hennotheistic

Hennotheism is a religious concept that describes the belief in and worship of a single, supreme god without denying the existence of other gods. It is distinct from monotheism, which asserts the existence of only one God, and polytheism, which acknowledges the existence of multiple gods. In hennotheistic systems, a particular deity is elevated to the highest status, and while other deities may be recognized, they are often seen as subordinate or manifestations of the supreme god. The focus of worship is exclusively on this one supreme deity.

This concept is often discussed in the context of ancient religions, particularly early Vedic religion in India. During the Vedic period, hymns from the Rigveda sometimes address different gods as the supreme being in different contexts, suggesting a hennotheistic tendency. For example, Indra might be praised as the king of the gods and the most powerful, while later hymns might elevate Surya or Vishnu to a similar supreme position. This does not necessarily imply a contradiction but rather a flexible approach to divine hierarchy.

Scholars use hennotheism to describe a stage in religious development where a single god becomes the focal point of devotion, even if other divine beings are not entirely discarded. It represents a move towards a more unified understanding of the divine without a complete rejection of a broader pantheon. The term was coined by German Indologist Friedrich Max Müller.