Polytheism
Polytheism
Polytheism (/ˌpɒliˈθiːɪzəm/; from Greek: πολύς, polys, "many" and θεός, theos, "god") is the worship of or belief in multiple deities, which are usually assembled into a pantheon of gods and goddesses, along with their own religions and rituals.
Etymology
The term "polytheism" comes from the Greek words "poly" meaning "many" and "theos" meaning "god". It was first used in the 17th century to differentiate between religions that believe in multiple gods and those that believe in a single god.
Related Terms
- Monotheism: The belief in a single, all-powerful deity.
- Henotheism: The worship of one god without denying the existence of other gods.
- Pantheism: The belief that the universe itself is divine.
- Animism: The belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence.
- Atheism: The absence of belief in the existence of deities.
Polytheism in Different Cultures
Polytheism is a type of religion that believes in multiple deities. Different cultures have different versions of polytheism.
- Greek Mythology: The ancient Greeks believed in a pantheon of gods and goddesses, each with their own domain and personality.
- Hinduism: This religion has a complex system of deities, with three main gods (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) and numerous lesser gods and goddesses.
- Norse Mythology: The ancient Norse people believed in a pantheon of gods, including Odin, Thor, and Loki.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Polytheism
- Wikipedia's article - Polytheism
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