In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, an important Hindu sacred text, a man asks a great teacher, "How many gods are there?" For Hindus, this makes total sense. Kathenotheism, a system wherein one recognizes many gods but only worships one of them at a time. It depends on how the practitioner of the religion understands it. The Gods have 33 (Siva Visnu) etc. Then, there is the Hindu form of monotheism, in which the Divine is formally referred to as Brahman (not Brahmin, the priestly caste). All rights reserved. Because of this all encompassing nature, it is the One to whom all prayers are offered. What Is the Purpose of Spiritual Gifts, and How Do You Discover Yours? Monotheism and polytheism are two very different belief systems. In monotheism, especially as expressed in the Abrahamic religions, ultimate power is in the hands of a single male divinity. In Hinduism, polytheism and monotheism coexist in a relationship much like the parts of a wheel. ©2020 Verizon Media. Is Sikhism Monotheistic Or Polytheistic? Tap here to turn on desktop notifications to get the news sent straight to you. Modern Semitic religions are monotheistic, namely Judaism and Islam. This view also implies the superiority of monotheism over different formulations of the sacred that may have their own value. It is impossible to unambiguously answer the question about the nature of religion: the direction shows signs of both polytheistic and monotheistic religion that honors the Hinduism Brahman. Simultaneous propitiation of several deities tends to be common and accepted. Every Hindu has the right to decide which embodiment of God to give preference to, at which point in time. Monotheism - Monotheism - The spectrum of views: monotheisms and quasi-monotheisms: The God of monotheism is the one real god that is believed to exist or, in any case, that is acknowledged as such. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion. Hinduism is a diverse system of thought with beliefs spanning monotheism, polytheism,panentheism, pantheism, monism, and atheism, and its concept of God is complex and depends upon each particular tradition and philosophy. So you can say that Hinduism is polytheistic, monotheistic, or monistic. All these names thus refer to a Qualified Absolute that is simultaneously beyond qualifications. They may work in conjunction with one another or at cross purposes. It allows people to believe in and pray to their own conceptualizations of the divine in whatever form they choose, while at the same time elevating all of them to their ultimate reality, which is the singular omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient divinity, who demands no allegiance, punishes no one for lack of belief, yet provides wisdom, comfort, compassion, and freedom to those who seek it. For them, their respective Gods are most important, just like in any other Temple. 1. Among the most ancient of these concepts is polytheism. Hence, Hinduism is monotheistic, At the most henotheistic but not polytheistic as there is only one God and the others are Brahman's manifestations. The purpose here, then is to make the case for the inclusion of polytheism as a legitimate belief system, for it has animated people throughout the world since ancient times and has often provided an understanding of divinity and reality that is more rational than Abrahamic monotheism and has been the cause of far less violence in the world. *Ex. Finally, many Hindus would classify themselves as adherents of. While such systems may be comforting to those who "belong" to the right tribe or belief system, a solitary all-powerful ruler is a threat to those who do not. The origin of Hinduism is shrouded in antiquity of the distant past far beyond the times of known history. Hinduism is a philosophy of different levels of reality/perception. Is Hinduism monotheistic, or polytheistic? Polytheistic and Monotheistic. Monotheism is the belief in one god and polytheism is the belief in more one than one god. (Poly = many.) Hinduism incorporates diverse views on the concept of God. You can opt out of these offers at any time. All they need to do is look within. Ultimately one perceives only Unity-without-qualities. Polytheism, then, often mirrors the human experience of family, village, and state. It transcends all attempts at defining or qualifying it. On the human level, one typically finds such a being in monarchies, dictatorships, and societies run by a ruling tribal leader or warlord like those currently found in many Middle Eastern countries. One then approaches and propitiates the being with the requisite power to fulfill his or her needs or desires. Is Hinduism really a polytheistic religion or is in fact an amalgam of monotheistic religions? Among the myriad of others who receive attention and reverence are Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge and Learning), and Hanuman (Devotion Incarnate), to name just a few. 2. Professor of Religion, University of Hawai’i, Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapter. As it says, it is only one god who has manifested and taken many forms like one body with many different parts. The term was first popularized in the writings of eighteenth century European ethnographers as they encountered, then sought to identify and label the religious beliefs of "primitive" peoples they studied. Hinduism is a religion that defies definite classification, and in practice, it has both monotheistic and polytheistic components. Today, the two most popular theological beliefs in the West are monotheism (the belief in a single all-powerful divinity) and atheism (the belief that there is no divine entity). Literature, especially Indian, has its crux implanted in the Hindu beliefs and ideas as the Indian way of life is the Hindu way. Yet, in much of the rest of the world, polytheism, or a belief in multiple divinities, has been a long held and popular conviction. One enfolds the other. So they are technically a monotheistic religion. A polytheistic religion is when the followers of a religion believe in more than one god. Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world. In monotheism, there is belief in and worship of only one god that is a separate entity. Learn more about polytheism, including such religions as Hinduism. He asks again and is told, "There are six." Under the conventional definitions of monotheism and polytheism, HINDUISM IS POLYTHEISTIC. Believed to be the first religion known to mankind. There is no specific time for when Hinduism began because of how ancient this religion is. We made it easy for you to exercise your right to vote! The other criteria for polytheism is that these separate and autonomous gods are all of equal status with each other and are worshipped simultaneously. Over time, Hinduism has evolved from a polytheistic religion to one that is widely monistic. 4. If one looks at the monotheistic concept, in which there is a solitary omnipotent divinity, on the other hand, we find a very different approach to the divine and also to the likely world experience of those who formulated it. No human has demonstrable or irrefutable proof for or against a belief in a divinity or a lack thereof. Add your voice. It is said to be the source, the hub, from which all deities are manifest. The deity worshipped in each is seen by Hindus to simply be a different manifestation of the deity they already worship. Additionally, one can choose to focus exclusively on a divinity who appeals to one's own personality. Hinduism. Hinduism. It is not male nor female, has no form or description. These may include gods, goddesses, semi-divine beings, good or evil spirits, or the spirits of departed ancestors. ), that it controls a particular realm (such as a spirit realm or a specific location in the physical world), or that it possesses a specific power or range of powers. It should be noted at the outset, however, that this is chiefly a western difficulty: the Indian mind is much more inclined to regard divergent views as complementary rather than competing. Important conversations are happening now. It is frequently found in cultures with a clearly stratified social and/or political hierarchy, where power is held in the hands of different individuals based on their position within the hierarchy, and that these powers are there to benefit those who approach the various divinities seeking assistance. Second, if Hinduism is not monotheistic, the general implication is that Hinduism must be polytheistic, meaning heathen, pagan, primitive, superstitious and idolatrous. Are the Semitic religions monotheistic or polytheistic? I have come to the conclusion that Hinduism is neither, but monistic. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The more common of these deities to be propitiated by rural agriculturalists Bhudevi (Mother Earth), Surya (the Sun God), Ganesh (Lord of Auspiciousness and Success), regional deities, and various river goddesses. Nowadays, the term is essentially used to refer to any belief system in which multiple spirit beings are worshiped. Thus, in many ways polytheism is a pragmatic theological view that, as mentioned above, reflects aspects of a democratic style system. The belief in many gods. Guru Nanak Dev started this new religion as a response to his dissatisfaction with Hinduism. In that state, it may be called Ram, Krishna, Shiva, Devi, etc. Monolatrism, a religious system wherein one recognizes many gods (though in Hinduism, these are not of different essences) but only worships one of them. Not satisfied, he continues to ask and gets the response, "There are only three gods." An organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods ... Polytheism. Sri Swami Chidananda. 3. This is a nondualistic monotheism. Therefore, Hinduism is not polytheistic. The many deities are like the spokes, all of which emanate from the hub and each playing an important role. At some levels one perceives gods, at another, God. Show more answers (5) All theories regarding the divine are based on faith, supposition, and individual experience. When did Hinduism begin? Hinduism is both monotheistic and polytheistic. Advaita means not two. Hinduism is a decidedly theistic religion; the difficulty lies in determining whether it is a polytheistic, pantheistic, or perhaps even monotheistic religion. Therefore, Hinduism is not polytheistic. Please also opt me in for Exclusive Offers from Patheos’s Partners. Hinduism is the most ancient religion among all the great living religions in the world today. Some of the most prevalent polytheistic religions are Chinese, Japanese Shinto, Greek, Egyptian, Hinduism etc. STUDY. Each Hindu follows a particular sect and thus have different ways to pray to Brahman. Is Hinduism Pantheistic, Panentheistic, Polytheistic, monotheistic or henotheistic? India's 1st major religion. The Ancient Greeks had polytheistic beliefs and this Hellenistic tradition has greatly influenced modern western thought due to the stories of these gods. Answer #11 | 11/12 2014 00:44 It can be any of them. Polytheism, the belief in many gods. He is all knowing, all powerful, and ever present. In some cases, this is seen as practical and necessary, since different spirits control different realms or powers. In the Jewish creation story, the gods (elohim) say "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness." Polytheism is the belief in, and worship of more than one god. I mean Islam and Christianity are monotheistic. Monotheism and Polytheism Reconciled. Hindus as i have already said can be pluralistic. Then, is Hinduism monotheistic polytheistic or atheistic? Both were correct in their perception. Different traditions of Hinduism have different theistic views, and these views have been described by scholars as polytheism, monotheism, henotheism, panentheism, pantheism, monism, agnostic, humanism, atheism or Nontheism. How Awake Are We? In the process, he alludes to a concept found in various Upanishads that equates the unchanging reality that exists in each individual with the Supreme Changeless Divinity. When he questions this answer, he receives the reply, "There are thirty-three gods." It takes on apparent form or characteristics solely to allow humans the ability to relate to it. Different divinities, like different bureaucrats, have different powers. Different traditions of Hinduism have different theistic views, and these views have been described by scholars as polytheism , monotheism , henotheism, panentheism, pantheism, monism, agnostic, humanism, atheism or Nontheism. What may be more accurate is that humans create the gods in their image and likeness, believing that what happens on earth must be a reflection of what happens in the heavens. It was started at around 15 th century by Guru Nanak Dev. When Waking Up is Falling Asleep, "The Church supports the use of vaccinations", The GOP's Double Standard on Christianity, The Soul of Gospel Music Explored in New Netflix Series "Voices of Fire", Seven Ways to Think About Christian Mysticism. The term “Hinduism” embraces a wide array of philosophies and practices, and while certain Hindus may think and worship in an essentially monotheistic way, the practices of others may be more readily labeled polytheistic or pantheistic. Religion. So it got me thinking. However, Hindus rarely worship all of the gods and goddesses simultaneously; instead, Hindus generally worship only one God/Goddess as being higher than the others (although, in theory, they are all equally Brahman). There are several significant characteristics typically found in nearly all polytheistic traditions. Brahman is the unchanging, infinite, immanent, and transcendent reality which is the Divine Ground of all matter, energy, time, space, being, and everything beyond in this Universe. And there is one Hindu school that is more explicitly monistic than others: Advaita Vedanta or just Advaita. Reflecting on how this approach can be understood on a human level, it parallels in many ways the functioning of democratic society in which power exists in the hands of various individuals who can be approached in turn or simultaneously for assistance. "Polytheism" was used to contrast these beliefs with Judeo-Christian monotheism. Judaism is monotheistic, while Hinduism is polytheistic. They believe that God cannot manifest … However, to call Hinduism monotheism would be, in most cases, erroneous as well. So they worship the personal forms of Brahman in different ways. After one final query, the teacher says to him, "There is one god." To this he is told, "Three thousand and three." Christianity is a monotheistic religion. Polytheism characterizes virtually all religions other than Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which share a common tradition of monotheism, the belief in one god. 30 million deities which are nothing but forms of ONE God. Such narrow minded views and biases have hampered many who adhere to western thinking from understanding the value and validity of polytheistic beliefs for the people who hold them. Technically speaking, polytheism is the belief in many gods, none of whom participate in the divine essence of any of the others. In Sanskrit, this concept is "tat tvam asi," which can be translated as "you are that" or "that you are.". The vast majority of individuals in such societies remain weak and powerless unless they observe strict adherence to the being in power and do whatever they are told. From time to time you will also receive Special Offers from our partners that help us make this content free for you. With over a billion adherents, many claim that the religion is monotheistic and helmed by the supreme being, Brahma. In the explanation that follows, the teacher tells him that the many are all ultimately manifestations of the one indwelling presence. Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! At the same time, one can choose to ignore all deities. “…But in reality Hinduism is monotheistic. Hinduism incorporates diverse views on the concept of God. This is seen as the only means of survival. Depending upon the tradition, there may be an established and recognized hierarchy of worshipped beings or they may be seen to act independently. Church and ministry leadership resources to better equip, train and provide ideas for today's church and ministry leaders, like you. That being the case, we should focus instead on the ramifications and practical usefulness of the various theological conceptualizations on the people who hold them as well as on the rest of the world. Hindu texts and practices suggest the simultaneous existence of polytheism and what seems to be monotheism, but some Hindus find it insulting to be called polytheists. Mesopotamia and Egypt. It is not only the source and reality of all other deities, but also of all creation, both animate and inanimate. God’s essence and character are believed to be unique and fundamentally different from all other beings that can be considered more or less comparable—e.g., the gods of other religions. One who finds self incapable of indulging in spirituality unable to follow teachings […] Hindu monists, then, would argue that Hindu gods and goddesses have only a provisional reality and are, ultimately, illusory/unreal. This thing about everything being one, is sometimes called monism. So then technically, Hindus are not polytheists because most Hindus are nondualists and believe that all of the gods and goddesses are manifestations/embodiments of the one Ultimate Brahman/Bhagvan. "Polytheism" (from the Greek polutheos, "many gods") denotes a theological system involving a belief in and worship of multiple divinities. In Hinduism a believer of religion indulging in rituals considers Hindu religion to be polytheistic. But Hinduism is unique, at least in the scope of my own knowledge about religion, in the way it presents its "monotheistic" and "polytheistic" facets. The merging of polytheistic and monotheistic concepts in this way is unique to Hinduism. Buddism. The latter can include forces of nature, such as rain, thunder, a celestial body, the seasons, or may involve dominion over characteristics of human personality, like love, devotion, compassion, jealousy, revenge, and so forth. Songs are sung and festivals are celebrated just like any Temple. A polytheistic religion, on the other hand, is a religion that believes in the existence of many gods or deities. While such individuals are then believed to not receive divine assistance, they are typically not understood to be punished for this choice. Among these are a belief that each divinity or spirit being has a specific function (such as healing, protection in travel, etc. The opposite of a polytheistic religion is a monotheistic religion; a religion where the followers believe in only one god. Other forms that spirits may embody include those of animals, of aspects of nature like a volcano, or a combination of several, thus making reverence toward and worship of both human-like and non-anthropomorphic forms commonplace. This paradox can be traced to the history of Hinduism. With characteristics, the Divine can love, protect, and show compassion; beyond qualifications, it is all encompassing. Identity Politics vs. Transactional Politics. Today is National Voter Registration Day! Again he asks and is told, "One and a half gods." Is Buddhism Monotheistic, Polytheistic, or Nontheistic? PLAY. Unlike what is found in most polytheistic traditions, he demands allegiance and punishes those who do not worship him exclusively. This is why it is commonplace for Hindus to be seen in Buddhist or Jain temples, in Sikh gurudwaras, and in mosques and churches. Sikhism is a relatively young religion. Panentheism, a system wherein Divinity/God is believed to be both transcendent of and immanent within the world. One of the most well known and widespread polytheistic religions is Hinduism. Another common belief is that spirits possess or adopt a specific form, often human-like, and are endowed with human-like characteristics, such as love and compassion, but also jealousy and revenge. Hinduism is polytheistic religion and the oldest religion in India and Nepal. Whereas a traveler of spiritual path, follower of teachings contained in Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads considers Hinduism to be monotheistic. Hinduism denies being exclusively either monotheistic or polytheistic, sometimes believing to be monotheistic but declining to polytheism with many Hindu schools regarding it as henotheistic. Like with the gods in polytheistic traditions, he has human personality traits. Who was the first of the 10 Gurus of Sikhism. Hinduism will be used as a primary example, since it offers a good example of polytheism and how it can be blended with the Hindu understanding of monotheism into a useful and practical theology. By. Countless deities are regularly propitiated, often together. Therefore, while there are many different types of Hinduism (and therefore many different types of "isms" with which these different traditions can be labeled), none of them is technically polytheistic. Part of HuffPost Religion. Monism, a system wherein Ultimate Reality is believed to be the unpersonified essence underlying (or encompassing) all life. Finally, singular devotion to one specific divinity is not necessary. The more conservative monotheists even equate them with evil and demonism. Hinduism is polytheistic, monotheistic and atheistic, depending on what level you're looking at and how you define things. Jews and Muslims would surely say that Hinduism is polytheistic—for them, worship of anything that is not the Supreme Being is a sin. Especially in contemporary times, religious narrow-mindedness is a prevalent and major cause of much of the violence and hatred in the world, and both Western monotheistic and atheistic thinking have been major contributors. The merging of polytheistic and monotheistic concepts in this way is unique to Hinduism. In conceptualizing such a theology, then, the adherents obviously drew upon their own human experiences. Atheists and Western monotheists together denigrate polytheists and their beliefs as either ignorant or pagan. they believe many Gods. The Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam preach the former, while those who base their world view exclusively on material or scientific rationality tend to adhere to the latter. A polytheistic religion. 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