Monoteismin

Monoteismin, usually rendered in English as monotheism, is the belief in the existence of a single, all-powerful deity who is the sole object of worship. For adherents, this deity is generally seen as the source of all moral order and revelation. Monotheism stands in contrast to polytheism, which posits many gods, and to henotheism or monolatrism, in which a single god is worshiped while other deities are acknowledged.

Origin and terminology: The word derives from the Greek monos (one) and theos (god). In practice, the term is used to describe religious traditions that claim exclusivity of worship and the unique status of their God. The development of monotheistic belief is complex and debated, with scholars pointing to ancient Near Eastern precedents and to the post-exilic evolution in Judaism, followed by Christian and Islamic formulations.

Historical development: Early forms include Atenism in ancient Egypt, sometimes cited as proto-monotheism. In the Hebrew Bible, monotheism matures through the late Second Temple period. Judaism maintained exclusive worship of Yahweh, which Christian and Islamic traditions later framed as the foundation of their own monotheistic theologies. Islam describes tawhid, the absolute oneness of God, as central. Zoroastrianism presents worship of Ahura Mazda as the supreme divine principle within a dualistic cosmology. Some religious traditions treat the oneness of the divine as compatible with a multiplicity of manifestations or personified aspects.

Impact and debates: Monotheism has shaped law, ethics, and political authority, often introducing a framework of divine command and universal moral order. The concept of ethical monotheism emphasizes a single, morally concerned deity who demands righteous conduct across communities. Contemporary discussions distinguish between doctrinal monotheism and liturgical or cultural expressions that may accommodate diverse beliefs within a broader sense of the divine.