TPW, Do you believe that the "gods" that you emulate were ever real, or just mythical? Do you believe that Jesus was real or mythical? Izzy
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Arsene Lupin Sent: Sunday, May 09, 2004 11:09 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [TruthTalk] Interesting questions, Izzy. Izzy: However, I hope you won't be too insulted if I tell you that I am just a puzzled by believing in a religion that is obviously mythology (to me!) Perhaps you can explain to me what I am not understanding about why you take Asatru seriously? TPW: Insulted? Why? Just because your have a different opinion on a spiritual matter doesn't mean I will be offended. As to answer your question, while Christianity is dependant on the belief of the ressurection and a relationship with the "creator", Asatru doesn't really believe in "worshipping" their Gods but more on an emulation of their standards. We strongly encourage on taking human heroes as examples, not on placing them on pedestals but focus on what characteristics they have and what made them into what they are. The problem with Astaru, Pagan and modern neo-pagan beliefs at large is that people still cling to the holywood depictions seen in movies and the rants made by the odd so-called "experts" on the occult (Jack T. Chick is a prime example). There is much more to what is believed. Most people think this mental image when they hear the word "Pagan", black robes, lunatics screaming to the sky under the moonlight and even (that one makes me laugh all the time) animal sacrifices and right about anything else that comes out of a chick tract or the Malleus Malefecorum. No the truth being told, like many other people we are sensitive, caring and intelligent human beings. In my case as an Asatru, I focus on alot on self-discipline and on working on my inner strenghts. in fact the whole point of the Eddas (Tales and odysses) work in some respects almost on how your parables work. They teach a valuable lesson. Our Havamal (the sayings of Har, you can read them at http://asatru.org/havamal.html) is much similar also in how your book of proverbs works. Izzy: I must say that on TT, at least, you seem to behave much more like a gentleman than some do, for sure. Do you think this speaks to your better upbringing, or to your beliefs? TPW: Good question. I would have to say that I was brought up to be galant and that Asatru ways compounded this galant behaviour. It puzzles me at times that some men who are told in their own bible that they are to care and cherish women as themselves that they would be intimidated in having women hold positions equal to their own to the point of trying to intimidate women with reckless behaviour and behaviour unbecoming a gentleman and even less a Christian. TPW _________________________________________________________________ MSN Premium: Up to 11 personalized e-mail addresses and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-ca&page=byoa/prem&xAPID=1994&DI=1034&SU=htt p://hotmail.com/enca&HL=Market_MSNIS_Taglines ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
