In a discussion string about a heathenry 101 booklet that made a lot of comparisons between heathenry and Christianity, the question was asked, "Isn't Heathenry rich enough and complete enough that we can describe it without having to compare and contrast it with Christianity?"

I answered that question strongly in the affimative. Heathenry is a full and rich religion, full of history, and Lore, and poetry, and meaning. Its way of viewing the physical world is full and life-embracing. Its way of viewing our relationship with the gods is positive and enriching. Its view of how we are connected with our ancestors is truly wonderful. And the concepts within heathenry give us plenty to chew on. Wyrd. Orlog. Oaths. Symbels. Fainings. The Folksoul. The Nine worlds. On and on.

So, should someone leaving Christianity for Heathenry need a lot of crutches and transitional mechanisms to make the transition easier? Should we coddle the Christian-baggage the new person brings with them, or should we guide them through the process of abandoning that baggage at the door? Is Christianity so "addictive" that the transition process to heathenry needs to be difficult or "helped along" with transitional devices that are aimed more at Christian-baggage than at actual heathen beliefs? Let's turn the question in the first paragraph on its head a little bit...

"Isn't Heathenry rich enough and complete enough that we can transition to it without having to borrow beliefs and practices from Christianity?"

To this question I answer strongly yes, as before.

I don't believe Christianity is an addiction. I think its something we are indoctrinated with from birth. As far as Christianity being an addiction, I view it this way...

Perhaps Christianity is Nicotine gum, and Heathenry is that big beautiful first cigarette when you haven't smoked one in a while. Perhaps Christianity is the aspirin for a caffine-headache, while Heathenry is that first ice-cold coca-cola or rich dark cup of coffee when you've been off the stuff for awhile. Perhaps Christianity is Splenda, and Heathenry is that big moist piece of chocolate cake you eat, and all the wonderful feelings that comes after that.

For me personally, transitioning from that mess that is Christianity, and all the dogmatic guilt-mongering. All the fear-based brain-washing. The abandonment of physical enjoyment and condemnation of life-affirming action. The hypocrits hiding in every church pew. Transitioning from that utter vacant soul-eating darkness to the vital power, and Tru rightness of Heathenry should not be that big a burden.

But that's my personal view. I'm not saying to think otherwise is "bad" or "evil." I just have my view of it, and I don't agree with other views on the matter. I won't taint my heathenry with Christian-baggage to aid others in transitioning from that sad foreign religion our Folk has been afflicted with for over a 1,000 years.

We should spend more time teaching newbies all the amazing things about heathenry, and less time coddling their Christian baggage. Leave the baggage at the door, and embrace your ancestral stream whole-heartedly. But that's my way of thinking.

Mark