Being Viking - Heathenism in Contemporary America - Jefferson F. Calico
Preface: Regarding Words
Being Viking - Heathenism in Contemporary America - Jefferson F. Calico
Jefferson F. Calico [+]
Eastern Kentucky University
Jefferson F. Calico is an instructor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Eastern Kentucky University where he teaches a variety of courses in Religious Studies. He currently serves as co-chair of the Religion and Ecology consultation for the Southeastern Commission on the Study of Religion. His research focuses on alternative religions in America.
Description
An introductory first-person narrative establishes Asatru as both an outlier and a participant in the American cultural milieu. The development of Asatru is set within the larger context of the growing contemporary Pagan movement and three cultural factors for the growth of Asatru in America are discussed. The personal motivations of Asatru adherents are also addressed. The study is framed by the importance of paying attention to new religions, which leads to a greater understanding not only of an alternative religion but also of our society by providing a critique to modern selfhood.