The Athenaeum
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Monotheism, Henotheism, Polytheism, Pantheism? Which Theism do you subscribe to?
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Monotheism, Henotheism, Polytheism, Pantheism? Which Theism do you subscribe to?
When considering the differences between the following;
Monotheism
Monotheism is the belief in the existence of a single, all-powerful deity who is responsible for the creation and governance of the universe. This belief system is characterized by the worship of one god and often includes the idea that this deity is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent. Monotheistic religions include Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, each with its unique understanding and relationship with the divine figure.
Henotheism
Henotheism is a religious belief structure that acknowledges the existence of multiple gods but focuses on the worship of one particular deity without denying the existence or worth of others. This term, coined by scholar Max Müller, describes an intermediate stage between polytheism and monotheism, where the devoted might believe in a pantheon of gods but choose to worship one as supreme or most relevant to their lives. Ancient Hinduism, as reflected in the Rigveda, provides examples of henotheistic practices.
Polytheism
Polytheism is the belief in or worship of multiple gods or deities, each with their own distinct identities, personalities, histories, and areas of influence or control (such as the sea, war, love, etc.). These deities are often seen as part of a broader pantheon or complex mythology that explains the natural and spiritual worlds. Polytheism characterizes many ancient religions, such as those of the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Norse, and is still practiced in various forms today, including Hinduism.
Pantheism
Pantheism posits that the divine or sacred is identical to the universe and everything in it, suggesting that God or divine reality is present in all things and that everything collectively forms the divine essence. This belief system sees the universe and nature as a manifestation of the divine, rather than viewing God as a personal, anthropomorphic being who exists separately from the physical universe. Pantheism suggests a form of unity with the divine through the natural world, and is a perspective found in some interpretations of Hinduism, Taoism, and various philosophical and spiritual movements.
- Are you drawn to or if you had the opportunity to explore in depth the teachings and practices of one of these belief systems, which would you choose, and what questions would you seek answers to?
- How do you define the concept of divinity within monotheism, henotheism, polytheism, and pantheism, and what key distinctions do you find most compelling?
- Can you identify any personal experiences or readings that have significantly influenced your preference or interest in one of these religious structures over the others?
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4 Replies
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I’m more a pantheist I believe in multiple gods but I believe that they are all aspects from the same source
One of the things that attracted me to this was living in the Bible belt and being around extremely dogmatic people that were convinced that their way was the only way . Their whole argument was flawed
Because even as a child I would ask “what about the people before your God or people who have never had the chance to the worship your God do they burn in hell too?” And am I supposed to just ignore whatever great person has done for the sake humanity to only believe in just one
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Brother I am with you there. Pantheism is the most comfortable and in a way I see them as all being right in their own way, from certain perspectives. I relish being able to switch between modes of consciousness so that I can more deeply comprehend or come to know divinity through various lenses. Such is the way of the philomageia, the lover of magick, as I am just loving that term I happened upon coining the other day. Overall, they all have their draws and their disadvantages. Thanks for sharing!
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Kind of like that old elephant analogy lol …..Straight up digging the new terminology I’m going to have to incorporate that one
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Exactly, like the Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant! Everyone is right and no one is right. It is a wonderful paradox.
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