The Way of Cross and Dragon

What is faith, and what is a lie—where does truth end? Was the Inquisition of the One True Catholic Interstellar Church right when it sent its executioner into the lair of heresy that had taken root on the planet Arion? Probably it was right on its own side—until the inquisitor learned more closely about the teachings of the so-called Liars, a secret order. On his own hand, they explained: there are many truths, but there are not enough doctrines. They’re put together badly, in a hurry, full of errors and contradictions. These mistakes generate doubts in us; our faith loses its footing—and with it goes our happiness. Wouldn’t it be simpler to invent a thoroughly different doctrine, where harsh truth would be replaced by a beautiful lie—more preferable for the masses? Who said that Christianity or Catholicism weren’t also cobbled together by the same Liars, in order to achieve some goals in their secret mission? Nothing can be asserted here—you must believe. And if you don’t believe, then we’ll find what you will believe in for sure.

Hugo Award winner, 1980.