Why Heathenry?
Heathenism is not just another religion. For most people, a change in religion means swapping one set of rules, deities and doctrines for another. That sort of change can appear significant, but it is actually superficial. The Heathen difference is the degree of change. It is just not a matter of choosing a new format for one=s spiritual life. It is a commitment to a better life through initiative and understanding. Heathenism supports the individuals confidence to do and to act appropriately. For many, it is a drastic change from the self-deprecating attitudes of conventional religion to the strong, secure individuality of Heathenism. The goal of Heathenism is for men and women to make a positive difference in their lives. The key word here is dynamic. Positive difference comes through dynamic thinking and action. It is fueled by faith in oneself, trust in Life and the rewards of living rightly. These are not the pie-in-the-sky dreams of conventional religion, which promises rewards in an afterlife in exchange for suffering in this one. For Heathens, the rewards we earn in this life are evidence that there will be more available in the next. We prefer to take care of this life now, knowing that our future is the product of our present actions.
While Heathenism stresses personal responsibility, it is a religion free of spiritual guilt. We deal directly with matters of right and wrong in a practical manner. We do not accept such concepts as sin, penance and the need for atonement. These are the self-humiliating trappings of someone else=s religion. Likewise, we have no "original sin" or other doctrine stressing an inherent flaw in humankind. The Heathen view sees humanity as good from the start. Wrong behavior brings its own consequences. No deity keeps count of "sins," and no "sin" stains the soul. The soul is not a tally marker subject to blemishes. We leave spiritual guilt to other religions.
Heathenism promotes the idea of the person as an individual who has the faculties to think, choose and act for himself. We are not sheep, waiting for a shepherd to show us the next thing we must do. We are men and women who can make our own decisions. Likewise, we do not accept the self-deprecating "humility" that makes people behave like worms. Heathens stand tall before the Gods. We enjoy pride in ourselves, our assets and our accomplishments. We accept that we are worthy of all good. There is nothing in us that makes us anything less than human beings worthy of well-being and dignity.
That brings us to another benefit of Heathen belief: a life of dignity. Its is the nature of the Heathen to set a higher standard for himself and live accordingly. Rather than hide behind a set of "thou shalt nots", we aspire to principles which encourage us to act. The way of conventional religion is "No! No! No!" Our way is to accede to better by saying Yes. We say Yes to honesty, justice, generosity and integrity. We say less to living to a higher standard
and enjoying dignity, respect and satisfaction. The adherent of conventional religions apologizes for his work and says, AIt is because God wills it. "The Heathen feels satisfaction in his work and says, AIt is because I did it."
Of course, such a belief means that we cannot blame the Gods for our shortcomings. We cannot hide behind a doctrine or take refuge in dogma. This is our life and it is up to use to live it. The downside for lesser individuals is that there is no place to hide.
There it is: what Heathenism offers you. There are no idle promises. The focus is on you, and the payoff is that you get a life worth living. Heathenism frees you from the spiritual and emotional baggage of conventional religion. It is not for everyone, but it just might be the spirituality that you have been seeking.
We are not into this religion to worship a bunch of comic book gods or live out some fantasy. We are into it because it inspires the Best in us.