paganism
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Latin paganismus, "heathenism", from paganus, "peasant, rural, rustic". The term was used as an insult by the early Christians to belittle what remained of the native religions.
[edit] Noun
paganism (countable and uncountable; plural paganisms)
- Local religions practiced before the introduction of the Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Judaism or Islam).
- Recently converted societies often dealt harshly with signs of a return to paganism.
- A class of religions often associated with nature rituals.
- While paganism is a broad term, most forms pay close attention to the lunar and solar cycles.
[edit] Related terms
[edit] See also
[edit] Translations
local religions practiced before the introduction of Christianity
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