Henoteismiä

Henoteismiä is the Finnish term for anthropotheism, a theological and philosophical concept that describes the belief that human beings possess divine or godlike qualities. The word combines “heno,” meaning spirit or soul, with “teismi,” a suffix indicating belief in a deity. Anthropotheism is distinct from traditional monotheistic or polytheistic doctrines; it focuses on the divinity inherent within humanity rather than on an external supreme being.

The idea has roots in various philosophical traditions. In early Indian Hinduism, certain texts emphasize that the Self (Atman) is identical to the ultimate reality (Brahman), suggesting an inner divine nature. Western thinkers such as the French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau touched on similar themes, proposing that humans are naturally inclined toward noble virtues that reflect a sacred essence. In the 20th‑century context, anthropotheism appears in literature and social theory, often linked to humanistic or existentialist interpretations of human agency and moral responsibility.

In contemporary discourse, anthropotheism occasionally surfaces in discussions about human rights, ethics, and cultural identity. Proponents argue that recognizing the sacred dimension of humanity can inspire more compassionate social practices. Critics, however, contend that anthropotheism may inadvertently elevate humans over other living beings or challenge secular frameworks by attributing supernatural significance to ordinary human experience.

The term “henoteismiä” is primarily used in academic or literary contexts within Finland. It serves to categorize and analyze a spectrum of beliefs that assign a divine or almost divine status to human beings, bridging religious, philosophical, and ethical conversations.