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Started in 1976 by Garman Lord in Watertown, New York, Theodism , which means "tribal belief" is focused on the lore, beliefs and social structure - particularly the concept of thew or customary law - of various specific Germanic tribes and is actually a variant of Germanic Neopaganism. The primary focus of Theodism is an attempt to reconstruct the pre-Christian religion of the Germanic branch of the Indo-European peoples, within the cultural framework and community environment of specific tribes.

In 1983 after being on hiatus, Garman Lord's group, the Witan Theod became the Gering Theod. In 1989 the Winland Rice was formed which was an umbrella organization of Theodish groups, with Garman Lord chosen by consensus as the "lord". The Rice , as it is known, is now the oldest surviving Anglo-Saxon Heathen organization in North America.

Theodism is a tribal movement that seeks to create "folk" and revive and accurately practice the religion of their ancestors and it is by its very nature a tribal or hierarchical group where the luck of the group is derived from the top down. Nobility is defined by one's deeds and worth rather than any concept of equality or birth right. In other words, everyone is born worthless and must prove themselves. Theodism advocates the Germanic Heathen concept of Sacral Kingship as the gift of the Gods and expression of luck, might and main. Theodsmen hold freedom of conscience as matters of necessity for all Heathens and Theodish groups advocate a Web of Thew and a Web of Oaths to bind the community. The goal of the individual within the group is to struggle to build in life worth because it is something that will remain after death with the deceased's family and community.

Theodism oaths are binding and are what hold the society together. Betrayal and treachery are sins which will bring ill luck to the individual and the community. Oaths that are not fulfilled will damage the luck of not only the person who did not keep the oath, but also of those were present when it was uttered. For this reason, at the sumbel (the main ritual at which oaths are sworn over a sanctified alcoholic beverage such as mead or ale) there is an appointed officer who will be in charge of ensuring that an un-keepable oath is never made.

Theodism also state the concept of Right Good will which means that Theodsmen will treat one another fairly, and will not willingly harm or do ill to one another with a compelling reason. This is taken as a matter of personal honor so the Theodish Belief trys to address the problem of personal evil. Because humans are flawed, it is only by sticking strictly to the Right Good Will can the society be maintained.
Theodism also has the Thew which is an Old English word meaning custom or virtue. It is the unspoken law which is the basis of the societey. Theodsmen believe that circumstances can and do dictate how they deal with an individual event. Because Theodsmen are humans, they are prone to all the failings of man but in trusting the Great Thew of Hope a theodsman has hope, hope in his lord, his men, his fellow tribesmen and his gods and ancestors.

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