Editing EternalEmpire:Theology (section)

=== Cosmogony === 

	The prevailing perspective is that the material universe was coexistent with the Hyper-Divinity. Indeed it is said to be an imperfect translation of the perfect, pure essence of the Zactoborion. All life, including humans, spirits, and deities are animated by the mating of this divine essence with matter, and because the universe is inherently imperfect and limited, each of these forms is faulty in some way. In this way it is explained how evil and suffering can originate from the utterly perfect Hyper-Divinity (but see Tylofostonism and the Thuderites).

Coexisting with the physical universe are an indeterminate number of progressively less corporeal and increasingly spiritual realms of existence, known collectively as the Spheres of Perception. The higher the sphere that something exists on, the closer it is to the perfection and unity of the Hyper-Divinity, and consequently more powerful and inscrutable to those existing in the other spheres. The soul, or the life-giving essence of the Zactoborion present in each living man, can be liberated from the bonds of this world and ascend to these higher existences. Usually, this can only be accomplished through death – and even then it is not guaranteed – but sometimes can be achieved through the intervention of the lesser deities or independently through particularly virtuous or “heroic” behavior – that is, coming closer to the perfection of the Hyper-Divinity.

	Ascendant entities may continue to ascend through these hierarchical spiritual spheres as they move closer and closer to perfection. No matter what deeds are accomplished or what patronage one finds, the soul can never reach the ultimate perfection and bliss of being with God-Most-High, except perhaps through His specific intervention. Whether such an event is likely or even possible has many theologians and sects at loggerheads even today.