Pagan Violence

"It emphasizes a connection with one's ancestors and values honor, loyalty, generosity and truth."

That sounds laudable for any religion, but it seems that Asatru (sometimes called Odinism) also emphasizes violent death for non-adherents.

"Michael Lenz is scheduled to die Thursday for the death of Brent Parker, who was stabbed dozens of times at Augusta Correctional Center during a gathering of inmates devoted to Asatru, whose followers worship Norse gods. At his trial, Lenz testified that Parker had not been taking the religion seriously and had to die to protect the honor of the gods" (source).

It is very easy to misinterpret the tenets and goals of any religion and much easier to misinterpret it's writings, but in this instance I sincerely believe that such a violent act is not at all condoned by Asatru or any viable religion would support. True, Christianity had the Crusades and the Inquisition, but these were acts committed by men without the sanction of God.

The article cited above over emphasizes the aspect of paganism. Rather it should focus on man's inhumanities to man. Until this problem is solved, no one is safe.