henotheism
The belief in the existence of many gods while worshiping only one god.
- Scripture teaching against henotheism:
Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” [5] For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”—[6] yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist (1 Corinthians 8:4-6 ESV).
- From the Westminster Shorter Catechism:
Q. 5. Are there more Gods than one?
A. There is but one only, the living and true God.
- From What is henotheism? at GotQuestions.org:
Hinduism is a classic example of this belief in practice. Hindus generally worship one god, yet acknowledge that there are many other gods that can be worshiped as well. The religion of the ancient Greeks and their worship of the Olympians is another well-known example, with Zeus being the supreme ruler of eleven other gods. All twelve were worshiped, each individually by a different sect or temple.
Learn more:
- Theopedia: Henotheism
- Blue Letter Bible: What Is Henotheism?
- Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry: Henotheism
- Ligon Duncan: God the Clockmaker - Deism
Related terms:
- deism
- idolatry
- monotheism
- panentheism
- polytheism
- atheism
- Trinity
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