My ''hot take'' on historical authenticity.

After seeing the results of the survey I conducted earlier (here and elsewhere), I can say that there is a strong inclination to certify historical authenticity regardless of whether it is applied in practice or not.
Personally, I think the problem with the search for this lies in whether people are capable of accepting the truth or not, as well as whether they will hide that truth or embrace it, which leads me to ask:
"Why do you need historical authenticity? Will you use it only to satisfy curiosity or to apply it in your practice?"

It is a big mistake to believe that our faith or spirituality lacks content and organization. The wealth of traditions and culture we have at our fingertips is on par with the great religions. However, when it comes to playing the card of historical authenticity to fill the gaps and rebuild the spiritual culture that was destroyed, many take a step back because they encounter a reality that doesn't fit with their preconceived idea of ​​Heathenry and/or out of fear of having to leave their comfort zone and adopt another way of life, which may be very different from the Christian way of life to which many are accustomed... Yes, most continue to live as Christians even though they worship other gods, even if they deny it or are unaware of it.
As a result, many sweep historical authenticity under the rug or simply change it, adapting it to their personal preferences (whether out of selfishness or laziness) and creating something totally different as if it were something normal and valid, when it never was.
This not only complicates the reconstruction of our faith, but it also completely contradicts and undermines it.

While there were some differences between similar traditions, they followed patterns and shared foundations that didn't distance them too much from each other and kept them traditionally viable. Our faith wasn't a fully organized religion (mainly due to the difficulties of the time), but this doesn't mean it wasn't organized. Our spiritual traditions were strictly followed, so much so that not even kings could disregard them without consequences. Religious hierarchies existed, the use of money as offerings and to support temples (and their priests) was normal, we knelt before the gods and avoided making circular movements during important dates so as not to anger them. Fear of the gods, superstition, respect, traditions, consequences, rules, organization—all of these exist within our faith and are what helps us rebuild and create solid foundations that can change over time, naturally, and not just from one day to the next because it's more convenient for us. Historical authenticity is not for those seeking a place to belong or a mental placebo, but for those who strive to restore our worldview to its former glory—not for ourselves, but for the gods, the giants, the ancestors, and those who will inherit everything after us.