DU Pagans: A question about "heathen"

[markus]

There was a reference to "heathens" in a news story in the Fargo (N.D.) Forum, in relation to a battle over a cross on display at a local (public) museum.

Heathen to me has a negative connotation, and I was about to fire off a quick note to the editor, until I found this site while looking for AP or other Stylebook references, which indicated that some Germanic or Nordic pagans actually prefer the term heathen over pagan.

http://www.newseagles.com/portfolio/writing/education/apextra/apextra.html

Is this fellow correct?

I'm still disturbed by it, as for the general population, I believe this is a loaded word implying exactly what dictionary.com/American Heritage Dictionary says in its second defintion: "unelightened, uncivilized...".

[yardwork]

1. Pagan checking in

I'm perfectly happy with the word heathen. It's a pejorative term that I have reclaimed. People were perfectly happy being heathens for thousands of years until a certain male-dominated religion invaded and imposed their beliefs.

[thinkingwoman]

2. yes, like bitch, and...

the "n" word. Like you, I am happy to be called a heathen. We should keep taking back words until all they've got left to call us is enlightened.

[displacedtexan]

3. Not a pagan, but...

I was raised a 'heathen.'

Heathens are 'uncivilized' if your definition of 'civilized' means strictly adhering to the laws and trappings of 'The Church.'

You're correct. It is a loaded word. To imply that a pastoral-centered life, free of the trappings of The Church, is uncivilized is, in itself, "unenlightened, uncivilized.'

[Xipe Totec]

4. Gentile Also Means Heathen

It is a term now used by the Jewish community to refer to non-Jews, but in earlier times it was used by the Catholic church to refer to non-Catholics (something I discovered while doing 18th century genealogical research in Mexico).

The Tarahumaran Indians in Northern Mexico use the term Chavochi to refer to any outsider, male or female. But the literal translation of the word is 'face with spiderwebs', referring to the white beards worn by the first Europeans they saw. Go figure.

Words acquire meaning through usage; If the term is used as a pejorative, then it becomes a pejorative.

[Bridget Burke]

5. "Pagan" & "heathen" originally had the same meaning...

Although the etymology of "pagan" is a bit cloudy. Supposedly, pagan comes from the Latin word indicating country dweller. The "heathen" lives in the heath--again, out in the country. Some use these terms in a pejorative fashion--but some use "Christian" the same way.

Personally, I find some of the Nordic practices excessively white. As a dweller in the New World, I respect Tonantzin as well as Brigid. And I certainly don't wish to neglect Mamzelle Erzulie.

[Gruenemann]

8. Yep, "paganus" is Latin for "country bumpkin"

Originally a pejorative akin to "hillbillly" or "redneck," without any religious significance until used by early xians to refer to those from outlying areas that had yet to be converted. Or so I've read.

You're absolutely right about "heathen." And I find that some of the nordic stuff makes me a little uneasy.

[nickinSTL]

6. Norse and Germanic pagans do prefer heathen

for the most part.

It has a lot to do with the dynamics of the pagan community.

A lot of Asatruar and other followers of the Norse deities tend to be uncomfortable being identified with many pagans, including Wiccans, due to the 'fluffy bunny' syndrome.

The perception of a lot of people, that pagans are non-violent tree-hugging worshippers of whatever feels good at the moment bothers a lot of Norse/Germanic heathens. Many of whom are pro-gun, aggressive types who are clear on what pantheon they honor.

That said, it's not universal. I'm of the Norse persuasion myself, but don't have a problem with non-violent tree-huggers. :D

[CarolynEC]

7. To Joe and Jane Averagecitizen, it's a put-down

That's how the word is used, that's WHY the word is used. Fire off your letter! You might suggest that it's not "heathens" who object to religion intruding on government. It's patriots.