The Arian Christology and Its Resonance with Norse Dual-Faith

Throughout the early centuries of Christianity, theological interpretations of Jesus’ divinity and relationship to God the Father developed and diverged, each finding resonance within various cultural contexts. One of the earliest and most influential was Arianism, a Christological view embraced by many early Scandinavian tribes that envisioned Jesus as divine yet not fully co-equal with God. For the Odinsberg Ancestral Faith Alliance (OAFA), which seeks to cultivate a Norse Dual-Faith—a syncretic blend of Norse spirituality and Christianity—this Arian view offers a compelling way to integrate Christian beliefs with the ancestral worldview.

 

The Arian View of Jesus

 

Arianism, named after Arius, a 4th-century Alexandrian priest, emphasized a particular understanding of Jesus as a being created by God, thus distinct from the Father in both essence and rank. According to Arianism, Jesus is the first and most exalted of God's creations, not co-eternal or co-equal with God but still divine, serving as a powerful mediator between God and humanity. This view contrasts with the Trinitarian perspective that became the orthodox position within the Christian church, which asserts that Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit are co-equal and co-eternal.

 

For the Germanic tribes who first encountered Christianity through the influence of the Roman Empire, the Arian perspective likely resonated with their own cultural values, which recognized hierarchy, loyalty, and the uniqueness of each being within a cosmological order. Arian Christianity became particularly widespread among the Goths and other early Scandinavian tribes, where it mingled with indigenous traditions and ideas. This understanding presented a Jesus figure that was not only divine but approachable—a god-like being with strength and wisdom who still held a place within a greater hierarchy.

 

Jesus as a Mediator in Norse Dual-Faith

 

In the context of the Odinsberg Ancestral Faith Alliance’s Norse Dual-Faith, the Arian view of Jesus as a divine intermediary aligns remarkably well with Norse cosmology, where each god and spiritual figure occupies a distinct role within a hierarchy that is both revered and understood as part of the cosmic order. Within the Norse pantheon, gods like Odin and Thor serve different purposes, balancing wisdom, strength, and the natural order, without the concept of a single god embodying all divine qualities.

 

Seeing Jesus as an intermediary—a guide to the divine, yet separate from the supreme God—allows for a parallel understanding. Jesus’ role as a mediator between humanity and the divine resembles the functions of Norse gods, who often act as patrons, guides, and protectors. This interpretation allows OAFA members to view Jesus as embodying wisdom, strength, and sacrifice in a way that harmonizes with the Norse virtues of honor, loyalty, and courage. Just as Odin is seen as a wise but distant father figure, so, too, can Jesus be revered as a model of divine connection who bridges humanity with a higher spiritual reality without subsuming the ultimate authority of God the Father.

 

Arian Christology and Norse Hierarchies

 

For modern practitioners of Norse Dual-Faith, Arianism’s hierarchical view reinforces a natural order of respect and reverence within the divine. In Norse mythology, there is a distinct, harmonious order among gods, spirits, and other beings. Each deity serves specific roles, and no one god embodies all divinity in the way the Christian Trinity does in orthodox Christianity. This notion of a layered, purpose-driven hierarchy parallels Arianism's Christology, where Jesus occupies a special place beneath the supreme deity but above humankind.

 

The Arian view resonates particularly well in a spiritual system that values hierarchy and role-fulfillment, offering Jesus as an honored figure without erasing or diminishing the significance of other divine beings. For OAFA, adopting an Arian perspective of Christ within their dual-faith practices allows for a cohesive blend of Christian and Norse worldviews, acknowledging the roles of both Christ and Norse gods within the sacred cosmos. This approach encourages adherents to see each figure—whether Jesus, Odin, or Thor—as contributing to a unified divine order where every entity has a role and a purpose.

 

Relevance in Modern Dual-Faith Practice

 

In today's context, integrating Arian Christology into Norse Dual-Faith fosters a balanced approach that respects both Christian and Norse theological traditions. It provides an avenue for those who wish to honor Christian teachings without the expectation of Trinitarian orthodoxy, making it possible to embrace Christianity in a way that resonates with a Norse spiritual perspective. It also acknowledges the historical role that Arian Christianity played in shaping the spiritual outlook of many early Scandinavian tribes, whose legacy is felt within the OAFA’s modern practices.

 

By positioning Jesus as a divinely empowered, revered guide rather than as an absolute co-equal with God, the OAFA is able to maintain a sense of plurality in the divine—a concept familiar in Norse beliefs. Jesus can be seen as a god-like figure who sacrifices, mediates, and inspires, much like the Norse gods. This allows members of the OAFA to engage deeply with both faiths without internal conflict, honoring the historical and theological roots of their beliefs.

 

Conclusion

 

The Arian view of Jesus as a divine, though subordinate, mediator offers a powerful bridge between early Christianity and Norse spiritual traditions. For OAFA’s Norse Dual-Faith, this perspective allows Jesus to be seen as a guide who embodies wisdom, humility, and strength without diminishing the role of God the Father or competing with the Norse gods. Embracing this Christology enriches the OAFA’s syncretic practice, preserving the unique roles within the Norse pantheon while incorporating a reverent, Christ-centered spirituality that respects both traditions. This approach not only celebrates the diversity within the divine order but also reaffirms the OAFA’s commitment to honoring ancestral paths in a way that is deeply meaningful and cohesive.