Monotheism – Polytheism
What is monotheism?
The belief in one, all-powerful God who is the sole divine presence.
What is henotheism?
Belief in one primary god while acknowledging the existence of other god
What is pantheism?
The belief that God and the universe are identical—that everything is divine
What is atheism?
The belief that no gods exist.
What is animism?
The belief that spirits inhabit natural objects, animals, or phenomena.
Name two religions that are examples of monotheism
Christian, Judaism and Islam
Which religion sometimes reflects henotheistic elements?
Hinduism (in some interpretations).
Name one philosopher associated with pantheism.
Baruch Spinoza. Prominent thinkers like Albert Einstein and innovators like Steve Jobs
How does agnosticism differ from atheism?
Agnosticism claims we cannot know whether God exists, while atheism denies God’s existence.
Give one example of a culture or tradition where animism is common.
Indigenous tribes in Africa or Native American traditions (also Indonesia)
How does polytheism differ from monotheism in terms of divine beings?
Polytheism acknowledges multiple gods and goddesses, while monotheism believes in only one God.
Define Satanism in a religious or philosophical context
A belief system that venerates or symbolizes Satan, often as a figure of rebellion, individualism, or opposition to traditional theism.
What is the core belief of deism?
That God created the universe but does not intervene in human life or natural laws.
What is anti-theism?
The opposition to belief in God, often viewing theism as harmful.
What is simulationism in modern philosophy?
The idea that reality is a computer-like simulation, possibly created by advanced beings.
Give one example of a polytheistic religion in the ancient world.
Hindhu, Ancient Greek (Hellenistic) religion
Compare henotheism with Satanism in terms of divine focus.
Henotheism centers on devotion to one god among many, while Satanism focuses on Satan either literally or symbolically as a central figure.
Compare pantheism and deism regarding God’s involvement in the universe.
Pantheism sees God as identical with the universe and present everywhere, while deism sees God as the Creator who remains uninvolved
Give one modern advocate of atheism or anti-theism.
Richard Dawkins (atheism), Christopher Hitchens and Bill Maher (anti-theism).
How do animism and simulationism both attribute agency to the world around us?
Animism attributes spiritual agency to nature, while simulationism attributes agency to possible programmers or controllers of the simulated universe.
How might monotheistic exclusivity conflict with polytheistic inclusivity in interfaith dialogues?
Monotheism requires exclusive worship of one God, rejecting other deities, while polytheism accepts many gods, creating tension over what counts as “true” divinity.
How might henotheism and Satanism differently interpret the concept of “exclusive devotion”?
Henotheism sees exclusive devotion as loyalty to a chosen god without denying others, while Satanism interprets exclusive devotion as rebellion against mainstream theism and elevation of Satan as ultimate.
Why might pantheism appeal to scientists like Albert Einstein, while deism appealed to Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire?
antheism aligns with seeing natural laws as divine, appealing to scientific rationality; deism aligned with Enlightenment ideals of reason and a non-interventionist God, avoiding superstition.
In philosophy of religion, how is agnosticism sometimes considered a “middle position” between theism and atheism?
It neither affirms nor denies God’s existence but suspends judgment, contrasting theism’s affirmation and atheism’s denial.
Why might simulationism be seen as a modern, technological reinterpretation of animistic worldviews?
Both suggest hidden intelligences behind reality—spirits in animism, programmers in simulationism—but framed within contemporary digital metaphors.