Pastor Ankev: As he and his sheep entered the Garden of Eden after Judgement Day, they encountered angels, the loyal servants of the Creator. Exuding an overwhelming holy aura designed by God to negate any mortal lies, these beings were beautiful and full of immortal charisma. Upon reaching the gate at the edge of the Garden, the angels asked why the leader and his sheep believed they could enter Paradise. The followers answered that they were fervent believers, while the leader asserted that Paradise was meant for all who surrendered their hearts to God. One of the angels, Matthew, clarified that not everyone could enter the kingdom. Only those who fulfilled the Father's will could ascend to Paradise. Notably, Matthew was not just any angel; he was a disciple of God's first son.

Growing up in a Christian household, I certainly don't remember this from any versions of the biblical gospels, and it doesn't promise a happy ending either.

Pastor Ankev: Achieving unity with God, or reaching paradise, involves more than mere belief in its existence, performing good deeds, and offering your heart. It's about cultivating a symbiotic relationship with God during our earthly lives. This involves building a life with them, much like we do with our partners, family, friends, community, or even our passions. Connection with God is the path to eternal life and the sole way to respond to their call. Earning this call is akin to gaining trust in a relationship. Some individuals might take multiple lifetimes to attain it, while others might receive their blessing tonight. From history to the present, we understand that relationships are formed through shared experiences, and God's house was established for this very purpose.

To my surprise, the congregation enthusiastically accepts the pastor's words. It seems they've been longing for this—a remedy to their difficult, often turbulent lives. A tangible sense of peace begins to envelop me, gradually erasing the mental and visual clutter that have been my perpetual companions. For the first time, I truly see a "pure" space. An odd old building, its many years carved into its façade, houses a holy place. The architectural design and interior structures present contrasts, combining elements from diverse religions to form a unique place of worship. The walls, adorned with both ancient and new frescoes, narrate divine tales that seem to converge on a single divine root. The iconostasis is a collage of painted elements, each symbolizing milestones in humanity's journey towards enlightenment—the mastery of fire being one. The combination is both familiar and foreign, evoking a peculiar sense of tranquillity within me. But it also raises questions. Who is their God? What secrets does the church's sanctum hold? Rumours suggest a holy relic that communicates only with the pastor. As a man grounded in science, this uncertainty strikes a discordant note in the symphony of emotions resonating within me. However, I must admit, it also kindles a spark of curiosity, a yearning to comprehend what lies beyond my domain.

Jake: Hey, Noah, you're here! Why are you standing in the corner?

Noah: Well, I'm late, and this spot gives me a spectacular view of the congregation.

Jake: Come with me, we have a dedicated seat for you.

Noah: For me?

Jake: Yeah, just follow me.

Noah: That's quite an upfront spot.

Jake: Trust me, it's the best spot in the church.

Jake, a regular church-goer and cis male, believes in divinity, fate, and the importance of congregation. He was the first friend I made when I first arrived in this country.

Pastor Ankev: The leader, with a voice trembling with conviction, emphasized that their communion was formed by God's divine will, promising salvation to the people. His followers, inspired by his fervor, rose to become leaders themselves, playing significant roles in society. They spread the holy gospels with humble yet powerful actions that brought healing to their fractured society. However, the Angel, with a solemn expression that belied a deep, unsettling confusion, didn't sense the presence of the Holy Spirit. The communion they had formed was not found in the revered Book of Eden, but in the less-known Book of Cycles. Outraged and heartbroken, the leader cried blasphemy at the gate, his voice echoing through the silence. He declared it a gaudily decorated entrance to hell, and claimed the books were also forged in the fiery depths, as he hadn't come across them in his devout studies. Matthew, the Angel, tried to console them, his soothing voice recounting a tale about the Book of Progress, along with the two books that determine humanity's creation, destiny, and future. He explained, with a gentle yet firm tone, that the idea of a path to immortality through strict separatist religionism wasn't from the cosmic creator. It was humans who had invented the multitude of myths about diverse gods and ways to reach paradise. However, this wasn't inherently wrong; it was part of the grand cosmic plan. Unfortunately, humans had lost their way, mistaking the cosmic plan for another miracle born from chaotic times. The cosmic plan, as Matthew outlined with a growing intensity, involves the progress of the entire human race to ascend and become gods, assuming the next cosmic bloodline. The Book of Progress monitors humanity's progress, the Book of Cycles monitors individual and community progress, and the Book of Eden monitors the ins and outs of paradise. As Matthew finished his tale, a heavy silence fell, the weight of his words echoing throughout the space, leaving the listeners lost in a sea of deep contemplation.

The congregation suddenly fell silent. I could hear the sound of water dripping from the baptismal basin echoing across the hall, punctuated by the steady ticking of my grandfather's watch. As I walk towards my seat, I noticed the confusion on the faces of those around me, struggling to interpret the message behind the extremely post-modern-ish biblical story as it all seems carry a performative aspect to it. Yet, two rows behind me, a few believers wept as if touched by "God". Again, i am really excited to know what the pastor going to say or perform next. Will he sell us a product or a religion with the old school MLM tactics imbued with protestant virtue of prosperity?

Neely: You must be Jake’s friend, Noah, am i right?

Noah: Hey yes, you are?

Neely: Just call me Neely.

Noah: Are you new to the church?

Neely: No, I've been with them since I was a kid!

Noah: Is there anyone new?

Neely: Well, we have new followers every week!

Noah: That’s something about your “God”

Neely: It's our "God," and all "Gods" lead to the only one.

The one that rules all gods? Sounds like the story of Akhenaten, a young pharaoh who tried to reform the Egyptian faith and Tolkien’s The Lord of The Rings to me. I might be mistaken about their magical thinking. It just feels odd to witness this in a country that prides itself on atheism, secularism, and a scientific foundation. Historical accounts suggest that the early settlers, including the founding committee, didn't practice any religion. They believed in Darwin’s theory of evolution, or more accurately, science. To them, machines could represent both lucifer and the almighty god. The concept of hell breaking loose was nothing more than a series of broken low-level computer language lines. The resurgence of religious practice in this nation could signify a weakening societal morale. Whether it is a return to magical thinking or not, this place provides a sense of community that eliminates feelings of isolation.

Pastor Ankev: Dear brothers and sisters, with a heartfelt passion I must share that the Holy Scriptures reveal to us that our bodies are the sacred temples of the Holy Ghost. It's a common misunderstanding, one that brings a pang of sadness to my heart, to believe that our material bodies hold no importance because only our souls will ascend to heaven. But, the Almighty once whispered to me in a gentle, loving voice that many faith leaders have misunderstood His divine plan for us. Heaven is not a distant, unattainable place, but rather a sanctuary we must strive to build for ourselves. Remember, in His unparalleled wisdom and love, God made us in His own image so that we could learn to emulate Him. Our bodies are divine gifts from God, precious vessels for us to unlock the transformative power of immortality and become the "new gods" who will metamorphose the earth into heaven. Therefore, it is a solemn duty, one that fills us with purpose and resolve, to protect and strengthen our bodies to be ready to receive the grace from the Holy Ghost, an invitation to join the messianic community. Those who perform their duties under God's will are like a North Star, a beacon of hope and guidance leading us to our predestined fate of immortality. However, not all of us will be chosen by the Holy Ghost at the same time. A mix of anticipation, patience, and faith fills our hearts, knowing that some may be called upon while others might need to wait until they fulfill their individual karmic cycles. But let it not cause you despair, for this does not mean God doesn't love you. Believe me, with a conviction that resonates in my very core, He already has a dedicated plan and purpose for each one of you, a thought that fills us with an overwhelming sense of comfort and peace.

To me, the concept of immortality is envisioned as a profound transformation of our mortal bodies into enduring vessels, capable of preserving our essence forever. The idea of creating our personal vision of heaven reveals a stirring sense of humanity's bold attempt to seize control from the divine blueprint. This mirrors the pride and rebellion found in the story of the Tower of Babel and the Greek myth of Gigantomachy. These daring and unsettling concepts diverge significantly from the modest principles of traditional religions, leaning dangerously towards humanism. I struggle to comprehend that this is part of the conversation between the pastor and the metaphysical being we all call God or the Holy Spirit. Despite its apparent sacrilege, it is imbued with shades of scientific optimism. And i notice that the pastor is looking at my direction.

Pastor Ankev: Noah, what has led you to join us today?

Noah: Me?

Pastor Ankev: Yes, my son.

Noah: Erm...well, I don't know much about God. I'm not a big fan of divine stories or the idea of a creator. My therapist has advised me to engage socially and establish human connections with people in this city. I'm new here, and there's no better way to understand a place than through its people and their beliefs.

Pastor Ankev: would you share with us more about your beliefs about the creator and your story? Don’t be afraid, nothing is ever black or white.

Noah: I've always been deeply drawn to the myriad belief systems and religions that exist. They seem to me like a mirror reflecting our collective quest for understanding and meaning in this expansive universe. In their own distinct ways, they represent humanity's collective response to the existential questions that have haunted us since the dawn of consciousness. And yet, I firmly believe in our power as an intelligent species to chart our own destinies. We have at our disposal technology that can slow down our aging process, cryonics technology that hints at the possibility of time travel, and even the means to replicate our consciousness with artificial intelligence. But religion, in all its varied forms, often sees these scientific advancements as a transgression against some divine order. My wife's devout religious beliefs and her church claimed her life. This tragic loss led me to lose my faith as well. If she had only been open to the possibility of the cryonics trial back then, she might still be with us today. This thought became constant source of heartache for me until today.

Pastor Ankev: We're sorry to hear about your wife. Son, this church doesn't abandon technology; we celebrate it as a divine gift manifested by the Holy Spirit through our minds and hands. We created technology so that our Creator could communicate and guide us on the same wavelength, using technology as a divine tool to help us become like them. To everyone, progress is the truth, and that's our Creator's hope. Remember, God only calls upon those who fulfill His plan.

Contrary to all expectations, the congregation and the pastor did not respond with anger or offense to my words, despite their brutal honesty and the rudeness they carry. It is as if the world tilts on its axis. Instead of the anticipated hostility, the pastor soothes the tension with a pacifying calmness, his voice a balm to the rawness of my confession. The congregation echoes his sentiment, their applause resounding through the church, a testament to my unveiled truth. It is a surreal moment that leaves me bathed in a glowing sense of acceptance, a warm embrace that feels like forgiveness washing over me. The performative aspect of the congregation is palpable, the drama of the moment heightened. Then, in the midst of this heightened atmosphere, an unknown voice emerges in my head. It surfaces in my mind with such clarity that it momentarily drowns out the noise from the congregation. It is a voice of such tender beauty that it stirs my thoughts, resonating deep within my soul, leaving me awash with emotion.

The voice in the head: "Noah, you know the future. You will be the one who changes everything and helps us lead the sheep to the heaven that you will build for mankind.”

My cheeks are damp, teardrops perched precariously at the edge of my eyelids, ready to overflow. Is this the profound spiritual encounter the pastor alluded to, or merely a figment of my wearied mind, a hallucination brought on by my mental fatigue?

Pastor Ankev: "God has spoken to you, am I right? Noah"

Noah: "I... am… not…… sure."

Tears begin to flow freely among the congregation, their prayers rise in fervent whispers. Some voices break through the soft murmurs, calling my name in a reverent chant. The iconostasis opens, revealing a holy relic nestled in the sanctuary. It pulses with life, the light seeping from a crevice in its black casing, perfectly in sync with our collective breaths. Could this be an extraterrestrial machine? A shiver of goosebumps runs down my spine. In the face of this overwhelming spectacle, it is inescapable - they see in me their living messiah. It appears I have no choice but to surrender to this unexpected calling and seek the truth of what is unfolding.

Pastor Ankev: Beloved congregation, let's shift our gaze and bow in reverence towards Noah. He has been marked by the divine hand of God to join our messianic community. He is destined to stand on the righteous side of history, laboring alongside us in the sacred task of building heaven on earth. From today onwards, Noah will serve as the sacrificial lamb, his surrender and transformation acting as a catalyst, turning us into the gods of tomorrow.