Odinism is a polytheistic, pagan religion spread by Vikings throughout northern Europe, the British Isles, and North America. Odinism involves worship of Norse and Germanic gods, of whom Odin is the chief.
A set of books called Eddas collected the oral traditions of the Odinists. They believe that nature is the manifestation of the divine and that humans are inherently good. Iceland, Denmark, and Norway have officially recognized Odinism as a religion since 1973. Most often those who embrace Odinism are called followers of Ásatrú (and the religion is also sometimes known as Asatru).
There are several different branches of Odinism/Asatru, including Wotanism, Wodenism, the Odin Brotherhood, the Odinic Rite, and the Odinist Fellowship. Each practice is pagan (non-Christian) and polytheistic (believes in many gods) in its beliefs. Most identify Oden (also called Woten or Woden) as the main deity—the father (Alfadir) of the other gods. He is the god of war, wisdom, and death. Lesser gods include Frigg (Odin's wife and goddess of marriage and fertility), Thor (the god of thunder), Loki (the trickster god), Baldur (the god of light and purity), Tyr (originally seen as the god of war and later seen as Odin's son), and others.
Odinism recognizes nine "homeworlds," including Asgard where the gods live, and Valhalla where some warriors who died in battle in the human homeworld live. The World Ash tree (called Yggdresil) connects the homeworlds.
Clearly, Odinism and all polytheistic religions, are false and inconsistent with the truth of the Bible which teaches about the one true God who created the universe and everything in it (Genesis 1), and initiates a relationship with all people through sending His Son Jesus (John 3:16–18; 17:3).
The God of the Bible is real. The gods of Odinism are mythical, fables.
Just before raising His friend Lazarus from the dead, Jesus told Martha "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die" (John 11:25–26). Why not worship this actual, living God and choose eternal life?
Copyright 2011-2024 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
