Sometimes I get the two confused. A heathen is not necessarily a pagan?

Answer 1

Yes, there is a difference between Heathenry and Paganism.

Heathen comes from the word "Heithni" which comes from the Old Norse word heiðni which is a word that was used in elder times to describe the pre-Christian religion of the Northern European peoples. It is not an insult at all, even though I'm aware Christians use it as such (showing their lack of knowledge about what the word means). Heiðni means 'high, pure, clear' in Icelandic.The word Heathen carries with it the implication of reconstruction that may or may not exist within Pagan traditions. So while Pagan might apply to people following Wiccan, Hindu, or American Indian religious paths, Heathen points to people involved in either the reconstruction or revival of religions indigenous to northern Europe.

Answer 2

OranjTulip is right. From an anthropological sense, Heathen are Pagan, in that they are non-Abrahamic. A number of people prefer the term Heathen (sometimes to the outright rejection of the term Pagan) as it is more historically accurate for their religions. Likewise, since the term Pagan has become, in some people's minds, nearly synonymous with Wicca, they use the term to adds a more obvious distinction, as most Heathen religions have sizable differences from Wicca.

Answer 3

Technically they mean the same thing. But most of those that practice some form of Heathenery (Asatru, Odinism, Theodism, etc.) refuse to consider themselves Pagan. As the term Heathen has Germanic roots (and Pagan which comes from Paganus is Latin) and the Vikings and germanic tribes were refered to as heathens and not Pagans, modern Heathens tend to want to stick to traditional ways, they will use appropriate terminology. Plus, many Heathens do not like the "fluffy" new age stigma that comes with the term Pagan.

Answer 4

A Heathen is a person who follows Germanic religion.
Yes, it's a large subfamily Pagan religions. But a Pagan is not necessarily an Heathen.

Answer 5

today both go hand in hand, a Heathen is one who does not believe in Abraham's God .. while a Pagan (used to mean Country Dweller) is much the same except many have beliefs in the older religions or a newer religion based off the beliefs of the older religions.

Athiests and Satanists can be classified as a Heathen but not a Pagan, Pagans believe in the older versions of religion most are still thiests of some kind.

while a Wiccan can be classified as both.

it is confusing .. but i hope that helps.

Answer 6

Originally, the word meant anyone who was not Christian or Jewish and it was very insulting of a person's alleged level of knowledge and way of living. The earliest definition not only targeted Pagans but also included Muslims, Dharmic religions, and the beliefs of Native North Americans.

I personally find the word ugly, insulting, xenophobic, and very ignorant of cultures outside the realm of those who believe in the Abrahamic texts. Consequently, the moment I hear someone using the word "heathen" I immediately think the original definition of the word applies to the one using it!

Answer 7

Well, it depends on who you ask.. if you ask a christian, a heathen is one who does not accept christianity.

Heathen in pagan terms comes from the Norse tradition.

Answer 8

A heathen is a outcast from all society, while a pagan is directed not to accept certian religious beliefs in one God.