Are you folkish or universalist, and why? What is your understanding of this controversial issue?

Very difficult to answer, when one considers the abuse the term "folkish" (="voelkisch") has suffered by being misused by political propagandists in the 1930's and 40's. I guess I am a mixture of both. Asatru is deeply rooted in the mythos of northern Europe's white native population. Yet, I have no problem with members of other races converting to our Heathen faith, as long as their conviction is a sincere one. Once people from different cultures adopt our gods, they become part of the greater Heathen folk. But if universalism is to be understood as weakening our faith, by holding joint religious ceremonies with other religious identities, ie. Christians, Jews, Moslems, Hindus, or even some European Pagan faiths, no, in this case I am not open-minded at all. We must never surrender our unique Nordic Heathen identity or folkish outlook, and we must develop our faith well apart from the harmful religious concepts other cultures and faiths pose to Heathenism and our Nordic culture

This is how I have seen a universalist define it: Asatru is no longer European (Northern European) any more than Christianity is Jewish.

In other words, Asatru is now a world religion trying to attract followers from whatever background. And also, there is no reason for a Northern European to choose Asatru over the Shinto religion of Japan, just based on their ancestry.

But in about 90% of the cases I think that 'Universalist' and 'Folkish' are code words for one's political orientation of being liberal or conservative. This is however an inaccurate usage and one to be discouraged.

I don't really know about this 'liberal' and 'conservative' stuff, because I am neither of them. I am a radical thinker when it comes to politics. But I am neither on the left nor the right, and I have nothing to do with the centre either, yet, I always felt Asatru is a religion tailor-made for me.
But there is a difference between Christian universalism and Heathen universalism. The Christians are trying to recruit just about everybody. Let's say if i'd go on a recruiting mission for Asatru I would not approach any non-white people. But if a black person would come to me, wishing to join the Asatru community, I would have no problem whatsoever embracing him/her as a brother/sister.

Hi folks. I decided to post something here. Anyway, there has been a lot of negaivity surrounding the terms "folkish" and "universalist." Since Asatru is a religion indigenous to the peoples of Northern Europe, it seems logical to equate that idea with the ideas of religions such as Shinto, and this I do in some respects. If our Gods are our ancestors, it seems natural that those descended from the Gods be the ones to honor them. However, it is not that simple. For instance, what if someone is half Norse and half African? There is also the question of those who are not at all of Norse/Germanic, or even of European descent who for some reason are called to our faith. How is that explained?
For these reasons, I tend to welcome those who are called and who are sincere, because there must be a reason they are called. Asatru is not a passing fancy, it is a path, a way of life, and something requiring dedication. On the other hand, I am not so open as to welcome just anyone. For instance, if someone is European and is a moron, I will not welcome that person just on the grounds that he/she is European. Just as I do not go purposely looking for non-Europeans to "recruit," but as stated above, if someone comes to me and is sincere, I welcome that person on the grounds that they have been called to this path for a reason.
Again, a touchy subject, and sadly the terms "folkish" and "universalist" have been too often equated with political views rather than what they truly must mean.

I fully agree with Brighid. There is too much talk about being white and European ancestors within our community . I'd rather enjoy the company of an honest and good person who is not of European background, than hanging out with some white/European trash who sell drugs, mug the elderly or molest children. There is much more to a person than just the skincolour or the nationality stamped into a passport.

Having given this question a lot of thought lately, I think I am neither Universalist nor Folkish, but SEPARATIST!
I will belabour this subject and others more closely from December on, when I will finally get internet access into my own home. At the moment I have only minutes on the computer in a public library, but once I have it at home I'll be available (almost) 24/7.And I have lots to tell, folks. So please stay tuned to WILL OF THE ASATRU NATION till then, and my apologies for not being overly active on the message boards lately!
Michael