henoteistisen

Henoteistisen is a term used in religious studies and philosophy to describe a form of belief or worship where one supreme deity is acknowledged and revered, while other deities may also exist and be recognized but are considered subordinate or lesser. This is distinct from monotheism, which posits the existence of only one God, and polytheism, which acknowledges the existence of multiple gods as equals.

In a henoteistic system, an individual or a community might focus their worship and devotion exclusively on a single god, often the national or tribal deity, without necessarily denying the existence of other divine beings. These other gods might be seen as aspects or manifestations of the supreme god, or as lesser spirits and forces that hold sway in specific domains. The emphasis is on the primary importance and ultimate authority of the chosen deity.

Examples of henoteistic tendencies have been identified in various historical and contemporary religious traditions. For instance, some interpretations of ancient Israelite religion before the firm establishment of monotheism have been described as henoteistic, where Yahweh was worshipped as the supreme god of Israel, even if other gods were acknowledged to exist. Similarly, certain forms of Hinduism can exhibit henoteistic characteristics, with devotees focusing their worship on a particular deity like Vishnu or Shiva, while still acknowledging the broader pantheon. The concept helps scholars differentiate between the absolute singularity of God in monotheism and the focused worship within a potentially broader divine landscape.