Vinlandism

Highlander

Banned
This is an idea I had that I may start working on, involving a new religious institution that starts in Michigan, following a path reminiscent of the LDS. This thread is just basically a place holder for later, but I eagerly accept all ideas and suggestions.



I don't have an exact date for the PoD, but it will be somewhere from the 1820s to '50s. During the warm summer of that year, a farmer by the name of Neacel Terrance Herman was plowing his field when his plow got stuck on a rock. This was a common occurrence in the rocky Michigan soil, yet when Neacel went to investigate any damage done to his plow, he uncovered a rather unusual stone.

Throughout the rest of the history of Northern Light Adventists, or Vinlandism, several would question one of the central stories of this religion. Yet those of this faith hold that he uncovered half of a large, flat stone on which was written the tenants of NLA. Confused, the Holy Spirit suddenly filled him with the knowledge of how to read this script, which was a combination of Viking ruins and ancient Hebrew. In the same instant a sudden thunder cloud rolled overhead; a single lightning bolt shot down and struck a lone oak tree growing in the center of his field, lighting it on fire. As he approached Neacel discovered he was able to touch the flames as they consumed the tree. Buried at the base he found the second half of the stone, and when put together, they fuzed.

As he could not read or write beyond his initials, he had his then wife write down what he translated. Neacel was very secrative of the stone which he only let his close friends see. After the word was transcribed, he spoke to eight of his close friends from a local bar, who became his Disciples.
 
An interesting concept and good introduction. Where in our great state does this event take place? I only have one nit to pick - I can't see Neacel meeting friends at a bar or going into one himself.
 

Highlander

Banned
An interesting concept and good introduction. Where in our great state does this event take place? I only have one nit to pick - I can't see Neacel meeting friends at a bar or going into one himself.

Yeah, I agree - it was just something to put down. :D They would be his friends nonetheless - maybe farmhands?

I was thinking around the Claire area actually.
 

Highlander

Banned
Another point and a few notes.

This version of "Christianity" will, like some of OTL equivilents, reject some of the teachings of older churches. This one will also combine certain aspects from Norse mythology along with pseudo-Native American mythology.

The area of Michigan is believed to be the Holy Land of this branch, though as other groups break off slight variations take place. The area will come to be known as "Sakinaw".
 
If they get into logging and convert alot of the loggers who followed the trees to Michigan they would do well...

"Where in our great state does this event take place?"

are you all Michiganians or Michiganders? Mitteners perhaps?

it is nice how you can make your hands into a map of michigan and show your friends where youve been....the left hand is the UP....

now if King Strang could of held out longer......
 

Highlander

Banned
If they get into logging and convert alot of the loggers who followed the trees to Michigan they would do well...

Another great point to think about.

are you all Michiganians or Michiganders? Mitteners perhaps?

Michiganders is the correct term I believe, but I happen to like Michiganians better.

now if King Strang could of held out longer......

I actually contacted the head of the historical society for Beaver Island where Strang founded his "kingdom", asking what he thought of a possible alternate history scenario. He basically said that it was bound to fail considering how crazy he was, and their poor interaction with the community there.
 
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