I have posted about my religious views here before, but I though I should perhaps go into detail a bit more, since it can be a bit confusing in a monotheistic society.
Now, I go by a few labels, the most common is Pagan, but I feel the term is too general. Specifically, I am a Germanic Reconstructionist Polytheistic Pagan but obviously that is unwieldly. So I simply go by the term Heathen. Now Heathens (capital H) are folks who follow one of the many Pre-Christian religions, such as Asatru (Norse and Icelandic influenced Heathenry, which is what I practice), Theodism (Anglo-Saxon), Forn Sed (Swedish), Continental (Main Land Europe) and many others. For the most part we worship the same gods, namely Odin, Thor, Frigga, Freya and the others, though perhaops the ceremony is a bit different and the names they give the gods. So fore easy reading, I'll present a small FAQ.
What is Asatru?
Asatru is a form of Hethenry and is probably the most popular, as stated above we honor the Norse gods, but they were, before Christianity the most widley worshiped gods in all of Europe, from Scandinavia, to northern Italy and as far west as England. Asatru itself means True to the Gods, or Trust in the Gods.
What are your beliefs?
Like any group, our views are diverse, I would suggest visiting The Troth's website to learn more.
http://www.thetroth.org
So is this a manly, warriors religion?
No, in spite of what some of the more dense Heathens might think the ancestors were largely farmers and the most popular god, Thor, was a god of the common folk, not a god of war. Many folk who follow this religion are women, bi, queer or transgender and the gods do not view them as any less for it.
Wait, isn't this a Nazi religion?
NO! While Neo-Nazi's have hijacked many Germanic symbols for their hate, there is nothing in the Eddas or Sagas that suggest that race mattered to the ancestors, and archeological evidence suggests that skin tone did not matter to the ancient Heathen.
So, do you have a holy book?
Short answer, no. Long answer, while we do look to the Eddas and the Sagas as a source of wisdom and a peek into the minds of Heathens past, we also know that they are just stories and should not be taken as dogma.
So, I was told that Christianity/Islam/Etc. is the one true religion, seems like everyone feels that way, do you?
Nope. We do not believe that there is one true religion and it is up to everyone to find their own path, whatever it may be. It is more important to me that you are a good person, than what your religion is.
Do you believe in an afterlife?
Yes but we do not focus on it too much. We believe that there are many paths one can take after death, but our place is here in Midgaard and we should do our best to make our lives mean something.
If anyone else has any questions feel free to ask.
