Open Post on Folkish, Universalist, and Tribal Paganisms

[causticus]

On yesterday's Magic Monday post, there was a rather interesting discussion on the several "feuding" branches of today's Germanic pagan/polytheist community. Particularly the question on the merits of the frequent "racism" allegations flung at Folkish Heathens.

Here's the whole thread:
https://ecosophia.dreamwidth.org/237888.html?thread=41766464#cmt41766464

My lengthily response here, with some follow-up replies:
https://ecosophia.dreamwidth.org/237888.html?thread=41778240#cmt41778240

I figure I'll use this as an open post to continue the discussion, if anyone so desires to do so. I think there's three interesting sub-topics to be expanded on from that thread:

1. Inclusionary vs. Exclusionary approaches to contemporary polytheism/paganism.
2. The third "tribal" (Theodish) option that's an alternative to the Folkist/Universalist binary.
3. The very fascinating (IMHO) concept of a "Holy Guild" being a new way of terming a religious fellowship.

Of course, any other ideas tangentially related to the above thread is more than welcome! Thank you for not using profanity, namecalling/ad-homs, bad faith arguments, or other cheap troll behaviors.

Comments

[fluffybeaver]

A completely exhaustive answer. There is nothing to add. Modern pagan religion has turned into a game that does not affect the life basis of the vast majority of people who profess it.

[causticus]

Yeah, I would agree that the vast majority of modern paganism is a LARP (Live Action RolePlaying). For most it seems to be a consumeristic, escapist fantasy hobby activity for bored middle class and affluent people. You're right that it has little bearing on the everyday lives of people who call themselves pagans, or polytheists, or whatever. Even the devotional end of things seems to be a weird rehash of spiritualism.