paganism; heathenism; non-mainstream religion
Refers to religions outside the dominant tradition, especially from a monotheistic perspective. Often used in historical or comparative religion contexts.
In ancient Rome, Christianity was considered a pagan religion.
A festival was held to worship the pagan gods.
pagan; heathen; heretic
Compound of 異 (i, 'different') and 教 (kyō, 'teaching' or 'religion'), literally meaning 'different teaching/religion'.