non-Christiann.adj.

1671 A. Woodhead Considerations Council of Trent xv. 240 Nor may such separation be understood from Infidels, Heathens, or non-Christians only.

1815 tr. J. H. Jung-Stilling Scenes in World of Spirits xi. 202 The serious return of the will from evil to good, is nearly as difficult to a christian, as to the non-christian.

1850 Biblical Repertory July 368 Goethe, who called himself a decided non-christian (einen decidirten Nichtchristen).

1892 Internat. Jrnl. Ethics 2 467 There was, in the eleventh century, a general change of sentiment towards the Jews caused by the thirst for fighting non-Christians.

1934 H. G. Wells Exper. in Autobiogr. I. v. 216 As a non-Christian I objected to making a cross if that was avoidable.

1993 Humanist in Canada Winter 33/1 We non-Christians should have the courtesy not to distort your observance, which has a deep and authentic meaning within your community of belief.

1855 N. Amer. Rev. Jan. 4 The conditions necessary..in order to acquire dominion in Europe or the East, demanded a nation non-European, non-Christian, uncorrupted by luxury, [etc.].

1873 M. Arnold Lit. & Dogma (1876) 356 The non-Christian religions are not to the wise man mere monsters.

1902 W. James Varieties Relig. Experience i. 12 In certain non-Christian countries the foundation of all religious discipline consists in regulation of the inspiration and expiration.

1965 Eng. Stud. Feb. 3 Such scenes in earlier non-dramatic narrative, where the roots are probably non-Christian.

1992 A. Fleras & J. L. Elliot Nations Within ii. x. 142 Enslavement of non-Christian Indians had been permitted under Spanish law.