Henotheism

Henotheism (Inclusive Monotheism, Monolatrism, or Monolatry) is the worship of only one god, while acknowledging that other gods exist. Henotheists do not necessarily view other gods as legitimate objects of worship, even while acknowledging they exist. This idea or practice is defined in contrast to monotheism and polytheism. Henotheistic Gods are generally viewed as Gods of particular nations or cultures, while monotheistic and polytheistic Gods are generally viewed as being universal.

Table of contents

1 Contrasting Henotheism and Monolatrism 2 Contrasting Henotheism and Polytheism 3 Henotheistic Religions 4 External Link

Contrasting Henotheism and Monolatrism

Sometimes, monolatrism and henotheism are distinguished as follows: in monolatry, only one god is viewed as worthy of worship, the remainder viewed as inferior; in henotheism, the other gods are viewed as important and worthy of worship by others, however the henotheists worship only one god.

Contrasting Henotheism and Polytheism

Henotheism is not simply a belief in a supreme god amongst many, or the predominant worship of one god with secondary worship of others, since these are forms of polytheism.

Henotheistic Religions

• Many scholars interpret the Bible as depicting a struggle between Yahwist priests, who were Henotheists, and the polytheistic Hebrew public. According to this view, Yahwist priests sought to promote the worship of the "jealous" god Yahweh to the exclusion of other gods. These scholars date the beginnings of true Hebrew monotheism to some time after the Babylonian captivity.
• Some branches of the Latter Day Saint movement have a henotheistic view of the Godhead. According to this view, the object of worship is only God the Father, and not Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit, who are thought to be distinct gods. Latter Day Saints are also likely to believe in the existence of many additional gods and godesses who are equal in power with God the Father but who have no direct interest in this Earth or humanity. See Godhead (Mormonism). Though rare, some Latter Day Saints also worship a Heavenly Mother in addition to God the Father.

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See also:

• Kathenotheism
• Monotheism
• Polytheism

External Link

• Hebrew Henotheism