1. The religious beliefs, practices, or way of life of heathens; paganism or polytheistic religion outside the Abrahamic faiths.
Usage: Often used in historical or religious contexts; Can be considered dated or offensive in modern usage
2. Lack of religious belief or civilization; barbarism or uncivilized behavior.
Usage: archaic; often considered offensive

Examples

• Medieval missionaries sought to convert populations they viewed as practicing heathenism.
• The scholar studied ancient heathenism to understand pre-Christian European religions.
• Some early Christian writers condemned heathenism as ignorance and superstition.
• The term heathenism reflects historical attitudes toward non-Christian belief systems.
• Anthropologists examine heathenism as part of religious and cultural history.