Heathen vs. Infidel — What's the Difference?

Used informally to describe someone uncivilized or wildly irreligious.

In Islam, often synonymous with "kafir", which means one who denies God's existence or messages.

Metaphorically, an individual who defies conventional or expected religious behaviors.

Historically, used in a derogatory sense to describe unbelievers or those of different faiths.

One who practices a polytheistic or nature-based religion.

Reflects a formal indictment of apostasy or heresy within religious texts.

Someone from a culture or group considered non-Abrahamic by Christians, Jews, or Muslims.

A term used by Christians and Muslims for someone who does not adhere to their religious beliefs.

A person not adhering to any of the major world religions, particularly Christianity, Islam, or Judaism.

Used in modern dialogue to discuss religious intolerance or conflicts.

A person who does not belong to a widely held religion (especially one who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim) as regarded by those who do

Infidel (literally "unfaithful") is a term used in certain religions for those accused of unbelief in the central tenets of their own religion, for members of another religion, or for the irreligious.Infidel is an ecclesiastical term in Christianity around which the Church developed a body of theology that deals with the concept of infidelity, which makes a clear differentiation between those who were baptized and followed the teachings of the Church versus those who are outside the faith. The term infidel was used by Christians to describe those perceived as the enemies of Christianity.

Relating to heathens

A person who has no religion or whose religion is not that of the majority

An adherent of a religion that does not worship the God of Judaism, Christianity, or Islam.

Adhering to a religion other than that of the majority

Such persons considered as a group.

Often Offensive An unbeliever with respect to a particular religion, especially Christianity or Islam.

Heathen An adherent of a Neopagan religion that seeks to revive the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Germanic peoples.

One who has no religious beliefs.

One who is regarded as irreligious, uncivilized, or unenlightened.

One who doubts or rejects a particular doctrine, system, or principle.

Such persons considered as a group.

Rejecting a specific religion.

Not adhering to the Christian religion (though usually excluding the Jews); pagan.

Of, characteristic of, or relating to unbelievers or unbelief.

(by extension) Uncultured; uncivilized; savage, philistine.

One who does not believe in a certain religion.

Alternative case form of Heathen.

One who does not believe in a certain principle.

A person who does not follow a Christian religion; a pagan.

One with no religious beliefs.

(by extension) An uncultured or uncivilized person, philistine.

Not holding the faith; - applied by Christians to one who does not believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures, and the supernatural origin of Christianity; used by Mohammedans to refer to those who do not believe in Islam.

Alternative case form of Heathen.

One who does not believe in the prevailing religious faith; a heathen; a freethinker; - used especially by Christians and Mohammedans.

An individual of the pagan or unbelieving nations, or those which worship idols and do not acknowledge the true God; a pagan; an idolater.

A person who does not acknowledge your God

An irreligious person.

Gentile; pagan; as, a heathen author.

Barbarous; unenlightened; heathenish.

Irreligious; scoffing.

A person who does not acknowledge your God

Not acknowledging the God of Christianity and Judaism and Islam

Both terms can be considered offensive, especially "infidel," which is often used derogatorily. "Heathen" might be used more casually or humorously in some contexts, but it still can be derogatory.

Today, "infidel" is sometimes used in religious or ideological conflicts to denote the enemy or those opposed to a particular faith, particularly in extremist narratives.

Yes, depending on context. "Heathen" typically refers to anyone not part of the Abrahamic religions, and "infidel" specifically to those who oppose or do not believe in the tenets of a particular religion.

Historically, "heathen" was used to describe people from non-Christian societies, especially during the early Christian missionary efforts in Europe and in colonized regions.

The term is most often associated with those practicing old European paganism, Norse or Germanic religions, and other polytheistic or indigenous religions.

Primarily, yes, "infidel" is used in religious contexts to denote someone who does not adhere to the particular faith speaking about them, especially in Christianity and Islam.

Children might also be labeled heathens or infidels in some religious or cultural contexts, particularly if they are being raised outside the predominant faith of the society.

Generally, there are no positive connotations; however, some groups may embrace these labels to highlight their difference from mainstream religious practices.

Various religious texts, including the Bible and the Quran, refer to non-believers with terms like heathens and infidels, often in a context of warning or admonishment.

No, these terms are generally not used in modern legal or official documents due to their derogatory and subjective connotations.

These terms can create barriers and perpetuate misunderstandings or hostility in interfaith dialogues, making it challenging to foster cooperation and respect.

Interpretations vary widely; some cultures might use them as severe insults, while others may use them more liberally and without intent to offend.

Yes, many religious teachings that use these terms also preach conversion and accepting new believers who were formerly considered outsiders or non-believers.

Yes, while their core meanings remain, the usage and acceptance of these terms have evolved, with some groups reclaiming or dismissing these terms altogether.

Some neo-pagan and modern polytheistic groups have reclaimed "heathen" to describe their spiritual practices proudly, distancing themselves from its pejorative origins.