What do you do?

[midgard man]

I understand that you all say that you have a hard time in school with being an Odinist. That everybody looks at you as tho you are weird because they don't undertsand your religion. My question to you is, How do you re-act and help others to undertsand why you are the way we are? Do you go out of your way to explain to them the importance of Odinism in your life, or do you just shrug them off. Knowledge is key, and the more knowledge you put out there for others, then the easier life in school or in general will be. Don't be afraid to explain why you are an Odinist to others. If you have done that and they still look at you as being weird, then move on. Live your lives by the Nine Noble Virtues daily and people may not say it, but you will be respected and looked up to because of the demeanor that you carry about yourself.

[Level12]

It's hard for me to explain it, I'm almost embarrassed at the way people look at me, but slowly more people are excepting the way I think and believe, I'm

[Level12]

sort of an oddity in my school, I'm from UT so like 90% of the population is Mormon and it's always funny to me to see peoples reactions when they ask me why I joined the military and I say it's because I want to honor my ancestors and die in battle for the sake of my country and fellow man and then of course how they're even more confused when I say it's part of my religion :P

[Terr66]

im in NZ so theres alot of different religions in my school,so people are not realy fussed about my choice,and they just move on,and i dont think people actualy judge me just for bein different.

[HeathenHeart]

I am make fun of alot in school and people shout at me all the time calling me names. I really don't care about it, it's all a bunch of lies that I know isn't true. I am a proud Heathen from the green hills of England and I will stand by my ancestry if they like it or not! I wear a kilt to honor the Scots and Irish, for I adore the Northern Englishmen. People also make fun of me for that and say thing like "HAGGIS!" or "****ING SCOTTISH" and more things.

Honestly though, I don't care about them. Some kid tried to pull my kilt down so I turned around, tackled him down and beat his face in. How dare he disgrace my people? I got suspended for a week for that, but I showed who I was. I'm not saying the best way to get yourself recognized is to start a fight, oh god no. Being a junior in High School I have gone through a few years and the best way to be recognized (if you want to be) is to just be yourself.. and that is what the Anglo-Saxons did back in the 5th century long ago, they were Heathens at heart, and they stayed Heathens. Not christian.

Hail the Asatru!

[winterfox]

I know i shouldnt post here (am 18 in last year of college) but when people ask me i try to explain why I left Christianity and if they make fun of me due to it i make fun back and ask them questions they find awkward eg. why do you follow a religion that has and still contradicts itself?

[HeathenHeart]

Well... I would say that it doesn't. I believe all Heathens are still Heathens at heart, even if they were converted. Also, Christianity and Odinism are two very different religions because one is monothiestic and the other polytheistic. One is for Faith, Folk, and Family. The other for following God and praising him and kissing his ass.

Least I feel respected what I believe in, other than ignored. Odin will always stand by you if you are loyal to Odinism, God will just "keep an eye on you" up in the clouds.

[Sluke]

Most people within my school fear me. I doubt it is solely for my personal beliefs but being so far from Christian, I am easily noticed in more negative ways. I used to face more prejudice as a younger child, in high school, most seem to avoid me. I am proud, and willing to discuss with anyone who asks, how I perceive the world and everything within my life. Most however, are far too ignorant and hateful to hold up a discussion if they do talk to me in the first place. For the most part, I let go of these kinds of people until they come to spit on me. Then it's a different story, regardless of the fact that I'm a girl. Stand tall and proud, never mind those who hold their chins too high to even acknowledge the fact that there are other plausible beliefs out there. Don't fear those who try to knock you down; hell, don't let them do it in the first place. Especially in high school, most people you see there you will probably never see again, or they will be minor roles in your future life, if existent at all.

[jessejayd]

This is happening everywhere. The media promotes it. That's why i think that we need Odinism schools like there are Christian schools.....If society would accept it.

[Heathen1013]

I am lucky enough to live in Canada and I go to a school that is highly accepting of various cultures and minorities (we have an Islamic club, a Gay Rights club ect.) I can proudly wear my Pagan Thor pendent without much question. But I also do not go around bragging about my religion my religion is for me and my fellow pagans to worry about if they wish to believe in their god let them I believe in my gods and expect them to accept it so I can only do the same. I follow the nine noble virtues and plan to get them tattooed on my forearms(4 on each) last one courage on the back of my neck. Me and my friend often make interesting conversation from our Pagan beliefs as he does Rune readings which always interests people. Rather than trying to show people how different our religion is show people things they can accept and treat their beliefs as you want yours to be treated and they should respond kindly. Well they do in Canada anyway aha.

[caligulaloki]

I am in a multi-religious school where there are atheist, Jewish, Muslim and Christian students or teachers. They don't notice, unless they ask. When they ask, they respect.