The Inquisition of 40k

The Inquisition is undoubtedly my favorite part of the Warhammer 40k universe as they are the only three dimensional characters that exist in Warhammer 40k. They have hopes and dreams, and are willing to betray and backstab, and doubt.

The Inquisition is divided into three Ordos or Orders. Ordo Xenos, that fights alien influences in the Imperium. Ordo Malleus, that fights demons. And Ordo Hereticus that fights the heresies of Chaos in the Imperium.

The Inquisition, even a single Inquisitor, can damn a planet of billions unto death with a word. It can wage entire crusades in secret. Yet, it is filled with zealots that would never waver nor doubt their cause or faith...however, it is also filled with those who would seek to use the powers of Chaos against itself.

Radicalism, the descent from grace is known in the Inquisition. As one grows closer and closer to Chaos, one becomes more of a radical. As one leaves the light of Emperor and into the shadow of Chaos, one becomes marked for death by fellow Inquisitors of the straight and narrow, and as an ally for other radicals.

Why do I speak of the Inquisition of Warhammer 40k? Because Warhammer 40k is Christianity. It all begins with the Horus Heresy, when the Primarch Horus, known as Morning Star, falls to Chaos along with half of the Legions of Space Marines, just as Lucifer and half the Angels fell. The Emperor of Mankind is a God, and is worshiped as the One True God, and those who fail to worship Him are put to death in later years...but during the Heresy, He was just a man; but a movement that would one day become the Ecclesiarchy, known as Lectitio Divinatus (Such a ripoff of Lectio Divina), worshiped him.

Warhammer 40k's universe after the Horus Heresy...it is what Christianity may one day become, and once was. Bloodthirsty, ruthless, filled with despair and sorrow and rule through fear and not love. Yet in Warhammer 40k, faith is rewarded by the God Emperor of Mankind...and that happens often enough, because outside the Inquisition, people tend to be blindly faithful to the Corpse God/Emperor of Mankind.

Is Chaos really evil though? Is free thought the enemy of faith? Time will tell.