Asatru and worship

[Antibush5]

So Asatuars have told me, "Ab, we don't worship the gods, we respect them, we don't bow and scrape before them". Well I've been looking around and I managed to find this."Among them are inveita, which seems to be an act of adoration involving some kind of inclination of the body, although it is not clear whether this meant bowing the head or bending the knee. He cites a number of references in support of this idea, including one in the Saga of St. Olaf in which men fell til iardar fyrir likneski (fell to earth before the likeness) of Thor (Fornm. sög.2, 108 )."So get scrapeing you dogs! Bow before the might of Thor!

 

[Vigdisdotter]

Well for one thing, you need to remember that the various sagas and mythes were written down by Christian monks/scribes, so even if they weren't trying to openly re-cast them, it only makes sense they would be filtered through what the person recording it knew and understood. It's human nature. Especially if the intended audience was other Christians.

As for heathens not "bending and scraping" before the gods, this generally true. But that doesn't preclude "worship." The Norse gods expect us to be self-sufficient, which we wouldn't be if we were lamenting how weak we were and how we couldn't accomplish anything without their favour. But we are ALSO expected to show proper hospitality. For me, this is where "worship" belongs.

 

[WayFarer]

I believe that Vigdisdotter said it quite well. From a Norse/Germanic perspective the gods don't want us on our knees. They want us strong and proud but respectful. For we are all bound to Orlog and are in this together.

 

[Antibush5]

Well for one thing, you need to remember that the various sagas and mythes were written down by Christian monks/scribes, so even if they weren't trying to openly re-cast them, it only makes sense they would be filtered through what the person recording it knew and understood. It's human nature. Especially if the intended audience was other Christians.

As for heathens not "bending and scraping" before the gods, this generally true. But that doesn't preclude "worship." The Norse gods expect us to be self-sufficient, which we wouldn't be if we were lamenting how weak we were and how we couldn't accomplish anything without their favour. But we are ALSO expected to show proper hospitality. For me, this is where "worship" belongs.

So the conversion of the Norse to Christianity, was basically some kind of plan of the gods? Or the world becomeing athiests, because that is total independance and self sustaining. </p>But really worship isn't so much lamenting on how weak you are, otherwise religions like Christianity, which demanded for hundreds of years that man worship God, would never have invented the crusades.

 

[Vigdisdotter]

So the conversion of the Norse to Christianity, was basically some kind of plan of the gods? Or the world becomeing athiests, because that is total independance and self sustaining. </p>But really worship isn't so much lamenting on how weak you are, otherwise religions like Christianity, which demanded for hundreds of years that man worship God, would never have invented the crusades.

Um.....what?

I have no idea where you're pulling any of this or how it's relevant to the answer I gave.

 

[Antibush5]

Um.....what?

I have no idea where you're pulling any of this or how it's relevant to the answer I gave.

Lets get on a new subject, do you have any evidense? That this is how the norse gods view this? Because so far, I am the only one with any evidence, it seems, a bit skewed mind you, but still evidence.

 

[Vigdisdotter]

Lets get on a new subject, do you have any evidense? That this is how the norse gods view this? Because so far, I am the only one with any evidence, it seems, a bit skewed mind you, but still evidence.

Plenty of the subjective, personal experience kind, which is the only kind I require for my beliefs. As such I answer based on my own experience and understanding. Take it or leave it, it's up to you.

What "evidence" do you have about the gods feelings? Other then what some of their followers have told you and what stories transcribed by men say?

I'm curious. Is there a reason why you are being antagonistic on this subject?

 

[Antibush5]

Plenty of the subjective, personal experience kind, which is the only kind I require for my beliefs. As such I answer based on my own experience and understanding. Take it or leave it, it's up to you.

What &quot;evidence&quot; do you have about the gods feelings? Other then what some of their followers have told you and what stories transcribed by men say?

I'm curious. Is there a reason why you are being antagonistic on this subject?

Well, if you look at the other forms of Paganism, throughtout the world, Middle eastern, Roman, Greek, even celtic. The Gods want to be worshipped and if they arn't they tend to get a bit upset. So why is it, that the Norse would have gods, who want people to not worship them, to not give them sacrafice or seek their favour? It just seems a bit strange that the Norse would be so completely different.

 

[Vigdisdotter]

So why is it, that the Norse would have gods, who want people to not worship them, to not give them sacrafice or seek their favour? It just seems a bit strange that the Norse would be so completely different.

Go back and READ my post. I never said that the Norse gods didn't want worship or sacrifice. As for "seek their favour" that was never addressed because that isn't what you asked about.

If you are actually interested in discussion (and at this point, I have me doubts about that one) then stay on the topic YOU started.

 

[Klaufi_Wodensson]

Well, if you look at the other forms of Paganism, throughtout the world, Middle eastern, Roman, Greek, even celtic. The Gods want to be worshipped and if they arn't they tend to get a bit upset. So why is it, that the Norse would have gods, who want people to not worship them, to not give them sacrafice or seek their favour? It just seems a bit strange that the Norse would be so completely different.

The Gods want respect. That is the main thing. In some cases, sacrifices and blots are held to honour the Gods. They aren't meant to seek favour. If a God or Goddess shows his or her favour, it is entirely their choice.

The Norse peoples were the last to fall to Christianity, so it makes sense that they lasted the longest without any influence from Christianity. Also, maybe they just understood the real purpose of life. Which is not to slave to the Gods.