Lovehound
July 23rd, 2006, 02:17 PM
Inmate follower of Nordic pagan religion due to be executed
By KRISTEN GELINEAU
Associated Press Writer
July 23, 2006
STAUNTON, Va. -- The six inmates gathered around a makeshift altar to pay homage to the Norse gods they worshipped as part of their dedication to Asatru, a pagan religion.
But tension was brewing among the Ironwood Kindred, as the men were known in the Augusta Correctional Center. Inmate Michael Lenz thought Brent Parker had committed blasphemy. And for that, Lenz believed, his fellow inmate must pay.
The peaceful ceremony exploded into a bloody melee that left Parker dead and landed Lenz on Virginia's death row. He is slated for execution July 27.
Asatru has been growing in popularity among the nation's inmates, say religious leaders and prison experts, who believe the religion's roots in Viking mythology attract prisoners seeking power, protection and unity.
"Those ancient gods were really very revered--they were perceived to have power," said M. Macha NightMare, a California priestess and witch who has written several books on paganism. "That's a cool thing to identify with if you're feeling weak and insecure. It's an overcompensation--and they are disempowered because they're in shackles."
Asatru is often referred to as Odinism, although some followers believe the two are independent religions. It is a polytheistic, pre-Christian faith native to Scandinavia and worships such gods as Thor and Odin. The religion emphasizes a connection with one's ancestors and values the principles of honor, loyalty, generosity and truth.
There are an estimated 10,000-20,000 people in the United States who consider themselves Asatruars or Odinists, said Stephen McNallen, director of the Asatru Folk Assembly, one of the nation's leading Asatru groups. Local groups of followers are called kindreds.
One common Asatru ceremony is called a blot, in which followers make offerings to the gods. Generally, this involves an offering of mead which is dedicated to the deities and then shared among the participants. high moral standard."
*snipped by mol for copyright*
By KRISTEN GELINEAU
Associated Press Writer
July 23, 2006
STAUNTON, Va. -- The six inmates gathered around a makeshift altar to pay homage to the Norse gods they worshipped as part of their dedication to Asatru, a pagan religion.
But tension was brewing among the Ironwood Kindred, as the men were known in the Augusta Correctional Center. Inmate Michael Lenz thought Brent Parker had committed blasphemy. And for that, Lenz believed, his fellow inmate must pay.
The peaceful ceremony exploded into a bloody melee that left Parker dead and landed Lenz on Virginia's death row. He is slated for execution July 27.
Asatru has been growing in popularity among the nation's inmates, say religious leaders and prison experts, who believe the religion's roots in Viking mythology attract prisoners seeking power, protection and unity.
"Those ancient gods were really very revered--they were perceived to have power," said M. Macha NightMare, a California priestess and witch who has written several books on paganism. "That's a cool thing to identify with if you're feeling weak and insecure. It's an overcompensation--and they are disempowered because they're in shackles."
Asatru is often referred to as Odinism, although some followers believe the two are independent religions. It is a polytheistic, pre-Christian faith native to Scandinavia and worships such gods as Thor and Odin. The religion emphasizes a connection with one's ancestors and values the principles of honor, loyalty, generosity and truth.
There are an estimated 10,000-20,000 people in the United States who consider themselves Asatruars or Odinists, said Stephen McNallen, director of the Asatru Folk Assembly, one of the nation's leading Asatru groups. Local groups of followers are called kindreds.
One common Asatru ceremony is called a blot, in which followers make offerings to the gods. Generally, this involves an offering of mead which is dedicated to the deities and then shared among the participants. high moral standard."
*snipped by mol for copyright*