Is the word Heathen a negative term when referring to people who are Pagans?

Answer 1

As always it's a personal thing.

I know people who prefer to religoiusly identify with the term Heathen as a positive thing. While I know others who'd toss it around as if it is an insult.

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Answer 2

Not necessarily a negative term (that would depend on why and how the word was being used) but frequently an incorrect term. Among self-described Pagans, only those who follow Germanic religion (generally Asatruar) typically call themselves Heathens.

As a rule of thumb, I don't call people by terms that they do not use for themselves. It avoids piles of misunderstanding, and it avoids the incident turning into unintentional name calling.

Answer 3

Yes, "heathen" is supposed to be a negative word. I just laugh at those that try to insult me with it because they don't actually know what it means.

Answer 4

Christians called Muslims "the Heathens" and declared they were to be killed.


"History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated." --De Lacy O'Leary, ISLAM AT THE CROSSROADS, London, 1923, p. 8 ------------------------------------------------

“The Christian World came to wage crusades against Muslims but eventually knelt before them to gain knowledge. They were spellbound to see that Muslims were owners of a culture that was far superior to their own. The Dark Ages of Europe were illuminated by nothing but the beacon of Muslim Civilization.” (F.J.C Hearushaw, The Science of History.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------

“The Renaissance of Europe did not take place in the 15th century. Rather it began when Europe learned from the culture of the Arabs. The cradle of European awakening is not Italy. It is the Muslim Spain.” (Robert Briffault, The Making Of Mankind)

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Answer 5

Heathen means one that dwells by the hearth, Nothing negative there!

Answer 6

I consider it a compliment ;-)

Anyone ignorant and insensitive enough to use the word in a negative way, I do not mind being ideologically rejected by. That's not someone I really want as a friend.

Answer 7

yes.

a Heathen is a person who lives with out the convieniences of modern technology (permanent houses, agriculture, tamed animals, etc.) and is not nessecarily negative.


i now many pagans who have houses. and gardens. and pets.

Answer 8

It IS a negative term, because it was used against anyone who was not of the Christian belief!

Answer 9

Heathen means 'without God'

Answer 10

It is a derogatory word.