I often hear from the educated elite in our religion that the Eddas and the Sagas are not sacred scriptures in the same vein as the Bible and the Koran. That may be, but they are very sacred to everyone in the Asatru religion as a source, ( sometimes the only source ), of information about our Gods, Goddesses, heroes, martyrs, and just about anything else that we want to know about the nine worlds. My question to these scholars is this : If you do not believe in these Eddas and Sagas, because they were written by Christians for the most part, then why do you use them as the basis for your understanding and teachings of our religion ? Why quote what you believe is tainted by the hand of Christianity ? My belief on the subject is a simple one. The Gods and Goddesses would not have allowed these religious texts to survive if they did not want us to benefit from the knowledge that we can extract from them. Are they perfect ? No ! Are they our best source ? Yes !
Quite a few organizations and kindreds I have noticed offer Godi / Godia programs where you can be trained to be a priest in the Asatru religion. This is a noble idea, and I hope that these programs will lead to the establishment of more stable leadership within our religion. Having said that, let me also say that no amount of schooling, no amount of learned knowledge, can replace what a Godi / Godia truly is. And that of course is one who speaks to the Gods and Goddesses. Any organization, group or kindred can make a member a Godi / Godia, but only the Gods and Goddesses can sanction a follower of the old ways into priesthood. It is Their choice and Their choice alone that matters.
Money and religion have no place together, just as I believe that politics has no business in religion. The old saying is that absolute power corrupts absolutely, but I believe that money can corrupt just as easily as power. And in the shadow of the world banking collapse, and world recession, which was caused by a few greedy bankers, I really don' t think I have to go into great detail to make this point ! If you want to see how money can poison religion just look at the Vatican' s history, or these greedy Evangelical ministers who beg and promise, and then steal their parishoners blind. Religion is about our love, respect, and honor for our Gods and Goddesses, and I assure you THEY DO NOT NEED YOUR MONEY ! If you want to give your money away give it to a worthwhile charity. ( But check it out good first )
I am very proud of our folk and our religion for the way we treat our women. I remember reading a while back an article written by some head of a Protestant church who was boasting of how his branch of Christianity allows women to become reverends, and ministers, as opposed to the exclusion of women by the Catholic Church. At first this statement sounds very positive for women, but if you dissect the statement it says that they " allow " them to become reverends, etc... Who the Hell are these people to "allow " this ? Women have the equal right to be priests, reverends, ministers, and any other damn title they so choose without needing someone to " allow " anything ! But I guess that is what you get from a religion that has only a male God . Our religion has always had an equal reverence for women as they have for men. I believe this is a direct result of the fact that we have female Goddesses as well as male Gods. And if you truly speak to the Gods and Goddesses you have to have an equal respect for both of them. If you think that Thor or Odin is more powerful than Freyja or Skadhi, then I would suggest that you re - examine your point of view. Let us not forget that we also have the strong female icons known as Valkyries as well !
Well, I feel better ! Sometimes you just have to say what you have to say ! Speaking ones mind is also a staple in our religion, and I think I have utilized it to the fullest today !
Glenn Bergen
Go with Odin's wisdom, Freyja's love, and Thor's protection !
Quite a few organizations and kindreds I have noticed offer Godi / Godia programs where you can be trained to be a priest in the Asatru religion. This is a noble idea, and I hope that these programs will lead to the establishment of more stable leadership within our religion. Having said that, let me also say that no amount of schooling, no amount of learned knowledge, can replace what a Godi / Godia truly is. And that of course is one who speaks to the Gods and Goddesses. Any organization, group or kindred can make a member a Godi / Godia, but only the Gods and Goddesses can sanction a follower of the old ways into priesthood. It is Their choice and Their choice alone that matters.
Money and religion have no place together, just as I believe that politics has no business in religion. The old saying is that absolute power corrupts absolutely, but I believe that money can corrupt just as easily as power. And in the shadow of the world banking collapse, and world recession, which was caused by a few greedy bankers, I really don' t think I have to go into great detail to make this point ! If you want to see how money can poison religion just look at the Vatican' s history, or these greedy Evangelical ministers who beg and promise, and then steal their parishoners blind. Religion is about our love, respect, and honor for our Gods and Goddesses, and I assure you THEY DO NOT NEED YOUR MONEY ! If you want to give your money away give it to a worthwhile charity. ( But check it out good first )
I am very proud of our folk and our religion for the way we treat our women. I remember reading a while back an article written by some head of a Protestant church who was boasting of how his branch of Christianity allows women to become reverends, and ministers, as opposed to the exclusion of women by the Catholic Church. At first this statement sounds very positive for women, but if you dissect the statement it says that they " allow " them to become reverends, etc... Who the Hell are these people to "allow " this ? Women have the equal right to be priests, reverends, ministers, and any other damn title they so choose without needing someone to " allow " anything ! But I guess that is what you get from a religion that has only a male God . Our religion has always had an equal reverence for women as they have for men. I believe this is a direct result of the fact that we have female Goddesses as well as male Gods. And if you truly speak to the Gods and Goddesses you have to have an equal respect for both of them. If you think that Thor or Odin is more powerful than Freyja or Skadhi, then I would suggest that you re - examine your point of view. Let us not forget that we also have the strong female icons known as Valkyries as well !
Well, I feel better ! Sometimes you just have to say what you have to say ! Speaking ones mind is also a staple in our religion, and I think I have utilized it to the fullest today !
Glenn Bergen
Go with Odin's wisdom, Freyja's love, and Thor's protection !
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