This takes place in the far future after there have been multiple cycles of hedonistic societal collapses.
The main reason why the spiritual entity Tanisha takes on the role of a prophet to create an entirely new religion rather then simply reveal one or more prior religions is because none of them existed in a technologically advanced time and so lack the teachings necessary to instruct people how to live in an advanced society.
Transformatisya is heavily influenced by Christianity and Islam with convergent evolution on the Baha’i Faith, but without the non Abrahamic elements because they are considered redundant and unnecessary. The main story of Jesus follows Christianity, although he is considered separate from God. Tanisha was created in the minds of the pre-historic Americans, so included elements of American history in the mythology.
Idolatry remains the most severe sin, but the second most severe sin is anything that leads to or is a product of social isolation. Tanisha was formed in 2004 with memories of being born in 1984 and watched what happens when a technological society isolates itself and can only interact electronically.
I could see this resulting in a very “tough love” approach to manifestations of social anxiety where sufferers are seen as “a danger to themselves” and their own development into the world. Socially isolating interests and behaviors would be viewed as morally evil* and viewed in a self destructive way as something like drug addiction or the socially alienating behaviors of severe mental disorders.
*I want to be clear that this would not be some “chad” or “jock” dystopia. Traditionally “nerd” interests would still be pursued, but the “nerd” aspects would be strong discouraged.
I want to present an “over correction” that prevents this faction from being “unambiguously good” and gives other characters within the same faction something to struggle for reform against where they advocate for people who have been persecuted by this approach.
Tanisha also presents a lot of stories in the form of myths and allegories that are related to 21st century isolation.
How do the religions and secular philosophies of your world deal with problems such as this that only exist in technologically advanced societies?
This reminds me of the film Franklyn (2008), specifically the relationship between religion and mental health.
The main element of the fantasy world in the film is that it is illegal to not have a religion, regardless of what it is, which leads to a scene where people are reading from a washing machine manual like it’s the bible.
I’m not sure whether or not I should make religion required in the world, but even if it’s technically required, atheism would still end up being tolerated in the conservative cities and progressives wouldn’t feel like trying to push prosecution there. Unironic blasphemy is illegal, but the progressives also believe in free speech enough that they would only take action in very extreme cases.
Believing in any religion other then overt Satanism is considered preferable to atheism, but there are also “religions of God” that are considered more preferable. This includes most Abrahamic religions as well as others if changed, for example, a monotheistic version of Hinduism.
