Folkish/Universalist Poll

[Bathilde]

It's a cultural religion actually. The religion and culture are intertwined. If you take the religion out of the context of the culture, then you do a disservice to yourself and to the religion. It would be a superficial belief. Things taken out of context lose a lot of meaning. This is why many refer to heathenry as a worldview rather than just a religion.

[gestalt100]

I take the cultural context away in practice.

[Bathilde]

Sucks to be you then.

[Deleted User 72]

I tend to think it's primarily for people of Germanic ancestry. But I hold out that other types who are willing to learn our ways can "join the tribe" through adoption, marriage, oaths and lots of study.

I think a lot of unnecessary heat is generated between Folkish and Universalist types. I just don't see huge numbers of non-Germanic folk flocking to join our religion.

[VikingBiker]

To me, logically one should find their faith among their own people. However, as the races are mingling so much, that now matters less and less.

[Wodenborn]

Ahh what is a Heathen and where do I stand....hmmmm interessting

can anyone become a Heathen - I certainly wouldn't stand in their way and would positively encourage them

and yet Heathenry is at base a set of social norms that really applies to the Northern Germanic world and not other parts - who have Paganry based upon their own social norms which would probably be more acceptible....but please don't interpret this as 1930's Ahnenerbe thought - it certainly isn't.

But......

neither do I belive in a tribality, for many of us seek a solitary way and in many respects Heathenry is a one to one commune rather than a priest and congregation - although I do know that some want to engage in this "Us" public display.

(sorry I have started wandering off topic)

[Bathilde]

how does being solitary work with a heathen worldview?

[JarlErn]

It's a religion. Not culture.

Heathenry isnt like other religions that are seperate from culture and law. It seems the ancients views culture, law and religion as all part of the same force. their priests governed laws and no man could be killed except by their say. and much of what we know of heathenry is only preserved in our western culture, which even though its become laden with christianity and capitalism still has some semblances of heathendom (such as christmas and john barleycorn)