Polytheism means believing that there are more than one god. Some religions, including Hinduism, Judaism, and Islam, have many gods. This article explains the various manifestations of polytheism within these religions. Here's an overview of what polytheism is and how it has shaped our world.
The ancient Egyptian religion was polytheistic
Polytheistic religion in ancient Egypt meant that there were many gods. Some were essentially all-powerful, while others were smaller, and some were associated with specific cities and locations. The Egyptians were prone to create cults around specific gods and worship multiple gods at once. Amunhotep (Osiris), Isis, Horus and Isis were some of the main gods of ancient Egyptian religion. Each deity played a different role within Egyptian society. In the hope of reciprocity with the divine, cults constructed shrines for their deities, and dressed and fed them.
Hinduism is multitheistic
Hinduism can be described as a multitheistic religion with many deities. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are the major deities in Hinduism. Each deity has its own name and abode.
Judaism can be described as a multitheistic religion
Judaism, a polythene religion, has over 100 traditions. Its roots are found in the Bronze Age, which is home to ancient Semitic religions. It evolved out of ancient Canaanite polytheism. It coexisted and was influenced by Babylonian religious beliefs. The two religions merged their beliefs into Yahweh. This coexistence is evident in the Hebrew Bible's earliest prophetic books.
Islam is a polytheistic religion
Quran affirms that Islam is a polytheistic religion. In the Holy Qur'an, the word'ma'a' is used sixteen times in the verse 'besides Allah'. It means 'equal'. This means that polytheists worship two gods: Allah and their idols.
Animism can be described as a multitheistic religion
Animism, a polytheist religion, believes in many deities. Its main features include strong community involvement and the respect for the ancestors. The religion also emphasizes the importance of clan life. The community is what gives meaning to an individual.
Henotheism, a type of polytheism, is one form.
Henotheism refers to a polytheistic religion which maintains God's essential unity, but also recognizes the infinite variety of theophanies of the Divine. According to this view, God is the 'firstness,' even of humans. Henotheism is a religious tradition that has its historical roots in Ancient Egyptian pagan Hermeticism, as well as other religious traditions like Buddhism, Taoism and Brahmanism. The Western Mystery Tradition also includes henotheists.
Monotheism can be considered a form polytheism.
Monotheism in its most basic form refers to belief in a single, individual, omnipotent deity. This view is quite common but can be called patriarchal. Its idea of God as separate, male, and omnipresent is reductive and threatening to nature, change, and femininity. Critics like Manuel de Dieguez (Alain de Benoist) have accused monotheism of suppressing human freedom.
Monotheism does not fit with some forms theism.
Historically, monotheism has not been compatible with certain forms of theism. Some religious groups, for example, reject the idea that there is a deity but accept the idea of a god. While some groups believe that there is a deity, others oppose monotheism. This argument can be traced back as far as the Bible, which was monotheistic at its origins.