Joanism
Joanism is a Central Hespian monotheistic religion based upon the life and teachings of Joan Esther, known to Joanists as Mother Joan by followers of the faith. Although currently in decline, it was the most popular of the Central Hespian religions before the arrival of Christianity to Hespia. As of 2015, the largest population of Joanists is in the Kivasek region of Chemorek with almost 61% practicing Egorism, a sect of Joanism with roots in 9th century Kivasek. Joanists believe that Mother Joan was a divine being of great wisdom that came to the world to a family deeply entrenched in poverty. As she got older, she became known for her great power in healing the sick and wounded, often telling others to do their best to treat those in need. Joanism has been a strong influence on Kivasekian culture.
Joanism grew out of Rakism, an older tribal religion that was based on helping the needy through strength. Starting as a more peaceful sect of Rakism in 3rd century Chemorek, Joanism spread southward along the Bear river, reaching South Hespia by the 5th century. Following the introduction of Christianity in Hespia, however, Joanism retreated northward before staying mainly in Kivasek until the 15th century.
Historically, there have been two distinct sects of Joanism that had significant outreach at one time or another; Egorism and Cudism. Both see Mother Joan as the most divine being to ever grace the world before she ascended to the sky to protect the world from invaders among the stars. Where they differ mostly is in how Mother Joan left the world. Cudism proclaims that Mother Joan lived to the age of 68 and left the world peacefully, with neighboring villages coming together to mourn the loss of her. Egorism, however, says that she died an early death at on 32 when she was viciously beaten to death by soldiers of Proust for helping a local farmer that refused to give up his last bushel of wheat. Cudism also follows a more individualist approach, seeing that the best help is having people help themselves; Egorism sees that helping another directly is more effective, even when in danger.