since it is considered to be gentile or non-abrahamic. If I say you are a heathen or you are a pagan is this considered in bad taste?
2007-09-19 07:15:03 · 16 answers · asked by . 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If not then why do atheist seem offended if I say you are a heathen?
2007-09-19 07:15:53 · update #1
I know heathen is more of an Islamic term these days and pagan more of a wicca term, but aren't they also still what I described above?
2007-09-19 07:16:54 · update #2
Depends on how it's used. And Heathen is not an Islamic term - Infidel is. Heathens are those who follow the Northern Traditions - Norse/Germanic Traditions. I'm sure if you call a Christian that they would consider it in bad taste... But actually neither Heathen nor Pagan was used by the Jews... the word is Goyim and means Gentile. It isn't until later that Heathen and Pagan is used in the Bible (and only After the "Church" decided to get rid of those who didn't follow their particular religion, calling them Heretics - which meant something totally different in Jesus' time just as Pagan meant something totally different).
As most people don't even know where these words come from or their original meanings, they would probably think you are putting them down unless they really are a Pagan or Heathen.
2007-09-19 07:54:59 · answer #1 · answered by River 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't mind being called a heathen, but I am one. *G* (Asatru) It means "from the Heath". Feel free to read the Article "Call us Heathens" http://www.wyrdwords.vispa.com/heathenry/callusheathen.html
Pagans don't mind being called pagan. Yes the term was coined as an insult originally but so was the word Christian. We have owned it for our own and wear it with pride.
Atheist are "offended" usually because they understand what a true pagan and heathen is. They are not. They are atheist. There is a difference.
2007-09-19 07:29:22 · answer #2 · answered by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Heathen is a very mis-used word. even among those who know what it really means.
All it means is Heath landers. Those that live in the heath (i belive its a valley) so its a term for Norse pagans. Heathen. No one else in the world is a heathen. Asatruars call themselves heathen becuse it connects us all to a central origin. like how christians have the garden of Eden.... except ours is a real place.
Athiests are offended becuse heathen IS a derogatory yerm. Its always been used that way so it is. like how the N word is derogatory. All it means is "Nigereian" or "from Nigeria". but it has been used as degredation for so long it is derogatory.
Every group christianity has encountered that isnt abrhamic(which is everyone) was always called 'heathens'. and were mistreated, killed, beaten, subjugated. etc. Atheists are trying to pre-empt that from happening to them. Which is understandable.
2007-09-19 07:26:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Depends who you're calling a pagan. There's a group of people who identify with the owrd: Wiccans, Druids, Asatru, etc. However, the term historically just means "non-Christian." Hindus and such generally object to the term. It's not descriptive. There religion in "Hindu", not "non-Christian." People want to be judged on their own merits, not how they measure up against others. Also, there is frequently negativeity in such a comparison. Historically, "Non-Christians" are the ones who are wrong, who are going to hell, who are ignorant, etc.
2007-09-19 08:50:27 · answer #4 · answered by Nightwind 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am perfectly fine with being called a heathen or pagan.
Just don't call me Sally.
2007-09-19 07:18:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't mind being called a heathen. Or a pagan, tho' that one's technically inaccurate.
2007-09-19 07:18:36 · answer #6 · answered by Scumspawn 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because heathen has been used as an insult by Christians for so long that it is hard not to be offended by it as people have been brought up to find it offensive.
2007-09-19 07:19:52 · answer #7 · answered by Monkey Man 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I love the answer from the guy who said materialism equates to paganism... it completely shows his ignorance.
I personally don't have a problem with what I'm called.. labels don't mean a lot.
Christian was once a derrogatory term given to them by the Roman guard and means "mini-christ".
2007-09-19 07:21:51 · answer #8 · answered by Kallan 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The dictionary is the problem
Pagan: "one who has little or no religion and who delights in sensual pleasures and material goods : an irreligious or hedonistic person." Websters Dictionary
Perhaps we should change definitions?
2007-09-19 07:21:29 · answer #9 · answered by mikearion 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because they are terms that are often in a pejorative sense. It's all about the way that words are used, as well as their actual meanings.
2007-09-19 07:18:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋