Fact Check: The term 'pagan' originally meant 'country folk' and was later twisted into meaning 'heretic.'

Claim: The term 'pagan' originally meant 'country folk' and was later twisted into meaning 'heretic.'

Verdict: Partially True (60% confidence)

Explanation: According to gotquestions.org, the term 'pagan' comes from the Latin word 'paganus,' which means 'country dweller,' confirming the original meaning as 'country folk.' However, no source explicitly provides background on that the term was later twisted into meaning 'heretic.' The Wikipedia entry on paganism provides background on how Christians used the term to refer to non-Christians, implying a negative connotation, but it does not directly state that 'pagan' evolved to mean 'heretic.' Therefor...