by Darian Peters

Created on: May 29, 2007

Theodism was originally the polytheistic faith of the Anglo-Saxons, the amalgamation of tribes who settled in England from the 5th Century AD. In the present day North Americans have broadened the scope of influences in Theodism to include the beliefs of other old European tribes such as the Normans, Jutes and Goths. It is a reconstructionist belief system that can be considered a type of Germanic Neopaganism.

This reconstructionist aspect is of vital importance to the religion. When Christians invaded the pagan lands and brutally suppressed the indigenous belief systems they attempted to destroy all records of pagan beliefs, practices, and imagery, or at the very least attempted to subsume these beliefs, practices, and imagery by recontextualizing them with Christian meanings.

The reconstruction has several aspects and requires a lot of scholarly work to achieve. Academic branches such as history, linguistics, archeology, and anthropology are all involved. Authenticity is the keyword, in terms of understanding the nature of all aspects of the culture and its history.

An important part of the process is the reconstruction of the hierarchical tribal structure. But this hierarchy is formed as a result of a person's deeds rather than birthright, with everyone starting their lives unproven. An important distinction in the society is between insiders and outsiders, with Theodsmen expected to place their loyalty to their family and community.

There are three essential solidifying concepts to the society. One is the idea of oaths, which, if broken are thought to bring bad luck on the individual and those close to them. Another is that of Right Good Will, which sees it as a matter of personal honor to treat other members of the society in an altruistic and fair way. Finally, there is the concept of Thew, which means custom or virtue, and is the unspoken legal heart of Theodish society.

Learn more about this author, Darian Peters.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.