Monotheism

Monotheism is the belief in only one deity, or God.

The term itself comes from two Greek words. "Monos" means single, and "theos" means god. While the concept is ancient, the specific word "monotheism" was actually coined by Henry More in 1660. Earlier thinkers did not use this exact term to describe their beliefs. Today, monotheism is a major way people understand the divine. It shapes how billions of people live their lives and view the universe.

There are several different ways to understand how monotheism works. One type is called exclusive monotheism. In this view, the one God is a single, unique existence. Another type is inclusive or pluriform monotheism. Here, people might recognize many different gods or godly forms. However, they believe these are all just extensions of the same one God.

Scholars also distinguish monotheism from other similar systems. Henotheism is a system where a person worships one god. However, they do not deny that other gods exist for other people. Monolatry is different because it recognizes many gods exist. Yet, the followers choose to worship only one deity consistently.

These distinctions help us understand the nuance in religious thought.

Monotheism can also be viewed on a spectrum from narrow to wide. Narrow monotheism only acknowledges the existence of one single deity. It does not allow for any other gods to exist at all.

Wide monotheism is a bit different. It views one deity as supreme but permits the existence of lesser deities.

For example, Atenism viewed the god Yahweh as a lesser deity compared to Aten.

History shows many early attempts at monotheistic thought. In the 14th century BCE, Akhenaten's Great Hymn to the Aten showed quasi-monotheistic claims in Egypt.

In China, the Shang dynasty practiced worship of Shangdi or Heaven starting around 1766 BCE.

While this included lesser spirits, later groups like Mohists approached true monotheism. Zoroastrianism is another ancient example. The prophet Zoroaster is credited with founding this religion as early as the middle of the second millennium BCE.

Zoroastrians believe in the supremacy of one God named Ahura Mazda.

Many modern faiths follow these traditions. The Abrahamic religions include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

These faiths share a focus on one God. Other examples of narrow monotheism include Sikhism and the Baháʼí Faith.

Mandaeism and Yazidism are also important monotheistic traditions.

Each of these groups has its own unique way of expressing their belief.

Monotheism also connects deeply to philosophy and social science. Ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle influenced religious theology.

Plato spoke of a divine craftsman, and Aristotle spoke of an unmoved mover. Additionally, some experts study how society affects belief. Evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar suggests that large, crowded societies might need centralized rituals. This could help maintain social cohesion in big groups. These connections show how ideas about God interact with human history and thought.