Germanic and Slavic Paganisms - (Religion at the Boundaries) by Kaarina Aitamurto & Ross Downing (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This volume offers a novel and timely examination of the complexities of contemporary Slavic and Germanic Paganisms, and their dual potential for both far-right, ethno-purist and nationalistic social movements as well as inspiring inclusive visions for social and ecological renewal. Chapters aim to bridge the information silos often found between academia, governmental institutions and Pagan communities, providing a rich resource for all parties"--

Book Synopsis

Providing an intensive and up-to-date analysis of far-right, ethno-purist and nationalistic currents as well as the inclusive visions for social and ecological change, this book explores the complexities of contemporary Slavic and Germanic Paganisms.

This timely volume re-evaluates what we know about contemporary Paganism, particularly addressing the social threat and impact of radicalism. In light of the war in Ukraine, the authors deconstruct heritage narratives that are at the heart of current geopolitical and nationalist social tensions in Central and Eastern Europe including the West versus East problem. With suggestions on how we can mitigate and overcome the potential security threats connected to radical forms of Paganisms, this book shows how minority groups are advancing solutions to global challenges.

Exploring multiple perspectives through a diverse blend of contributors, this volume bridges the gap between academia, governmental institutions and Pagan communities, providing a rich resource for all parties. Highlighting broader religious and security issues, this volume is the first to consider the dialogue between ethno-exclusivist and inclusivist positioning within contemporary Slavic and Germanic Paganisms.

Review Quotes

A crucial extension to our body of knowledge on the political uses and abuses of Heathenry and Paganism, this book is an authoritative, well-researched and timely account, tackling issues surrounding socio-political instrumentalisation of religion for extremist and non-extremist purposes. Utilising a variety of different Eurasian and American case studies, Kaarina Aitamurto and Ross Downing are the first to consider the dialogue between ethno-exclusivist and inclusivist positioning within contemporary Slavic and Germanic Paganisms.
William Allchorn, Anglia Ruskin University, UK

A much-needed, nuanced and wide-ranging analysis, by both academics and practitioners, of the varieties of contemporary Germanic and Slavic-inspired Paganisms. One of its greatest strengths lies in not only examining the ways by which a transnational far right has endeavoured to appropriate the Faith, but also how the faithful can fight back against this usurpation.
Dominic Alessio, Richmond American University London, UK

This book is a serious, scholarly and ground-breaking examination of a growing danger facing many countries around the world, the fusion of violent, racist, far-right political groups with "Pagan" religious movements based on European religion, mythology and ethnic identity. This is the most in-depth, extensive and up-to-date study of this topic and is recommended for scholars and students in Religious Studies, in Sociology and Security Studies, and for libraries serving the general public.
Michael Strmiska, SUNY Orange, USA

About the Author

Kaarina Aitamurto is University lecturer at the Aleksanteri Institute at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

Ross Downing is an Affiliated Research Officer at Inform, UK.