The MetaChurch of Saint Ethereum

0x4…b5e

ERC1155

Valirie’s reference is Modekngei Modekngei, or Ngara Modekngei is a monotheistic religious movement founded around 1915 by "Tamadad," a native of the island of Babeldaob, that spread throughout Palau. It rose to political significance between the First and Second World Wars and is currently professed by 5.7% of Palau's population. Modekngei is a hybrid of ancient Palauan customs and Christianity. Followers of the religion believe in the Christian God, recognize Jesus Christ as the Messiah, and simultaneously make appeasements to the traditional Palauan deities. The origins of Modekngei are unknown, but one hypothesis purports that Modekngei began as a form of nonviolent resistance to the Japanese occupation of Palau. By amalgamating native animistic and Christian beliefs in hymns (keskes), the islanders may have been better able to preserve and transmit their traditions. The goal of Modekngei is to preserve ancient Palauan traditions in a way that aligns with Christianity. Adherents in Ibobang practice a lifestyle centered on ancient ideas of family, community, and purity. The religion prohibits followers from all alcohol and drug use, and children in the village are required to be home by the dark and abstain from making loud noises in sacred places. Citizens of Ibobang attend daily church services. The church building is located in the center of the village and is likewise the center of activity. One Modekngei custom requires members of the community to walk silently to church each morning. To speak, especially loudly, before a church service is disrespectful and borderline blasphemous. Daily Modekngei church services are short, consisting mostly of individual and group prayers. However, services celebrating both traditional and religious holidays are more elaborate and can last several days, with weeks of communal preparation.