Mosaic monotheism of the Hebrews is explained as an evolution from totemism. As I have pointed out, a general comparison of polytheism and monotheism in regards to tolerance will probably fail, and just comparing doctrines might not tell you a lot about peoples behaviour. Ignorance and attributing human thinking to God from reading Man’s corrupted view in scriptures on Gods original teachings. Yet for much of human history, monotheism was far from popular. Grau) History and Anthropology: Vol. For instance, some scholars have argued that monotheisms, such as Catholicism , are actually de facto polytheisms for many of the faithful. [p. 25>] The theory has often been put forward that religion evolved slowly over many millennia, beginning with very primitive ideas and gradually developing into today’s concepts. Herder, E. Renan, A. Pictet, F.M. Definitions of Monotheism and Polytheism: Monotheism: Monotheism refers to a religion that believes in one God. Deism In addition to adopting the beliefs of general monotheism, deists also adopt the belief that the single existing god is personal in nature and transcendent from the created universe. So what we should - and can do - is to compare different specific groups of people to each other. (1987). Login JOIN NOW Today, about half the world’s population practices one form of monotheism or another. III The fundamental argument used by Robertson Smith and accepted by most of the Hebrew scholars after him was based upon linguistic evidence; most of Max Muller's nature myths as the origin of polytheism were based upon philological evidence. The simple distinction between monotheism and polytheism may be deceptive. This can be explained in many detailed ways but one short answer is as follows. Müller and R.F. 3, No. Most of the world’s religions have been polytheistic, meaning that they worship a collection of gods, known as a pantheon. The Indo‐European mirror: Monotheism and polytheism (J.G. What is the difference between Monotheism and Polytheism? [Anthropology] Monotheism and Polytheism. Monotheism is typically contrasted with polytheism (see below), which is a belief in many gods, and with atheism, which is an absence of any belief in any gods. Wrapped up in this theory, and an important element in the thinking of many atheists, is the idea that monotheism (belief in one God) is a comparatively recent refinement. Monotheism refers to the worship of a single, supreme deity. This content is for Anthropology Optional members only! For most people, the concept of monotheism is easier to understand, and there are also people who believe monotheism to be superior to the concept of polytheism. The truth can be much more complex. Answer is as follows population practices one form of monotheism and polytheism may be...., meaning that they worship a collection of gods, known as a pantheon can explained... Detailed ways but one short answer is as follows as a pantheon:. 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