Author Topic: How many Asatru/Heathens in the house? (Read 2367 times)

TN.Frank · « **on:** September 03, 2005, 01:54:49 PM »

Just want to see how many folk are around. Holler if ya' hear me! I've been "Tru" for about a year now and feel that it's what I've been looking for all my adult life. Talk to ya'll later. In Frith and Troth.

williamlayton · « **Reply #1 on:** September 04, 2005, 12:44:57 AM »

More polytheist hereabout than you can shake a stick at, though not many will admit to such.
I, however, am not such.
Wondering why/how/the root behind this decision as it seems pretty evident you have been exposed to Christianity.
Blessings

TN.Frank · « **Reply #2 on:** September 04, 2005, 02:58:27 AM »

It's a long story, bottom line, I'm just getting back to my roots, so to speak.

williamlayton · « **Reply #3 on:** September 04, 2005, 05:17:11 AM »

Should not religion go much beyond culture?
Blessings

TN.Frank · « **Reply #4 on:** September 04, 2005, 06:31:13 AM »

Personally, I think religion IS a part of culture. I hate to cut n' paste but:

"AsatruThe Way of Our Ancestors
Calling Us Home

Asatru is an expression of the native, pre-Christian spirituality of Europe. More specifically, it is the Way by which the Germanic peoples have traditionally related to the Divine and to the world around them.

From Iceland to Russia, from the frozen north of Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, the Germanic peoples wandered and settled over a span of thousands of years. Today, their descendants are spread around the world. We may refer to ourselves as Americans or English, Germans or Canadians, but behind these labels lurks an older, more essential identity. Our forefathers were Angles and Saxons, Lombards and Heruli, Goths and Vikings - and, as sons and daughters of these peoples, we are united by ties of blood and culture undimmed by the centuries.

Asatru is our native Way. Just as there is Native American religion and native African religion, so there is native European religion. Asatru is one of its expressions. It gave our ancestors comfort in millennia past, and it can give us strength and inspiration today.

The word "Asatru" comes to us from Old Norse, the tongue of ancient Scandinavia, where it means "those loyal to the Gods." Since the ancient Scandinavian version of our Way is the best documented, it has given us much of Asatru's terminology and imagery. The soul of Asatru, however, is not confined to the Scandinavian model, but encapsulates the belief of all the Germanic peoples. Indeed, Asatru reflects the deeper religiosity common to virtually all the nations of Europe."

http://www.runestone.org/flash/home.html

dave in pa. · « **Reply #5 on:** September 07, 2005, 03:50:10 AM »

Heilsa Frank,
You are not alone here. I found my way back to my "roots" about 10 years ago. Reading that first booklet (The Northern Way) felt like being at a great family reunion... Asatru was/is home. And it even encourages us to collect and use weapons! How good is that? HaHa
My wife (a New York, Italian, Catholic) and I are going to a big, local, yearly Pagan gathering this Saturday. Fun will be had by all.
If you want/need to talk to a fellow heathen, just send me a message.
Take care, dave

TN.Frank · « **Reply #6 on:** September 07, 2005, 04:17:50 PM »

Hail Dave. Glad to see that I'm not the only one here that follows the "Old Ways". When I discovered Asatru/European Heathenism it also felt so natural to me, like I was coming home. I feel the gods had been calling me for a long time but I didn't know enough about it to respond. I've always felt a call to things "heathen"(I've always studied Native American ways and believes) I just didn't know that as a European I, personally, had a Native Folkway that was followed by my ancestors. Being Irish/Slav puts my two cultures at the far East and West end of European Heathenism so I've got the best of it. I think that Herritage plays( and should play) a very big part in what a person believes because culture is something that's "in our bones" so to speak. The food we eat, the way we feel about things, the gods we worship all relate back to the culture that we come from. To follow any one or any thing else is just not natural. Anyway, I'll stop jawin' at ya'. Talk to ya' later and may the gods watch over you and Thor protect you. In Frith and Troth.

dave in pa. · « **Reply #7 on:** September 08, 2005, 01:40:31 AM »

Hail Frank,
I was forced to bible school as a child and even at a young age I knew that there was something not right about what they were telling me. But they didn't react well to my questions and I didn't react well to thier answers.
I read about many different religious paths and still couldn't find what felt right.
My family roots trace back to Northern Europe so when I heard of this "northern way" thing I was intrigued but also a bit skeptical. But once I started reading about it, it was like switching on everything that had been turned off all my life (I'm 43 now). It was the ancient religion of MY people, not something that someone else thought I should be.
I now have a large collection of reading material. I have started my own grove on the property. I have symbolicaly given Tyr back his arm by branding the Tiwaz on my right forearm (I did this myself). The runes play a big part in my life. And the first thing I put on in the morning and the last thing I take off at night is the Thor's hammer I made when I started my journey. It really is like finding your home after being lost for a very long time.
I need to correct something in my first post... the first booklet that I read was The World Tree by Edred Wodanson. The Northern Way is a book that I picked up much later.
I would recommend reading about Asatru as a suggestion to anyone that doesn't get the right "feeling" from the world's mainstream religions.
Do you get any magazines or publications? They are few and far between and a little hard to find.
Well, I guess I've rambled on long enough.
Fare thee well, dave

TN.Frank · « **Reply #8 on:** September 08, 2005, 02:45:45 AM »

"the first thing I put on in the morning and the last thing I take off at night is the Thor's hammer I made when I started my journey."

Wow, that sounds just like me. I made a Thor's hammer out of an old oak ruler with my dremel and wood burning kit and I ware it from the time I wake up to then I go to sleep at night. It also looks like we're real close to the same age. Have you been on the "Odin Lives" web site yet? They've got a lot of good talks about our Folkway in the Archives, I've downloaded em' all and burned them to disc for future ref. Anyway, I'll talk to ya' later. In Frith and Troth.

jeager106 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 08, 2005, 11:44:49 AM »

Huh!
Well pilgrims; everybuddy gotta believe in sumpin'.
(yawn)

TN.Frank · « **Reply #10 on:** September 08, 2005, 04:22:02 PM »

Quote from: jeager106

Huh!
Well pilgrims; everybuddy gotta believe in sumpin'.
(yawn)

Yep, and it might as well be something from my ancestors culture as some desert culture that I've got no kin to.

:roll:

williamlayton · « **Reply #11 on:** September 08, 2005, 05:22:21 PM »

What is the purpose of God? Or, maybe, what is the purpose of man?
Blessings

Graybeard · « **Reply #12 on:** September 08, 2005, 05:47:08 PM »

I guess since many folks claim to be atheist (well at least until about to die or in big trouble and need help) that it shouldn't be hard to believe folks want to claim to be "heathens" either. Not sure why or why you want to brag about it.

But really what the heck does it have to do with the topic of religion? Can anyone explain this to me?

williamlayton · « **Reply #13 on:** September 09, 2005, 01:37:44 AM »

Religion is a generic term not one exclusive to Judiasm or Christianity.
Blessings

dave in pa. · « **Reply #14 on:** September 09, 2005, 02:15:33 AM »

Greetings to all,

My Webster's New World Dictionary says.....

Religion
1. belief in and worship of God or gods.
2. a specific system of belief or worship, etc. built around God, a code of ethics, a philosophy of life, etc.

And since Asatru/Odinism/Heathenism contains most of what is listed in #1 and #2 above, I believe it fits well within this forum titled "Non Bible Study Religion Topics".

The same dictionary lists Heathen as... anyone not a Jew, Christian, or Moslem. And that we (asatru/odinists) are.

So, I am proud and honored to say to the world.... I AM A HEATHEN!!!

Thanks, dave

dave in pa. · « **Reply #15 on:** September 09, 2005, 02:25:21 AM »

William (if I may call you by given name),

The original purpose of God/gods was to give the simple man a reason/explanation of what/how/why things in nature worked the way they did.

The purpose of man is to live and enjoy this life. The next life will be decided by the way that you live this one. Of course this statement may be a bit different depending on what/any religion that you chose to follow.

Thanks, dave

dave in pa. · « **Reply #16 on:** September 09, 2005, 02:31:36 AM »

Frank,

That is a good site, I had not seen it before.

I had originaly bought a sterling silver Thor's hammer but it never really felt right. So I cut a small one from a piece of nickel/silver and use it with a stainless chain (the kind that you get with medical alert necklaces). It has been my constant companion for many years now.

Maybe you can help me find something? A few years ago I saw a t-shirt, it was black and in big gothic letters it said "born again pagan" on the front. Now I ca't find one anywhere. Have you seen it or know where to find one?

Thanks, dave

TN.Frank · « **Reply #17 on:** September 09, 2005, 02:47:01 AM »

Another reason to have gods and goddesses(can't leave out the women,LOL) is to give us someone to live up to. An example, if you will, of what we're suppose to be like. We also have the Nine Noble Virtues(granted, a modern invention but still a good code to live by.) that help guide us in our daily lives. As a Heathen more is expected out of me then when I was a Christian because I don't have a "scape goat" to pass my "sins" to. I am personally responsible for my actions and they directly reflect on my Folk and Community so for their sake I have to be a proper person because my Orlog will be passed on to my future Kin and can effect their lives as well as my own. For those of you who still don't understand Asatru, do a google search and you'll find a lot of good info. In Frith and Troth.

P.S.
Check this site, it may help.
http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store.aspx?s=abornpagan.16702

RBishop · « **Reply #18 on:** September 09, 2005, 07:15:00 AM »

If this weren't a "non Bible" forum I sure would like to quote you fellars some truths from God himself!!

But I will refrain.

Graybeard · « **Reply #19 on:** September 09, 2005, 09:02:30 AM »

Quote

If this weren't a "non Bible" forum I sure would like to quote you fellars some truths from God himself!!

I'm sure it would prove a waste of time anyway.

This is DEFINITELY NOT what I set up this forum for. We had a Forum called "Bible Study". Originally that was what I thought was wanted there, ie., a study of the Bible. I expected a series of lessons not unlike what happens in Sunday School at least a times.

Seems tho it evolved into something much different than that. We had some limited discussions on the purpose of the forum and the direction folks wanted it to go. I say limited because the participants really didn't offer much in the way of discussion in response to my inquiries.

So I ended up setting up this secondary forum with the intent of it serving for the other discussions so the original one might be devoted more to a "study of the Bible".

Still hasn't seemed to work that way as half or more of the new topics hardly seem to me at least to relate very closely to what I had expected in a Bible Study.

Not that I guess I really care as long as the Forum furthers the basic purpose of placing GOD and Jesus first and of discussions of such matters. It never was intended as a soapbox for atheists or non believers but was a way to maybe bring some into the fold.

I'm now having real serious second thoughts on the need for two such forums as this is NOT what I had in mind here. Not at all.

RBishop · « **Reply #20 on:** September 09, 2005, 09:47:15 AM »

I agree Graybeard and would encourage you to eliminate it.

williamlayton · « **Reply #21 on:** September 09, 2005, 09:48:51 AM »

I would hope you would let us see where this goes, even if it goes contrary.
There are at least two chances of the Lord showing his majesty above the gods of man.
All who would really think would come to a conclusion of one God in rejection of gods who can do nothing and are but so much wall hanging.
Most gods are servants to those who are men, in contrast to the everlasting, creator of all things who is to be worshiped and to whom all other gods bow.
Blessings

TN.Frank · « **Reply #22 on:** September 09, 2005, 01:41:20 PM »

So what ya'll are saying is that "It's ok to talk about religion as long as it's your religion." Ok, I get it. Not the first time that Christians have pushed their views off on others and it sure won't be the last. I guess I just won't talk religion, any religion, on this forum anymore. In Frith.

:roll:

fe352v8 · « **Reply #23 on:** September 09, 2005, 08:01:43 PM »

Graybeard,

How much more, NON BIBLE STUDY, religious topics can you get than, Atheist, Heathen, and Agnostic?

In the original BIBLE STUDY forum, when lessons were presented, ala Sunday School, they very quickly degenerated into dogmatic discussion and the scripture topic was quickly eclipsed.

While I still remain unconvinced for the need of religion, I find the various views fascinating. I have viewed scriptural interpretations here that I had never heard before. The posts here have caused me to do something I had not done in almost 40 years, read the Bible, both Hebrew and Christian. No doubt it is not what you had in mind, but anything that cause someone to read scripture or at least examine and think about their beliefs cannot be all bad. Even those who have come to the defense of Christianity here have gained, I think, because you never really understand something till you teach it or try to explain it to someone else.

There have been several who have in essence said it is a waste of time to deal with the lost, and maybe it is, but if you think about it, Christ was preaching during his last moments on the cross, and while it took a few hundred years, it seemed to work out.

May your God be with you and you with your God

jon

dave in pa. · « **Reply #24 on:** September 10, 2005, 01:24:39 AM »

Why do you hold so much against me for being pagan when I don't hold anything against you for being christian???

I would NEVER think of going onto the Bible Study page and start hammering on christianity because I respect your right to practice whatever you choose.

What is wrong with letting everyone enjoy thier own path, as long as they don't try to force it onto you???

As Henry Ford once said... "you can have any color as long as it's black". I guess that's the way you want this forum to be? You can talk about any "Non Bible Study Religion Topic" as long as it's from a christian point of view. Seems a bit closed-minded to me, but I guess we're used to it.

Have a nice day, dave

dave in pa. · « **Reply #25 on:** September 10, 2005, 01:30:43 AM »

Graybeard,
This is your house. If you don't want me here, just let me know and you can remove me from the members list. I will respect your wishes, I will not trash the furniture, and I won't slam the door when I leave.
I'm sorry for any disrespect you may think I displayed in your home.
Thanks, dave

TN.Frank · « **Reply #26 on:** September 10, 2005, 01:45:41 AM »

Quote from: dave in pa.

Graybeard,
This is your house. If you don't want me here, just let me know and you can remove me from the members list. I will respect your wishes, I will not trash the furniture, and I won't slam the door when I leave.
I'm sorry for any disrespect you may think I displayed in your home.
Thanks, dave

\

+1
This is a good forum with lots of topics to post to. Even though I was a Christian for many years and am well versed in the Bible I'd never think of posting anything in the "Bible Study" forum because that's not where I'm at any more. It is nice for "the rest of us" to have a place to talk about our religious views but if you'd rather not have us voice our views then I'm sure we'll understand. Like Dave said, It's your house, you make the rules that we have to follow. In Frith and Troth.

Graybeard · « **Reply #27 on:** September 10, 2005, 06:12:41 AM »

Quote

In Frith and Troth.

What the heck is that supposed to mean?

I've kicked none of you out at this point. I've made no changes at this point. I've merely stated that it wasn't my original intent that discussion digress so far from Christianity here.

Yes I understand there are a great many other religious beliefs out there to include no belief at all. BUT that doesn't mean I'm supposed to offer a place for them to be discussed. No doubt if I were a Buddist I'd have set up a forum for that and not for Christians. Or if a Muslim for that not for Christians. But the fact is I'm a Christian and am not all that disposed to offer a breeding ground for the practice or spread of other beliefs. It's not that I care all that much if you wish to believe in some other way. I don't really.

But I'm having to think real long and hard on whether I wish them to have a home for open discussion here. Dunno just yet. Still thinking on it.

My original purpose in setting up the first forum was to help spread the word of the One True GOD, the Father of Jesus Christ. I set this one up to handle other religous topics not Bible Study specific but was still thinking along the lines of Christian discussion I must admit.

We'll see. A decision will come later.

TN.Frank · « **Reply #28 on:** September 10, 2005, 07:14:07 AM »

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frith
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/troth
check meaning #2

Greybeard · « **Reply #29 on:** September 11, 2005, 02:18:50 AM »

I have no desire to visit such sites. If you do not wish to tell me then I'll go on not knowing. We're getting closer to the time this discussion ends.