Definition: Pagans and Heathens
From LanceaSanctum
21 August 2006
"Pagan - Non-Monotheist. Or anyone who worships something other than the One True God."
Your definition is somewhat correct, but also somewhat incorrect. A pagan is one who engages in Paganism. Paganism, in the broadest sense includes all religions other than the true one revealed by God, and, in a narrower sense, all except Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The term is also used as the equivalent of Polytheism. It is derived from the Latin *pagus*, whence *pagani* (i. e. those who live in the country), a name given to the country folk who remained heathen after the cities had become Christian.
"Heathen - See Pagan."
Not entirely correct. While a pagan actively worships something other than the one True God, a heathen may actually worship nothing at all, and is generally considered unenlightened. By definition, if enlightenment can be obtained, the heathen can transcend his state and become one of the faithful. Therefore, by logic, it can be said that all pagans are heathens, but not all heathens are pagans.
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