polyteistinen

Polyteistinen is a Finnish adjective meaning polytheistic, describing belief systems, religious practices, or worldviews that recognize and worship multiple deities. It is used in religious studies to distinguish such traditions from monoteistinen (monotheistic) and other orientations. In polytheistic contexts, gods often have distinct identities, domains, and personalities, and they may be worshipped through diverse rituals, festivals, and local cults.

Etymology and usage: the term is formed from the prefix poly- meaning many and the root teisti/teismi related to theism, with the common Finnish adjective suffix -inen. The corresponding noun forms include polyteismi (polytheism) and polyteisti (a practitioner of polytheism). In Finnish scholarship, polyteistinen is applied to both historical religions and contemporary movements that worship multiple deities.

Historical and cultural contexts: numerous ancient civilizations—such as the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Norse peoples—were polytheistic. Hinduism is often described as polytheistic, though its doctrinal landscape also includes monotheistic and henotheistic strands depending on tradition. In many societies, polytheism coexists with local cults and syncretic practices, adapting to social and political changes.

Modern usage: today, polyteistinen is commonly used to categorize neopagan movements, reconstructive paganism, and various folk traditions that center multiple gods or goddesses. It is typically contrasted with monoteistinen, pantheistinen (pantheistic), and henoteistinen (henotheistic) classifications, reflecting different ways communities conceptualize the divine.

See also: monoteismi, pantheismi, henoteismi, polyteismi, synkretismi.