The country swayed precariously between Christianity and paganism.
paganism in American English
(ˈpeiɡəˌnɪzəm)
noun
1.
pagan spirit or attitude in religious or moral questions
2.
the beliefs or practices of pagans
3.
the state of being a pagan
Derived forms
paganist
adjective or noun
paganistic
adjective
Word origin
[1400–50; late ME pāgānysme ‹ LL pāgānismus, equiv. to L pāgān(us)pagan + -ismus-ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1400–50. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: gallery, peg, structure, transit, union-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nounsfrom verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice,state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion oradherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)
Examples of 'paganism' in a sentence
paganism
Paganism is on the rise in the military.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
Paganism rarely seems to have inspired such passionate commitment.
The Times Literary Supplement (2012)
Perhaps part of the answer hints at the presiding power of paganism.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It is the closest thing that we have to 21st-century paganism.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
On his return he was ready to convert to paganism.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
I cannot understand how paganism can possibly be sanctioned as a religion.
The Sun (2009)
The blond jeweller who converted to paganism?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
I think this is supposed to underline his earthy paganism, but it looks bizarre.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Paganism is legally considered to be a religion.
The Sun (2012)
Paganism was the most popular, with 695 believers, up from 366 in 2009.