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Heathen vs. Heretic — What's the Difference?

By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 3, 2024
Heathen refers to someone not adhering to a major world religion, especially Christianity, while heretic denotes a person who contradicts established religious teachings.
Heathen vs. Heretic — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Heathen and Heretic

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Key Differences

Heathen originally described people from non-Christian or non-Jewish communities, emphasizing their lack of exposure to these religions, whereas a heretic specifically challenges or rejects the orthodox doctrines within their own religion, especially Christianity. This fundamental distinction highlights the external versus internal critique of religious beliefs.
While heathens are often perceived as followers of polytheistic or indigenous religions, lacking the monotheistic framework of Christianity or Judaism, heretics, on the other hand, emerge from within a religious framework but deviate by holding beliefs contrary to the accepted doctrines. This difference marks the boundary between an outsider's faith and an insider's dissent.
Heathenry is typically associated with a complete system of beliefs and practices outside the Abrahamic faiths, often rooted in ancient or pagan traditions, whereas heresy implies a selective disagreement with certain aspects of a religion, often leading to debates, reforms, or schisms within the faith. The contrast here lies in the breadth and source of religious affiliation and critique.
Historically, the term "heathen" has been used in a pejorative sense to describe non-Christians or those considered uncivilized, while "heretic" carries a connotation of rebellion and danger to religious orthodoxy, reflecting the different societal and ecclesiastical attitudes towards external religious others and internal dissenters.
In modern contexts, the use of "heathen" can sometimes reflect a reclaimed identity among those who embrace ancient or pagan traditions, celebrating their connection to nature and ancestral practices. Conversely, being labeled a heretic can signify intellectual and spiritual independence, challenging traditional interpretations to foster new understandings within a faith.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Someone from outside the major monotheistic religions, often with pagan beliefs.
Someone who disputes or rejects core doctrines of their own religion.

Origin

Outside a religious tradition (e.g., Christianity).
Inside a religious tradition, diverging from its teachings.

Connotation

Historically pejorative, now sometimes reclaimed positively.
Often negative, suggesting deviation and conflict.

Religious Association

Polytheistic, indigenous, or ancient religions.
Any religion, but historically linked with Christianity.

Societal Perception

Viewed as outsiders or uncivilized.
Seen as dissenters or rebels within their community.

Compare with Definitions

Heathen

A person not belonging to one of the major world religions.
Many ancient cultures considered outsiders to be heathens.

Heretic

In contemporary terms, may denote a critical thinker in religious debates.
Modern heretics sometimes lead to significant theological developments.

Heathen

In modern usage, often reclaimed by those practicing pagan traditions.
Some modern pagans proudly identify as heathens, celebrating their spiritual connection to nature.

Heretic

A person who challenges established religious teachings.
Galileo was considered a heretic for his astronomical theories.

Heathen

Someone who practices a polytheistic or indigenous religion.
The Vikings were often labeled heathens for their Norse beliefs.

Heretic

A label used for those promoting unorthodox beliefs.
Early Christians were seen as heretics by some Jewish authorities.

Heathen

An individual considered uncivilized or irreligious by others.
Explorers labeled native tribes as heathens due to their unfamiliar customs.

Heretic

Someone who rejects core doctrines of their faith.
A heretic in medieval times often faced severe punishment.

Heathen

A term historically used to describe non-Christians.
Medieval Christians referred to non-European peoples as heathens.

Heretic

Often associated with intellectual dissent within a religious community.
Heretics have played key roles in religious reformations.

Heathen

A person who does not belong to a widely held religion (especially one who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim) as regarded by those who do
A chance of salvation for the heathen
My brother and I were raised, as my grandma puts it, as heathens

Heretic

A person who holds controversial opinions, especially one who publicly dissents from the officially accepted dogma of the Roman Catholic Church.

Heathen

Relating to heathens
Heathen practices

Heretic

Heretical.

Heathen

An adherent of a religion that does not worship the God of Judaism, Christianity, or Islam.

Heretic

Someone who believes contrary to the fundamental tenets of a religion they claim to belong to.

Heathen

Such persons considered as a group.

Heretic

Someone who does not conform to generally accepted beliefs or practices

Heathen

Heathen An adherent of a Neopagan religion that seeks to revive the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Germanic peoples.

Heretic

(archaic) Heretical; of or pertaining to heresy or heretics.

Heathen

One who is regarded as irreligious, uncivilized, or unenlightened.

Heretic

One who holds to a heresy; one who believes some doctrine contrary to the established faith or prevailing religion.
A man that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject.

Heathen

Such persons considered as a group.

Heretic

One who having made a profession of Christian belief, deliberately and pertinaciously refuses to believe one or more of the articles of faith "determined by the authority of the universal church."

Heathen

Not adhering to the Christian religion (though usually excluding the Jews); pagan.

Heretic

A person who holds religious beliefs in conflict with the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church

Heathen

(by extension) Uncultured; uncivilized; savage, philistine.

Heretic

A person who holds unorthodox opinions in any field (not merely religion)

Heathen

Alternative case form of Heathen.

Heathen

A person who does not follow a Christian religion; a pagan.

Heathen

(by extension) An uncultured or uncivilized person, philistine.

Heathen

Alternative case form of Heathen.

Heathen

An individual of the pagan or unbelieving nations, or those which worship idols and do not acknowledge the true God; a pagan; an idolater.

Heathen

An irreligious person.
If it is no more than a moral discourse, he may preach it and they may hear it, and yet both continue unconverted heathens.
Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance.

Heathen

Gentile; pagan; as, a heathen author.

Heathen

Barbarous; unenlightened; heathenish.

Heathen

Irreligious; scoffing.

Heathen

A person who does not acknowledge your God

Heathen

Not acknowledging the God of Christianity and Judaism and Islam

Common Curiosities

How does a heretic differ from a non-believer?

A heretic holds beliefs that deviate from established doctrines of their religion, while a non-believer does not adhere to the religion at all.

Can a person be both a heathen and a heretic?

In strict terms, no, because heathenry and heresy are defined by different relationships to religious tradition—one external, the other internal.

Is the term "heathen" always pejorative?

Historically, yes, but in modern contexts, it can be reclaimed as a positive identity among practitioners of ancient or pagan religions.

Why were heretics considered dangerous in historical contexts?

Heretics were seen as threats to the unity and authority of religious institutions by challenging core beliefs.

Can heresy lead to excommunication?

Yes, in many religious traditions, espousing heretical beliefs can lead to excommunication or other forms of censure.

Are there any religions that welcome heretical views?

Some more liberal or reform-oriented religious communities may encourage questioning and debate, valuing heretical perspectives for fostering growth.

Can the label of "heretic" change over time?

Yes, individuals once branded as heretics can be reassessed and even revered as visionaries or reformers in later periods.

What defines a heathen?

A heathen is typically someone who does not belong to one of the major world religions, often practicing a form of polytheism.

How do societies view heathens and heretics differently?

Heathens are often seen as entirely outside the religious community, while heretics are viewed as internal critics or dissenters.

Do all religions have concepts equivalent to heathenism and heresy?

While specifics vary, most religions have concepts to describe outsiders and internal dissenters, reflecting universal themes of belonging and belief.

How do legal systems treat accusations of heresy today?

In secular legal systems, heresy is not a punishable offense, reflecting a modern emphasis on religious freedom and personal belief.

Is there a movement to reclaim the term "heretic" in a positive light?

Yes, similar to "heathen," some view "heretic" as a badge of honor, denoting intellectual freedom and the courage to question established norms.

How do modern pagans and practitioners of indigenous religions view the term "heathen"?

Many embrace it as a descriptor of their spiritual path, focusing on its roots in nature worship and ancient tradition.

What is the historical significance of heresy trials?

Heresy trials, such as those during the Inquisition, highlight the lengths to which religious authorities have gone to preserve doctrinal purity.

What role do heretics play in religious communities today?

Heretics can stimulate discussion and reflection, potentially leading to reform or a deeper understanding of faith.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

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