paganism

/ˈpeɪɡəˌnɪzəm/

Other forms: paganisms

Paganism refers to religions other than Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. Any religion that’s outside of the mainstream is considered paganism. Wiccans and Druids are but a few of the people who practice paganism, but many pagan religions have been retired.

Paganism is a loose term that lumps together many religions and belief systems. This term was often used in a derogatory way — especially by Christians — for faiths that existed before Jesus. The term pagan is related to the Latin word for “rural” because country people held on to the old religions for longer. In paganism, polytheism — a group of gods — was more common than the monotheism that followed. Paganism is also called heathenism.

Definitions of paganism

1. noun

   any of various religions other than Christianity or Judaism or Islamism
   synonyms: heathenism, pagan religion

   types:

   druidism

   the system of religion and philosophy taught by the Druids and their rites and ceremonies

   type of:

   faith, religion, religious belief

   a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny