting commerce and industry.

”Is there anything else?

”Anything else?

No, I was just wondering if there was anything else you'd like to change.

When Hercule asked, Cecilia pondered a bit and then said, ......

I don't know if you'll accept this. ......

”Mmm-hmm.

I'm thinking of banning torture in the Inquisition. I think it's a breeding ground for false accusations.

”Well, that's certainly a challenge.

Torture is not limited to the Inquisition, but in this world, it is common practice to use torture to force confessions.

This may sound prehistoric, but from the perspective of modern Japanese values, it is ...... a very advanced method of obtaining confessions through torture in this world.

In this world, the method of obtaining confessions by torture is very advanced, because the method of obtaining confessions is much more evidentiary than the methods of trial by combat or trial by divine decree, where there is no evidence whatsoever.

However, torture is not a very effective method.

After all, it is impossible to know whether what is said under torture is true or not.

Considering the fact that there are cases in which people tell lies in order to escape suffering, it is not wise to force confessions.

Are you speaking from personal experience?

Yes, well, ...... even if Mr. Hercule hadn't helped me, I don't have the confidence to say that I wouldn't have confessed. If not for the help of Hercule, what would you have done ......?

Cecilia hugged her body with both hands.

She was still traumatized.

You can tell me what you really went through. It's the actual experience of a medium.

”......, will you accept that?

I support it.

Hercule himself does not believe in the effects of torture.

If you want to get information from a prisoner of war and keep it for reference only,......, but if you want to use a confession obtained by torture as a material for a trial, it may lead to false accusations.

It is true that torture is a quick and easy way to get rid of the problem.

In the first place, since the Edict of Alexandria recognized paganism and heretical beliefs, only a few clergy would be subject to the Inquisition.

Hercule's idea is to be polite about it.

Also, although this has little to do with the Council, ...... I would like to establish a place where people can study theology. I think that the reason why there are so many clergy of poor quality is because there is a gap in the quality of education.

So you're talking about establishing a theological college? ...... I can provide the land and funds.

”You're going to finance it?

Cecilia asked, and Hercule nodded.