Post-Trial I Afterparty

[cellpreservation]

[They're down two of their number, and who knows how many more will follow, but for tonight at least... They have a chance to rest.

The school has already been cleaned, leaving no signs of the deaths that occurred on this very day, but that's just as well. After looking around to make sure of that much, Yuta marches into the kitchen and, after a bit of looking around, ends up gathering some snacks: boxed crackers and apple slices that aren't perfectly even in cut but look, he's not the chef of his group, he did his best. These he sets out on some plates in the cafeteria before finding his usual seat to lounge in, eating some apple slices off of a smaller plate he grabbed just for himself.

And then, he waits - to see who trickles in, and who doesn't.

Where is your character in the aftermath?]

Comments

[holyironmade]

The Elect? That is to say the chosen ones?

[She's thinking hard.]

I have heard it is part of a sectarian dispute. Was it Calvin the prophet? However, it is a smaller one. The greater distinction between Catholics and Protestants in my time, besides of course following the Pope and other traditions, is often referred to as the question of personal salvation. It is the Catholic teaching that faith must coexist with good works.

The Lord is mysterious even to me, as I assume He is for all of us in this plight. The scripture about the elect is most commonly taken in the context of God's omniscience, rather than... [What's a nice way to say "just the Calvinists".] than not seen through faith and good works.

[curdle]

John Calvin, yes.

[ She listens attentively, which is a sign of sin in itself. This should repulse her, but is the part of Thomasin that would disavow such words truly Thomasin, or is it Father, catechizing her even now? ]

I was ever taught that we cannot know, in the span of our days on this sinful earth, whether we are truly saved. Thou mayest strive to live a godly life in all ways, but we are all damned, born into sin and iniquity. Only God can tell who will come to the kingdom of Heaven and who to Hell. There may be outward signs of His favor, but never canst thou be certain.

For that, we wrestle against sin and give ourselves to God. But to look at it a different way... if God hath already chosen those he extends his grace to, for surely he has, 'tis all already decided, and it means naught what choices we make, nor what trespasses against Him we commit, for we have no say. There may be people what do evil, or who never even knew the name of Christ, yet still lie under his grace, and those set on good works and a holy life who will burn continually.

[ She'd not thought on it long before this place. Never was there the time, and to come to such an apprehension means she is damned for certain, but Thomasin has already been certain of that for some time. ]

And if that is so, could not Catholics be saved already, or those of the King's church?

[holyironmade]

That only God can tell who is coming is what makes the father such a majestic being. I believe that even with our perhaps excessive amount of saints and miracles. Rather we should join each other in "thanks" and "praise".

[She's somewhat excited but trying to contain herself to make sure that she is understanding Thomasin's meaning. "The elect are unknowable" is very different from a universalist position. Still, it seems to be providing the older girl some relief.]

And is it not said that we have fed Jesus and given him our cloaks and guest bedrooms? Well, that is different from good works not guaranteeing anything at all. If you do think we are not all throwing ourselves into the fire... if we are at least seeds in the wind that might fall anywhere in the field... then... I am happy.

[curdle]

[ Thomasin remains quiet for a moment, trying to parse Jeanne's meaning in probably much the same way Jeanne tried to parse hers. After the pause, a small smile wipes away her somber, pondering expression. ]

I, too.

And I know it is sinful to think thus. Were we not already cast from the plantation, they would surely banish me for speaking rank heresy. But the elders have no power over my doings or sayings in this place, nor whence I came.