Ména

Descended from the legendary figures of Erdhe and Ména, the peoples who are part of the human race are often referred to as the "Children of Ména." Created by God to serve as his earthly stewards, the Ménaens are divided into many culural and racial groups that vary greatly in size, build, and color of skin, hair, and eyes.

(Note: All SpiritQuest characters are of the Ména "human" species.)

See more under the heading: CULTURES

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Teleoanthropic Evolution

One of the underlying realities of the SpiritQuest world is built upon the idea that God's design in creation continues to drive toward the end goal ("telos") of humanity as the people of God -- the reason for which creation was brought into being to begin with. Not only does this mean that God created lower forms of life to gradually presage humanity in a physical manner, but also in a spiritual manner. Humanity is the crown of God's creation, intended to serve as stewards of all that belongs to God. Put a different way, True Humans are the "chosen people" of the SpiritQuest world, that is: "sinners saved by grace" destined for eternal life in faith.

Implications:

Generally speaking, in terms of the narrative arc of the SpiritQuest world's history across the ages, this is percieved as a move from more mythcal "fantasy" reality to more mundane "real world" setting. Which is to say, as time progresses in the SpiritQuest world, all things tend to become less "magical" and more reflective of real-world conditions.

More specifically, in terms of the place of humanity within God's creation, pure spiritual creatures recognize the priority of humanity over themselves. As it is written:

"What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet.” (Hebrews 2:6-8a)

In some cases, this has led to an intense desire on the part of righteous spirits to help and support humanity. In other cases, it has caused wicked spirits to become jealous and resentful of humanity's favored place in God's creation, and has motivated forces of evil to work against the purposes of God by seeking to hinder humanity.