HEATHENISM Meaning and
Definition
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Heathenism is a noun that refers to a religious belief or practice that deviates from accepted or mainstream religions. The term originated from the Old English word "hǣthen," meaning "heathen" or "foreigner," which was used to label individuals who did not adhere to the Christian faith.
In a dictionary context, heathenism is often defined as the worship of multiple gods or spirits, typically associated with pagan or non-Christian religions. It encompasses a range of beliefs and practices that are considered outside the norms of organized religions like Christianity, Islam, or Judaism. Heathenism is often characterized by polytheism, animism, nature worship, or spiritual traditions focused on ancestral reverence.
Heathenism can also refer to a lack of religious belief or atheism. In this sense, it implies the rejection of organized religion and adherence to a set of doctrines or practices associated with a religious faith. It is important to note that this usage is typically considered outdated or obsolete.
Overall, heathenism is a term used to describe religious beliefs or practices that deviate from mainstream or accepted religions, often including pagan traditions, animism, or atheism. It carries historical connotations associated with a lack of adherence to Christianity, but in contemporary usage, it primarily encompasses a wide range of non-Christian religious practices or the absence of religious beliefs altogether.
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Ignorance; rudeness; ignorance of the true God.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HEATHENISM
Etymology of HEATHENISM
The word "heathenism" has its roots in Old English and Old High German.
In Old English, the word "héathan" meant "gentile" or "heathen", referring to someone who did not belong to a specific religious or cultural group, particularly Christianity. It was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "haiþano", which had a similar meaning.
The "-ism" suffix, which denotes a system, practice, or belief, was added to "héathan" to form "héathanism". This term referred to the practice or belief system of heathens, meaning those who followed polytheistic or pagan religions, rather than the dominant Christian faith.
Over time, the term "heathenism" has been used to describe non-Christian religions or practices.
Similar spelling words for HEATHENISM
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