Monotheists

Monotheists are adherents of monotheism, the belief in a single, supreme deity who is the sole proper object of worship. Monotheism contrasts with polytheism, which posits multiple gods, and with henotheism or monolatry, in which one god is worshipped while others are acknowledged as gods by others. The term is used for individuals and communities within various religious traditions that emphasize the oneness of God, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and others.

Historically, forms of monotheism have appeared in different regions and periods. In the ancient Near East, some religious reforms emphasized the worship of a single god, and Atenism in ancient Egypt is often cited as an early example. Judaism, emerging in the Hebrew Bible and its later rabbinic tradition, is widely viewed as a foundational monotheistic faith. Christianity and Islam developed in the first millennium CE, each affirming belief in one God, while Christianity also articulates the unity of God within the Trinity for most denominations. Other modern movements, such as the Bahá’í Faith, also teach monotheism as a central tenet.

Within practice and doctrine, monotheists often center worship, prayer, and revelation on the single deity. The concept of God, miracles, and prophethood are expressed differently across traditions. The idea of monotheism invites debate about how to interpret sacred texts, the nature of God, and the relationship between God and the world. The term monotheist can describe scholars, clergy, and lay believers who affirm one God, regardless of their broader religious identity.