There are a lot of ideas and concepts from Theodism that I fervently wish would disappear. Among them are Gods of Limited Access, a subject I covered at length here. I have recently come across another which has gained traction, and again, I have been alerted to this trend through TikTok.
If you are looking for some background on Theodism I highly recommend these episodes, Episode 22 here and Episode 23 here. This whole podcast is an excellent overview of Heathenry history as related through two inclusive Heathens, Lauren Crow and Ben Waggoner. Ben Waggoner wrote the new editions of Our Troth and serves as The Troth's Publication Director, and Lauren is the current President and CEO of The Troth.
There is never a need to use a term like thrall to describe a potential or actual Kindred member.
I see folks defending the idea of calling folks thralls as the ground level or as a punishment for what I gather are independent Kindreds. Many of the objections that I raised in my article on the Gods of Limited Access I repeat here with regards to using the word thrall.
I have other objections as well. We Heathens are reviving and revitalizing our paths, and what we choose to revive is a reflection upon us. Using the word thrall is a poor choice no matter the justification someone puts down. I don't care that you're referring to initiates or to people who are being punished. You are using a word that historically has meant someone who is enslaved and as such, is part of a distinct social class defined by it. There are other words to use within the culture group that you are taking your primary cues from.
The way that thralldom works in modern Theodism is it serves an authoritarian purpose. The person is treated as a slave. That is what the word means. Even if that is not the intention, by use of this word and its meaning, that is effectively what is happening. After a certain point intent does not matter. What you are saying is that this person is less than. If what you mean is initiate, someone in a trial membership, or someone who is repaying the community for past wrongdoing, then use those words. If you want to use a specialized term, then use terms in alignment with the culture you are taking inspiration from, either words in the original language, or make neologisms.
Theodish Heathens have aligned themselves with the far right and White Supremacist Heathenry. If you choose to use the word thrall I will assume that you are accepting this and participating in it. I don't care if you have the words inclusive Heathen on your website, in your bio, or under your tagline. If you use the term thrall within your group I will assume you're at minimum carrying water for, if not actually, a white supremacist.
Now, how everybody conducts their Hall is their own business. However, you do not get to be public or in the greater Heathen communities without comment or criticism. You do not get to put out your statements without question.
Irminfolk Kindred is a classic example of this. For those unaware, this kindred put out a policy of only accepting members if they had European heritage. It was, is, and remains a racist policy. Rightly, it was called out. Anyone defending or justifying it I consider to be in alignment with those ideologies. No different and no better than the Ásatrú Folk Assembly. For posts on Irminfolk Kindred, look here, here, and here.
If we can understand that the Nine Noble Virtues and similar ideas came out of a racist group, made by the Odinic Rite, and should not be used, then we can treat Theodism and their ideas the same.
Again, you can enact whatever policies you wish in your hall. That is completely your right to do so. It is also my responsibility to declare when something is wrong and harmful to the greater community when I see it.
Theodism and Theodish beliefs are harmful. Both the Gods of Limited Access idea and thralldom equate to ongoing threats to individuals, especially those who are vulnerable or new within our communities, and to the integrity of anyone who associates with them or accepts these ideas as valid. In this way it is a threat to the greater communities of Heathenry, polytheists, and animists. Theodism and those who support these ideologies and perpetuate their ideas allows for the perpetuation of abuse, and harm. For those who are committed to inclusivity and care for the members of our communities, personal and the greater Heathen communities, they should not be allowed to proliferate within our spaces, nor be accepted or tolerated.
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