monotheistic

Monotheistic refers to the belief in the existence of a single deity or to a doctrinal framework that asserts there is only one god who is worthy of worship. The term combines the Greek roots monos “one” and theos “god.” It stands in contrast to polytheism, the belief in many gods, and to monolatry or henotheism, where one god is worshiped as supreme while the existence of other gods is acknowledged.

Historically, monotheism developed in various forms. Early examples include Atenism in ancient Egypt, which emphasized a single supreme deity during Akhenaten’s reign. In the Western tradition, Judaism is commonly described as monotheistic, worshiping one indivisible God. Christianity, while doctrinally distinguishing the Trinity, is generally treated as monotheistic in mainstream theology, asserting one God expressed in three persons. Islam is likewise monotheistic, teaching strict tawhid, the oneness of God. Some other traditions, such as Zoroastrianism, are described by scholars as monotheistic in emphasis or as dualistic in cosmology, depending on interpretation. In the Indian subcontinent, Sikhism is presented as monotheistic, focusing on a single formless God, and the Bahá’í Faith teaches the oneness of God as a fundamental premise.

In modern usage, monotheism remains a central descriptor for several major world religions. Debates continue about how to classify certain beliefs that emphasize one supreme deity while recognizing other divine beings or manifestations, and about how theological constructs such as the Christian Trinity or Hindu practices fit within a monotheistic framework.