Definitions
- Referring to a person who does not follow the Christian or Jewish faith. - Describing someone who is uncivilized or barbaric. - Talking about a person who is considered unenlightened or ignorant.
- Referring to a person who follows a polytheistic or nature-based religion. - Describing someone who is not Christian, Jewish, or Muslim. - Talking about a person who is considered non-religious or secular.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to people who do not follow the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam).
- 2Both words have negative connotations and are often used pejoratively.
- 3Both words have historical and cultural significance in the context of religion and colonialism.
- 4Both words are less commonly used in modern language and may be considered outdated or offensive.
What is the difference?
- 1Religion: Heathen specifically refers to people who do not follow the Abrahamic religions, while pagan can refer to a wider range of non-Abrahamic religions.
- 2Connotation: Heathen has a stronger negative connotation and is often associated with barbarism or savagery, while pagan can have a more neutral or even positive connotation depending on the context.
- 3Usage: Heathen is less commonly used in modern language and may be considered archaic or offensive, while pagan is still used in some religious and academic contexts.
- 4Scope: Heathen is a narrower term that specifically refers to religious beliefs, while pagan can also refer to cultural practices or traditions.
Remember this!
Heathen and pagan are both words that describe people who do not follow the Abrahamic religions. However, heathen specifically refers to those who are uncivilized or unenlightened, while pagan refers to those who follow a non-Abrahamic religion. While both words have negative connotations, heathen is more strongly associated with barbarism and is less commonly used in modern language.
