What does paganism mean?
Paganism is a general term for pre-Christian and other non-Christian religious traditions, particularly those that worship multiple deities, spirits, ancestors, or powers associated with nature. Historically, the word referred to people living outside the Roman Christian world, although the modern term is often used to distinguish these traditions from Christianity and other established monotheistic religions. In contemporary scholarship, “paganism” can be problematic as an umbrella label because it may flatten very different beliefs and practices and can carry a dismissive or outdated implication. More precise terms are preferable when discussing a particular community, such as “pre-Christian religion,” “indigenous spirituality,” or the name of the religion itself. The term remains useful when discussing the history of religious change, especially the expansion of Christianity and the decline or transformation of older religious systems.
nounPaganism is the collective term for pre-Christian and other non-Christian religions and religious practices, especially those that are polytheistic or centered on nature, ancestors, or spirits. The term is also used more broadly for religious practices regarded as contrary to established Christian or other monotheistic traditions.
- Belief in, or the practice of, pre-Christian and other non-Christian religions, especially those involving multiple deities, nature spirits, ancestors, or other supernatural powers.
- By extension, religious practices or attitudes considered contrary to an established monotheistic tradition.
"The spread of Christianity gradually reduced paganism in many parts of the Roman Empire."
"Archaeologists have found evidence of paganism in temples and burial sites across the region."
"The novel depicts a conflict between paganism and Christianity in the early medieval period."
The word once meant “country dweller” before “pagan” came to denote someone outside the Christian world—a striking shift from rural life to a religious category.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paganism come from?
The word comes from Latin paganus, originally meaning “a country dweller” or “rustic,” and later “someone not Christian.” English borrowed the related forms in the late 4th century as Christian writers distinguished Christian belief from the religious practices of non-Christian peoples. Over time, “pagan” and its derivatives acquired their broader religious meanings, with “paganism” emerging as a name for systems of belief and worship outside Christianity.
Related word forms
How paganism is actually used
The term is broad and can sound dismissive when applied to living non-Christian traditions, so scholars often prefer a more specific description such as “pre-Christian religion,” “indigenous religion,” or “folk religion.” It is normally used as an uncountable noun.
Easily confused with paganism
Heathenism usually refers more specifically to beliefs regarded as unbaptized or non-Christian, whereas paganism is the broader modern term for pre-Christian and other non-Christian religious systems.
Polytheism is the worship or belief in multiple deities, while paganism can include polytheistic religions as well as other forms of non-Christian or non-monotheistic belief and practice.