heathendom

9.9

Lands and people who do not follow Christianity

noun
/ˈhiːθəndəm/

Archaic

: paganismo

Throughout history, many cultures were deeply influenced by heathendom, adhering to beliefs outside of Christianity.

Examples

Where, in heathendom, does it say that lesbianism is okay?

Blog text (19)
Edwards' insistence on a unified human nature rendered it impossible for anyone to take credit for advances out of heathendom.

Academic text (2003)
The expedition aimed to explore the rituals and customs of heathendom, providing insights into ancient pagan practices.
In discussions about religious tolerance, the challenges faced by those living in heathendom are often overlooked.

Synonyms

paganism

vsheathendom

7 7.9

Religious beliefs and practices that are not part of major world religions, often old or local traditions

applies more to peoples, lands, or historical contexts rather than only beliefs

pagan religion

vsheathendom

1 7.2

A set of beliefs and actions that worship many gods or nature

focuses more on peoples and lands in historical or religious contexts

gentilism

vsheathendom

Archaic

9.9

An old word for the religious beliefs of people who are not Jewish

is the modern concept referring to peoples, lands, and beliefs in historical contexts

Antonyms

Christianity

130 2.1

A religion that follows Jesus Christ and believes he is the savior

Surface Forms

heathendom singular

heathendoms plural

Morphology

heathendom = heathen (semi-transparent) = heathen + dom

Formed by adding the productive suffix '-dom' to 'heathen' giving the state or domain of heathens, but the word is archaic and the exact nuance (state vs. territory) may not be obvious to learners.

Etymology

The word heathendom comes from heathen, which first meant people from the heath 'open land', and the ending -dom, which means 'state' or 'place', as in kingdom. So heathendom meant the 'lands or state of heathen people', which is why it refers to non-Christian peoples or lands.