The Integration of Christianity into Anglo-Saxon Society

The Anglo-Saxons are descended from the Germanic peoples, and when they come to the British Isles, they bring with them pagan and polytheistic religions. This creates a pantheon of gods similar to the old Norse gods, where Woden or Odin is viewed as the leader of the gods. When Augustine brings Christianity to England in 597 A.D., thousands of people convert and are baptized, but they do not entirely let go of their old religious traditions. When Christianity comes to Northumbria, King Edwin discusses the matter with his counselors, who all urge him to convert the nation. The radical nature of this change can be seen in the behavior of the pagan High Priest, who is the first to urge conversion on the king. "Here it was that the High Priest, inspired by the true God, desecrated and destroyed the altars that...