Paganism gaining popularity in prison (AP)

"It's a theology that celebrates raw physical power and domination, and that is why I think it is so popular among prison inmates," Potok said. "The kind of inmate who might be attracted to this is a white man who is looking for justification for extreme violence, who is looking for an ideology which explains why he should be the boss."

It is misguided and purely false statements such as this one above (this article is filled with examples of this idea) that not only insult but truely harm the growth of this honorable faith!

The article goes on to offer alternative views such as describing Asatru as a religion that:

"It emphasizes a connection with one's ancestors and values honor, loyalty,generosity and truth."

Which is much more factual and well informed.

Just as Christians in history used their faith to support atrocities such as the Spanish inquisition and the genocide of the Native American people and their lifestyle, there are folk who would use Asatru to further their own agendas. In neither case should we use these as a complete view of the tenents of faith of either of these paths!

There will always be those that seek to justify their actions at the cost of another. Blame is prevalent in our society, responsibility for ones actions is the exception ~ not the rule. The Asatru faith is based on the following ideas...

 COURAGE

By facing Iife's struggles with courage, we constantly extend our capabilities. Without courage, nothing else can be done!

 TRUTH

Blind faith has no place in Asatru. No pie-in-the-sky; we must act in this world as we see it and as it really is rather than calmly wait for the next

 HONOR

We must be true to what we are, and we insist on acting with nobility rather than baseness. Our standards must be banners held high in our hearts.

 FIDELITY

We stand true to our faith and our values. Loyalty is the basis for all enduring human activity, and we hold it in the highest esteem.

 HOSPITALITY

The isolation and loneliness of modern life is not necessary. The willingness to share what one has with ones' fellows, especially travelers, is a vital part of our way of life.

 DISCIPLINE

We hold to the discipline necessary to fulfill our purpose. We stand willing to exercise the self-control and steadfastness necessary in these difficult times.

 INDUSTRIOUSNESS

Let us dare to be all that we can be! Let us take risks and taste the richness of life. Passivity is for sheep. We refuse to be mere spectators in life.

 SELF-RELIANCE

We depend on our own strength and character to achieve our goals. We seek only the freedom necessary to our quest, whatever it may be.

 PERSEVERANCE

We hold to our path until its completion and are not ashamed to be strong. The cult of the anti-hero will find no support in us, and the gods

 

If your neighbor, friends, spouse, and friends, lived by these beliefs ~ life in the USA might be a bit improved!