Longlisted for the 2014 National Book Award The astonishing story of a unique missionary project—and the America it embodied—from award-winning historian John Demos. Near the start of the nineteenth century, as the newly established United States looked outward toward the wider world, a group of eminent Protestant ministers formed a grand scheme for gathering the rest of mankind into the redemptive fold of Christianity and “civilization.” Its core element was a special school for “heathen youth” drawn from all parts of the earth, including the Pacific Islands, China, India, and, increasingly, the native nations of North America. If all went well, graduates would return to join similar projects in their respective homelands. For some years, the school prospered, indeed became quite famous. However, when two Cherokee students courted and married local women, public resolve—and fundamental ideals—were put to a severe test. The Heathen School follows the progress, and the demise, of this first true melting pot through the lives of individual students: among them, Henry Obookiah, a young Hawaiian who ran away from home and worked as a seaman in the China Trade before ending up in New England; John Ridge, son of a powerful Cherokee chief and subsequently a leader in the process of Indian “removal”; and Elias Boudinot, editor of the first newspaper published by and for Native Americans. From its birth as a beacon of hope for universal “salvation,” the heathen school descends into bitter controversy, as American racial attitudes harden and intensify. Instead of encouraging reconciliation, the school exposes the limits of tolerance and sets off a chain of events that will culminate tragically in the Trail of Tears. In The Heathen School, John Demos marshals his deep empathy and feel for the textures of history to tell a moving story of families and communities—and to probe the very roots of American identity.

This book is an introduction to Heathenry, the ancient folk religion or Troth of Northern Europe. It will help you understand the gods, their mythology, and the psychological and sociological processes that accompany them so that you will be able to have a deeper understanding of the myths and lore. This book provides a solid foundation for anyone who wishes to lead a fulfilling life in accordance with the ways of our ancestors. Sections on the historical background of our ancestors, their myths and ways, the runes, and ritual will give you a clearer understanding of our faith. This book is for anyone interested in the Heathen religion of Northern Europe, whether known as Asatru, Odinism, Forn Sed, Troth, Theodism, the Northern Tradition, or Norse Paganism.

Today, most intellectuals agree that (a) Christianity has profoundly influenced western culture; (b) members from different cultures experience many aspects of the world differently; (c) the empirical and theoretical study of both culture and religion emerged within the West. The present study argues that these truisms have implications for the conceptualization of religion and culture. More specifically, the thesis is that non-western cultures and religions differ from the descriptions prevalent in the West, and it is also explained why this has been the case. The author proposes novel analyses of religion, the Roman 'religio', the construction of 'religions' in India, and the nature of cultural differences. Religion is important to the West because the constitution and the identity of western culture is tied to the dynamic of Christianity as a religion.

Ode to Our Wild Feminine Souls This provocative book invites you to create your own spiritual path based on often-suppressed ancient principles and contemporary practices. Using the elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether) rather than traditional patriarchal hierarchies, this 'holy book' is designed to connect each individual to their universal — but often denied — powers. Wild woman Danielle Dulsky takes you deep as she explores and embraces sacred feminine archetypes such as the Mother Goddess, the Crone, and the Maiden. Join her as she guides you to envision and explore a world that enriches and supports your spirit, body, and mind as well as our global community and the Earth.

End Odin's reign and smash the patriarchy - lesbian viking style! A YALSA 2018 Great Graphic Novels for Teens pick! WOMAN. WARRIOR. VIKING. OUTCAST. THE GODS MUST PAY. Aydis, the banished viking, sets sail on the open sea to reach Heimdall, the magical entrance to the land of the gods. She’ll need the help of a crew of worldly pirate women and man-eating mermaids to survive the dangerous journey. Back on land, the cursed Valkyrie Brynhild and the goddess of love Freyja are chipping away at Odin’s power, testing the god-king’s patience and tempting his wrath. Aydis is a viking, a warrior, an outcast, and a self-proclaimed heathen. Aydis is friend to the talking horse Saga, rescuer of the immortal Valkyrie Brynhild, and battler of demons and fantastic monsters. Aydis is a woman. Born into a time of warfare, suffering, and subjugation of women, she is on a mission to end the oppressive reign of the god-king Odin. Read the entire series! Volume 1 collects issues #1 - #4 of the twelve issue series. Volume 2 collects issues #5 - #8 pf the 12 issue series Volume 3 collects issues #9 - #12 of the 12 issue series For fans of Monstress (Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda), Helheim (Cullen Bunn, Joelle Jones, Nick Filardi), and Northlanders (Brian Wood) "Heathen ...remains one of the best comics on the stands... I just want to spend more time in this world, and really, isn't that the reaction you should have to art?" -- IGN "Alterici's innovative saga - about a queer Viking woman who is exiled for her sexuality and reacts by declaring war on Odin himself - initially came out in digital form only. Now, interested readers can catch up on the story's beginning in one place with its first trade collection." -- Entertainment Weekly "The series operates on two levels: It's a sweeping Nordic fantasy, but it's also a personal story about coming out and coming of age in a culture that doesn't accept who you truly are. The intersection of those two narrative planes is what makes Heathen so engrossing, and the grander elements of the plot have more emotional impact because they are tied to Aydis' queer awakening. -- The AV Club "Hot take alert: Natasha Alterici is the real deal." -- Comic Bastards "Alterici is that rarest of comic writers whose sense of story and pacing is equal to her tremendous artistic skill." -- Bitch Media

A book of prayers, invocations, songs and rituals to the heathen Gods, Goddesses, wights and ancestors, written by members of Heathens of Yorkshire, and beautifully illustrated with original artwork. A useful resource for solitary practitioners, as well as groups looking for inspiration in putting together their own rituals.