A pagan cult, Asatru, is gaining adherents in among white prison inmates in Virginia and nationally, the Associated Press reports. A polytheistic, pre-Christian faith native to Scandinavia, the religion venerates pagan gods including Thor and Odin. On the positive side, it emphasizes a connection with one’s ancestors and values honor, loyalty, generosity and truth. But prison officials fear it may encourage violence.
The AP reports that Michael Lenz is scheduled to be executed this week for killing a fellow prisoner at the foot of an altar. He stabbed Brent Parker dozens of times at Augusta Correctional Center in Staunton during a gathering of inmates devoted to Asatru. At his trial, Lenz testified that Parker had not been taking the religion seriously and had to die to protect the honor of the gods.