Polytheism is the belief that there is more than one god. Some religions have more than one god, such as Islam and Judaism. This article will explore the many ways that polytheism manifests in these religions. Here is an overview on polytheism and how it has shaped our lives.
Ancient Egyptian religion practiced polytheism
Polytheistic religion in ancient Egypt meant that there were many gods. Some were all-powerful, others were smaller, some were associated specifically with cities and places. Egyptians were known to have a tendency to build cults around certain gods. Many worshiped multiple gods simultaneously. Amunhotep (Osiris), Isis, Horus and Isis were some of the main gods of ancient Egyptian religion. Each deity was assigned a specific role in Egyptian society. Cults built shrines for deities and fed them in hopes of getting reciprocity.
Hinduism is polytheistic
Hinduism has many deities and is a polytheistic religion. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are the major deities in Hinduism. Each has distinct names, abodes, and spheres of influence.
Judaism is a multitheistic religion
Judaism, a polythene religion, has over 100 traditions. Its roots can be traced back to the Bronze Age of ancient Semitic religions. It was born out of ancient Canaanite Polytheism. It coexisted in Babylonian religion. Both religions combined their beliefs into Yahweh, a single God. This coexistence was evident in the Hebrew Bible's early prophetic books.
Islam is a polytheistic religion
Quran supports the belief that Islam is a multitheistic religion. The Holy Qur'an contains sixteen instances of the word'ma'a' in the verse 'besides Allah'. It means "equal". Also, it means that polytheists can worship Allah or their idols as two gods.
Animism is a polytheistic religion
Animism, a polytheist religion, believes in many deities. It focuses on community and the memory of the ancestors. Clan life is also important in the religion. The individual only has meaning in the context of the community.
Henotheism can be described as a form polytheism.
Henotheism is a polytheistic religion that maintains the essential unity of God, but recognizes the diversity of theophanies and cogitations of the Divine. According to this view the Divine is the firstness' all things, including humans. Henotheism has historical roots in pagan Hermeticism and Ancient Egyptian religion, and is present in other religious traditions such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Brahmanism. Henotheist theology is also part of Western Mystery Tradition.
Monotheism is one form of polytheism.
Monotheism, in its simplest form is belief in one, personal, and omnipotent god. While this view is common, it can be criticized as a patriarchal view. This view of God as separate, male and omnipresent is restrictive and dangerous to nature, change and femininity. Critics like Manuel de Dieguez (Alain de Benoist) have accused monotheism of suppressing human freedom.
Monotheism cannot be combined with certain forms of theism
Monotheism and certain forms of theism have not always been compatible. Some religious groups forbid the notion of a God and instead believe in a deity. Others believe in monotheism but support a deity. This argument can be traced back at the Bible's beginnings, which was monotheistic.