Naming the Faith

For our ancestors, our faith was nameless, as it was alive and a part of us to the depths of our soul. There was no need for a name when it's a part of you and everything around you. Eventually, our ancestors' nations got swept up by a theocratic political movement which made our existence as we knew it murky. Until just over 50 years ago, when Óðinn reached down to Founder Stephen McNallen and gave him a blessing and mandate to reawaken our Folk and bring his children together again. Our language and the way we interact with the world became more sophisticated with our understanding and control over it. Our faith needed a name to solidify and express what we are in the 21st century. So, Founder McNallen named it Ásatrú. Ásatrú meaning Trú to the Æsir, or more specifically when lived & practiced, comes to mean loyalty to our Gods. Many have attempted to call themselves or their organizations "Asatru," which unfortunately at best is an intellectual fallacy, or worse, outright blasphemy towards our Gods. The reason? Simple. The Father of all our Gods and the creator of our Folk, came to Stephen McNallen and poured his might, main, and desire for our Folk into him. Then in turn, Founder McNallen poured that might and main into the church known as the Asatru Folk Assembly, carrying out Óðinn's ongoing mission. Founder McNallen built the greater church of now numerous Hofs, igniting a Folk Soul that shines across the globe. Óðinn has placed a seat for himself at the forefront, and his wisdom continues to guide us today. Therefore, if an individual is not apart the Asatru Folk Assembly, they are not Ásatrú. Even if they have belief in our Gods or even partake in our traditions and rituals, they fail at following the Allfather's direction. In a more mundane example, claiming you're Ásatrú without being a part of the home where our Gods bless, visit, and inspire us, and charged their champion with building, would be akin to putting on your favorite teams football jersey, and claiming you were a part of the team when they win a Superbowl. The reality is you're not going to get a Superbowl ring or trophy. It's not possible without being the man in the arena and standing side by side with the team when glory calls. Life is going to always have its ups and downs as it places things into our well, and as they return to the surface. As it is stated in the Hávamál, "the joy of man is man." We are stronger together in the face of adversity, victories taste sweeter together, and the God's notice those who are worthy and loyal most! During our season of thanks, togetherness, and hospitality, let your heart be full of steel, confidence, and joy that your home within the Asatru Folk Assembly is also a home of the Gods by their blessings and decree. When going through hard times or faced with judgment for your faith, steel yourself with the knowledge your Gods are with you and favour those who choose to endure and "do." As they choose the Asatru Folk Assembly, their home on Miðgarðr, so many years ago.

Goði Jason Plourde

jplourde@runestone.org

~ From The Runestone, November 2025 ~