Why is the word Pagan considered derogatory?

Answer 1

It is often used by Christians derogatorily to denote primitive or under developed cultures.

However, technically it just means that you don't practice a monotheistic religion.

The word "heathen" has the same connotations.

Answer 2

Because after the advent of Christianity, it started to be applied to all those who weren't Christian or Jewish. Pagan is derived from the Latin word "paganus", which originally meant "rural, of the country". It was applied to those who weren't Christian and Jewish because the early Christian church was based in large cities, such as Antioch, Alexandria, Corinth, Rome, etc..., as opposed to small, rural villages, where their religions (now called Paganism") was still being practiced. It's not necessarily derogatory, in my opinion. It's likely considered derogatory because once it was applied to everbody, save Christians and Jews, it became synonymous with the labels of heretic and blasphemer.

Answer 3

I'm Pagan and proud of it. Only derogatory I guess if you are of one of the other faiths that abhor Pagans and get called a one.

Answer 4

My dictionary describes Pagan as a Heathen.

Answer 5

I don't know other than it pretty much means you don't have a 'typical' religion.

I guess that I mean it in a derogatory sense almost everytime I use it. To me it has no basis on anything that really matters when it comes to the truth. In my opinion.

Answer 6

I am not offended by it. At one time the term pagan was used as slang for "country dwellers" I am guessing it was the equivalent to hill-billy.

Answer 7

It isn't always. Christians tend to use it in a demeaning manner, like "Look at those outsiders.", but as a Pagan myself, I consider it respectable.

Answer 8

It is a word that describes a people who believed in idols and lived in fear of evil spirits. Then christian missionaries came along and told them about the love of God and need not fear Him because of the love that he had for them which is represented in the life death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
http://www.carm.org/doctrine/100truths.htm

Answer 9

Pagan and proud here.

Answer 10

It's not, look up where the word comes from and what it means and its not. The Catholic church smeared their name in order for Christians to look like the one true faith.