| Combat | Fire |
|---|---|
| Detection | Water |
| Health | Air |
| Illusion | Earth |
| Manipulation | Guidance |
| Drain | WIL + CHA |
Christianity made its transition to the Sixth World in
fits and starts. For some people, it was easy. The supernatural
had always played a role in their stories and
beliefs, so they simply accepted magic as part of the
belief framework they’d always held. Others, however,
identified magic with the witchcraft and satanism
they’d been warned about for years, so they put up
walls (the Catholic Church in particular erecting some
strong barriers). The Imago Dei encyclical helped break
down those walls, but it also transitioned people away
from the belief that magic was a manifestation of godly
power. Christian Theurgists in general see magic as a
tool they can use to perform God’s work, rather than a
direct channel to the divine. Spirits often make Christian
Theurgists uncomfortable—they’re not sure if they
should treat them like the souls of the dead, angels,
devils, or something else, so they’re often more comfortable
just leaving them alone.
Christian Theurgists are as organized as their particular
branch of Christianity is. Members of the clergy,
such as mages in the Order of St. Sylvester, have stricter
controls on their behavior, while members of the laity
of any denomination who happen to be Awakened may
have some guidelines or principles to help them in their
use of magic, but the degree to which the follow those
guidelines is up to them.
In its ideal form, Christianity is about helping others
and relieving their pain where possible, and there are
Christian Theurgists who attempt to live up to this ideal.
Throughout history, however, there have been all sorts
of acts done in the name of Christianity, and that remains
the case today. Depending on what part of Christian
teachings they emphasize or how they choose to
interpret them, Christian Theurgists may be involved in a
wide variety of activities ranging from the charitable to
the reprehensible. But whatever they do, it will have that
certain tinge of a holy crusade.
Christian Theurgists of all stripes can be found
throughout the Western Hemisphere, though they become
less common in the Eastern (where they tend to
be spellcasters). Their conjuring skills are often subpar,
and their experience giving instructions to spirits is limited.
If you want someone who can clearly word a task
without leaving loopholes for the spirit, look elsewhere.
They can be potent spellcasters and adepts, particularly
when they feel they are advancing the cause of righteousness.
Nathaniel de Leon was led a small group of Sylvestrine monks during the Aztlan-Amazonia War, but his responsibilities essentially ended when all of his underlings were killed during the final purge of Amazonian elements from Bogotá. He is still considered a member of the Order, but his exact assignment is unclear. He has taken it upon himself to find new recruits to serve under him, and that means he is quite willing to pass on Christian Theurgist teachings and ideas to those willing to learn.