Paganism Was Never Better Than Christianity: A Response to Modern Myths and Cultural Marxism

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Former Pagan, Christian Conservative LDS Priest 

In today’s increasingly polarized cultural environment, a disturbing trend has emerged, particularly among those influenced by modern cultural Marxist ideologies: the idealization of paganism as a better, more noble alternative to Christianity. This movement seems to romanticize Norse paganism—specifically Odinism—and falsely presents it as a counterpoint to Christianity’s so-called "oppressive" nature. As an Iranian-American who has undergone a personal journey from Islam, socialism, and even paganism to become a staunch Christian, I am deeply disturbed by this trend and feel compelled to address the myth that Odinism or any other form of paganism was superior to Christianity.

Firstly, let’s establish the historical reality of paganism, particularly Norse paganism. The belief system of Odinism, with its reverence for the god Odin, Thor, and other figures, was inherently violent and tribal in nature. Its gods did not offer universal love, peace, or salvation. Instead, they demanded sacrifices, not only of goods but of human lives, to appease their wrath. The practices of human sacrifice, often done in the name of securing favor from gods in the afterlife, starkly contrast with the Christian ideals of salvation and eternal life that are based on the grace and mercy of God through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

The gods of Odinism were not concerned with the moral upliftment of society but with securing power, war, and domination. Unlike Christianity, which promotes forgiveness, love, and peace, paganism encouraged constant warfare, both among tribes and against foreign enemies. The stories of Valhalla, where warriors are celebrated for dying in battle, are a testament to the violent, bloodthirsty nature of Norse paganism. Christianity, on the other hand, emphasizes a spiritual kingdom not of this world, where peace and love reign supreme.

So why does paganism, particularly Norse Odinism, seem to be gaining ground among certain individuals in our society today, especially among those influenced by cultural Marxism? The answer lies in the ideological undercurrents that permeate this new pagan revival. Marxist thought often revolves around the destruction of traditional structures and the establishment of an alternative narrative where established institutions, like Christianity, are vilified. In this context, the celebration of paganism—often under the guise of "ancient wisdom"—is being promoted as a form of resistance against Christianity’s moral framework.

There is a deliberate attempt to push back against the Christian values of individual rights, personal responsibility, and the sanctity of life. By turning to Odinism, adherents are seeking a return to a more "primitive" past, where "might makes right" and human suffering is accepted as part of the natural order. This plays into the cultural Marxist desire to reject the Judeo-Christian moral system that underpins Western civilization, replacing it with ideologies that promise collective strength at the cost of individual freedoms. The appeal to Norse paganism, however, fails to acknowledge that the same worldview that saw value in might over virtue also saw the subjugation of women, the brutality toward the weak, and an inherent fatalism toward human suffering—all of which are anathema to Christian teachings.

Let’s not forget that Christian civilization, despite its historical flaws, laid the foundations for modern Western concepts of democracy, human rights, and social justice. The emphasis on personal responsibility, the idea of a universal God who loves all people equally, and the Christian commitment to peace and reconciliation all shaped the trajectory of Western civilization in a way that Odinism never could. Christianity’s embrace of the individual soul’s worth, as well as its calls for charity, forgiveness, and the betterment of society, have created the moral foundation for everything from the abolition of slavery to the civil rights movement.

In the end, the idea that paganism—especially Odinism—was a more moral or beneficial way of life is a myth perpetuated by those who reject the teachings of Christianity in favor of ideologies that, historically, have led to division, chaos, and destruction. Modern attempts to paint paganism as superior to Christianity are more about rejecting the moral system that Christianity represents than about any genuine reverence for the gods of the ancient world.

For those of us who have embraced Christianity after experiencing the failings of paganism, whether through Islam or other movements, we know the truth: Christianity offers a higher moral standard—one that builds, creates, and redeems, rather than destroys. It provides a path of peace, love, and salvation, offering hope to the lost, the weary, and the broken. No ancient pagan god, including Odin, could offer such a promise.

Citations:

• Jones, D. (2016). The Problem of Paganism in a Christian World. New York: Christian Heritage Press.
• Schmidt, M. (2018). From the Norse Gods to the Cross: A Historical Comparison. Oxford University Press.
• Marx, K. (2019). The Communist Manifesto. Penguin Classics.
• Stark, R. (2010). The Victory of Reason: How Christianity Led to Freedom, Capitalism, and Western Success. Random House.