Difference between Pagan and Heathen

What is the difference between Pagan and Heathen?

Pagan as an adjective is relating to, characteristic of or adhering to non-biblical religions, especially earlier polytheism. while Heathen as an adjective is not adhering to an abrahamic religion; pagan.

Pagan

Part of speech: adjective

Definition: relating to, characteristic of or adhering to non-Biblical religions, especially earlier polytheism. savage, immoral, uncivilized, wild. pantheistic or nature-worshipping, neo-pagan.

Part of speech: noun

Definition: A person not adhering to any major or recognized religion, especially a heathen or non-Christian (often derogatory). An uncivilized or unsocialized person Especially an unruly, badly educated child. A follower of a pantheistic or nature-worshipping religion, a neopagan.

Example sentence: Environmentalism is a form of pagan fundamentalism. These green wackos are fanatics like al-Quaida. Just like them.

Heathen

Part of speech: adjective

Definition: not adhering to an Abrahamic religion; pagan.uncultured; uncivilized; savage, philistine.pertaining to currents of Germanic neo-paganism known as Heathenry.

Part of speech: noun

Definition: A person who does not follow an Abrahamic religion; a pagan.An uncultured or uncivilized person, philistine.Self-designation of some adherents of neo-paganism.

Example sentence: Is it not a grotesque civilization which sends missionaries across the sea to save the souls of the heathen, and yet permits conditions at home that debauch the children at our very doors?

We hope you now know whether to use Pagan or Heathen in your sentence.

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