Recently, in preparation for a video taped interview, I was asked to read certain excerpts of my books; I had to decline. The fact is, I really suck at reading .... out loud. There is no reason that comes to my mind other than I just suck at reading anything out loud to any size audience. If you ever get the chance, ask my grandchildren. But that got me to thinking about one of the passages. I like it. Here it is for your reading enjoyment, without having to listen to me pause, stumble, and fumble with my own words (hey - I am getting new glasses!). This bit comes from In Defense of Paganism and Heathenry - The Old Ways, pages 12, 13, 14, and 15..... found in my last book, The View - One Man's Living Asatru With Help From The Havamal.
Some folks consider Charlemagne to be one of the bloodiest rulers in recorded history. One of his targets of opportunity was the German Saxons. .................. In 782 CE, Charlemagne ordered the deaths of close to 4,500 Saxon prisoners. ......... One of these was a conversion law. The conquered had to convert to Christianity; noncompliance meant death. ..........
History is written and rewritten by the victors. Metals, peerage, and sainthood were awarded to the conquerors. In this case, the victors were right and the vanquished were not just wrong but eternally damned; Pagans and Heathens have been damned since day one of Monotheism in general.
The Pagans and Heathens of the past were extremely tolerant of strangers that came into their mist and of their religious beliefs. ........
Beliefs that all life is interconnected and that we are responsible for our words and deeds ( known to some as Wyrd and Orlog) are easier to accept than .............. Being held responsible for our words and deeds eliminates the need for excessive dogma. Reconnecting to the past ............... makes more sense than Christianity.
* In the past I have used the phrase, "Constantine's Choice" when referring to how Christianity received a much needed boost from politicians. I tried to keep it simple. But the truth is, it was not just Constantine but several emperors of Rome who helped to push things along. In February of 313 CE, Constantine, the western Roman Emperor, and Licinius, the eastern Roman Emperor met in Milan and issued a statement, usually referred to as the Edict of Milan. This move legitimized all sects of Christianity. ............. this led to the tremendous infighting among the various sects........ In 325 CE, Constantine was disturbed enough by this infighting that he ordered all the Bishops to meet in Nicaea and along with his royal presence, he hoped to hammer away at the differences. All that came out of the Council of Nicaea was the condemnation of Arius and his version of Christianity, and the Doctrine of the Trinity. ..................... In 380 CE, Emperor Theodosius I, along with three other heavy-hitting Roman politicians,issued what is known today as the Edict of Thessalonica. This document made Nicene Trinitarian Christianity the Roman state religion. It also banned/outlawed other forms of Christianity, and all forms of Paganism and Heathenry.
Havamal, verse 1 - When you venture out of your home, keep all of your wits sharp and ready. You never know where an aggressor hides.
Here are a few thoughts:
When the ice is thick enough, you too can walk on water.
When the spirits of thirst move you, change water into wine, mead, or beer.
Invite many folks over for a BBQ; you are feeding a multitude.
If it is your time, you will pass. If not, may the medics revive you so that you will rise from the dead.
An empty tomb is like an empty barrel - hollow but when beaten, it makes a lot of noise.
Happy Spring !!!
Copyright @2015 Terry Unger
