The Luddites are a group of people dedicated to a way of life that rejects modern technology in most forms.  Today it numbers  some 17 Million faithful, scattered across several worlds, but with the largest colony being located on Terek. (some 8.8 Million).  Luddite beliefs pre-date the Eristicon war, and even the Empires, but the religion gained wide appeal, as well as a substantial boost in legitimacy, following the war.  During the Chaos Years, the Luddite ranks swelled, and the tone of the religion shifted to include the active destruction of technology, and persecution of those believed to have been involved with it prior to the war.  The Luddites of this era were responsible for the destruction and loss of many key facilities and records of important public and private institutions involved in the development and use of technology.

The basic tenets of the Luddite religion (described below) preach peace, harmony, and a simplistic, spiritual way of life.  This is how the vast majority of Luddites choose to live their lives today, but there are small, but substantial factions that subscribe to more extremist philosophies, including preaching and crusading against technology in the post-war world.  In particular, the Tivene Luddites of Terek-7 have a long history of what amounts to terrorist activity against technological targets such as power generation equipment, starport and airport facilities, corporate buildings and compounds.

Luddite Beliefs:

1. Separatism. Otherworldliness, non-conformity, rejection of modern technology and culture, based on the writings of Gemasath,  a pre-Imperial philosopher and prophet, born 1120 PEC.  These beliefs pervade the entire lifestyle of the Luddites (dress, language, work, travel and education).

2. Simple Life. Simplicity and humility are stressed in Luddite community. Education and training is limited to elementary levels. Luddites warn of the "pagan" philosophy and the intellectual enterprise of "fallen man." Historically, they avoid all training associated with self exaltation, pride of position, enjoyment of power and the application of modern technology.

3. Family Life. Luddites marry Luddites. No intermarriage is allowed. Divorce is not permitted and separation is very rare. They are strictly monogamous and generally patriarchal. Sex roles are clearly defined. The average family size is 7-8 children. Homosexuality is not recognized as an acceptable lifestyle.

4. Harmony with the soil and nature. Manual labor is good (Luddites have little regard for labor-saving devices). Hard work and thriftiness are virtues. Luddites believe that God is pleased when people work in harmony with nature, the soil, the weather and care of animals and plants. Luddites always live in rural community. By contrast, the city is viewed as a center of leisure, non-productive spending, and often as the stage for evil and wickedness.

5. Mutual Assistance. Luddites do not survive outside of community. There is much neighboring in the community, and helping each other is the most common way of socializing. They carry no life or property insurance; the church assists in cases of major loss. Large families generally give assurance of care for the elderly. Only rarely do Luddites retire to places other than with their extended families.

6. Disciplined Church Community. Discipline in the Luddite community can be sometimes harsh and uncompromising. Confirmed members are morally committed to church rules. Erring members are generally excommunicated and shunned until there is forgiveness and restoration to full fellowship.

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