monolatrialism

Monolatrialism is a religious concept that posits the existence of many gods, but acknowledges only one god as worthy of worship. This is distinct from monotheism, which believes in the existence of only one god. In monolatrialism, while other deities may be recognized, devotion is exclusively directed towards a single, supreme deity. This practice can be observed in ancient Israelite religion, where the worship of Yahweh was paramount, even as other gods were acknowledged as existing in the surrounding cultures. The distinction lies in acknowledging the existence of other divine beings while refusing to offer them cultic veneration, reserving all worship for one specific god. It represents a transitional phase between polytheism and monotheism, where a single god rises to prominence within a pantheon. This concept highlights a nuanced understanding of divine reality, where the multiplicity of the divine is not denied, but the focus of religious devotion is singular.