On Not Living Stupid

May 19, 2011 by Steven Abell

Continued from Page 1

For some people, some of those dials really do need to be set at zero. I know several people for whom Odin's mild caution about drinking is the understatement that defines their lives. You probably do, too. We can admire such people for their success in a life-and-death struggle that's hard for some to even acknowledge.

It's also interesting to see how some of these Bad Things end up being treated in practice. For example, the Islamic injunction against lending at interest is a good warning against getting into debt, but it's almost funny to see the various dances and evasions the Islamic financial world uses to skirt this issue. Apparently, complex societies just don't function without credit and interest, even if it's called something different and collected in different ways.

The Mormon injunctions also inform one of the major issues of our day. They have an impressive "social safety net" for members. This is partly because they have their own private tax apparatus: everyone is supposed to give 10 percent of what they earn to the church, which is pretty wealthy as a result. But another reason they can have this safety net is because they go to great lengths to Not Live Stupid. I'll guess that their composite health care costs are significantly lower as a result, and members who are writing their monthly checks to the church don't wonder very much if their hard-earned money is going to pay for someone who willingly smoked or drank or drugged themselves into a health nightmare.

Heathens who value families, kindreds, and tribes might want to keep this somewhere not too far in the back of their collective minds.

I hope we aren't ever a people who engage in niggling finger-pointing, but there's a lot to be said for Not Living Stupid, however one achieves that. When groups of people start working together on this project called Life, it becomes vitally important.

Page: 2 of 2

5/19/2011 4:00:00 AM

Pagan

Letters from Midgard

Asatru

Family

Heathen

Lifestyle

Mormonism

Islam

Paganism

more at patheos

New Standard for the Shelf: ESV Expository Commentary Vol. 8

Jeff McLain

Sunday Readings: Faith, Sacrifice, And Following Christ

Dennis McIntyre

Jesus in the Dharma: Where Christ Fits in Hinduism

Fred Stella

A Weekend With Father Seán ÓLaoire

Alexander Koritz

About Steven Abell

Steven Thor Abell is a storyteller and the author of Days in Midgard: A Thousand Years On, a collection of original modern stories based on Heathen myths. As of 2013, he is also Steersman of the High Rede of The Troth.

Patheos Logo Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Subscription Support Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In

Follow Patheos