Neither or both I suppose
Asatru, Heathenism, Theodism, Odinism are all deconstructionist that are attempting to recreate not ONLY the faith, but the culture and worldview of Pre-Christian Northern Europe.
It is a religion, and a culture, a philosophy and a beliefs system. We use as many sources as we can get our hands on to cross reference like the Edda's, Germania, and archaeological evidence like HR Ellis Davidson to attempt to rebuild the context, culture, worldview, lore and cosmology of our ancestors.
So basically, we're complicated
LOL I think the TD was my initial answer. I was a bit catty and just typed neither before editing and typing an actual answer. I know! Hard to believe that I was being a smart ass isn't it!?!?!
A religion, a cultural revival, a spiritual path, a path rich in shamanism, tales of warriors, deities, a world tree and beauty.
Yeah, it's a religion and it can be complicated.
Wikipedia gives a pretty good basic coverage of it. Also http://www.irminsul.org
http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/
http://www.asatru-u.org/beginner/asau-beginner-outline.htm
One thing for sure: Heathens love to research, talk about our beliefs, and pass the drinking horn filled with mead!
## # #
Oh look, the Thumbs Down Fairy has struck! Any question directed at pagans and heathens in general always gets the Down if the answers are positive.
Like HD said Neither,
And yet at the same time Little of Both.
We have a Belief in the Gods of the Aesir. Some believe them as literal some not, I would say personally it is more a spiritual Path but I can't speak for all Asatru. As HD said we are a Re-constructionist religion, we use Study of , archeology, history, Language (this is really my focus) to help us rebuild what has been lost.
Simple answer Little of both but it is kinda complicated.
I think it's like neither. If you always see the answer as "this or that" you always miss the depth of the answer. Norse Seidr may have techniques very much like Zen Buddhists, and Norse Honor Code may have aspects very similar to Christian dogma.... But, Norse Heathenism has something separate and unique to offer the world.
Asatru is not the only form of Germanic Paganism, and most are not highly standardized. To me, Asatru involves believing in and working with/worship ping the Gods. Spiritual path? That too. Please define what spiritual path means to you. In the old days, religion/spirituality were so interwoven into everyday life that I doubt the question came up. Jordsvin
http://home.earthlink.net/~jordsvin
Is Asatru a religion like christianity with faith in the norse gods?
