What is henotheism / monolatrism / monolatry?

Answer

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, monolatry (also known as monolatrism) is the worship of only one god without denying the existence of other gods. Henotheism is related in that it acknowledges many gods yet chooses to focus exclusively on one—usually considered the god of one’s family or clan. A monolater or a henotheist is devoted to one god, but allows for the existence of other deities as well. Many ancient cultures believed in multiple gods, but some of them still showed reverence to one god above the rest.

Hinduism serves as a prime example of monolatry or henotheism in practice. Hindus typically worship one god, while recognizing the presence of numerous other gods that can also be revered. The ancient Egyptians believed in multiple gods, but at certain times (depending on the Pharaoh) one god was elevated above the others. The religion of the ancient Greeks and their worship of the Olympians is another well-known instance, with Zeus being the supreme ruler among eleven other gods. All twelve were worshipped individually by different sects, each with its own temple, priests, and shrines (see Acts 14:12-13;19:35).

Some historians suggest that the early Israelites practiced henotheism or monolatry. This could help explain the creation of the golden calf in Exodus 32:3–5 and why one of the Ten Commandments states, “You shall have no other gods before me” «Thou shalt have no other gods before me. », (Exodus 20:3). These passages imply that the ancient Israelites had not fully embraced monotheism. Through Moses, God began to teach the Hebrews that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the one true God above all. The prophet Isaiah, inspired by the Holy Spirit, reminded Israel.And all other nations acknowledge God’s true nature: “I am the Lord, and there is no other; / apart from me there is no God. . . . / I am the Lord, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:5-6).

At times, the Israelites appeared to believe that other nations worshipped their own gods, even though Yahweh remained the supreme deity. However, if the Israelites leaned towards henotheism or monolatry, they did so despite what God had revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures. Deuteronomy 6:4 removes all uncertainty about the existence of multiple gods: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Henotheism or monolatry contradicts biblical teachings.

The Bible unequivocally states that there is only one God. Henotheism or monolatry is erroneous as it acknowledges the presence of other gods. The entirety of the Bible rests on the premise of one God, because if other gods were real, then Jesus Christ would not have needed to sacrifice Himself—there would be numerous paths to heaven.

Reflect on this passage: “We know that ‘An idol is nothing at all in the world’ and that ‘There is no God but one’” ” «As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. », (1 Corinthians 8:4). Idols are merely “so-called gods” (verse 5). “Yet for us there is but one God” (verse 6).

When Paul visited Athens, he encountered statues of numerous Greek and Roman gods. The Athenians had temples dedicated to them throughout the city. One specific altar drew Paul’s attention. Engraved on it were the words “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD” «For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. », (Acts 17:23).

3). In their ignorance, the Greeks had erected an altar to whichever god they might have inadvertently left out of their pantheon, and some of the henotheists or monolaters had undoubtedly chosen that “unknown god” as the deity to focus on. Since the Greeks obviously didn’t know who this god was, Paul explained that their “unknown god” was the God of the Bible, the Creator of heaven and earth. The one true God does not dwell in temples made with hands. The Greeks were unable to find the one true God on their own, so the one true God came searching for them.