Henotheism, monolatrism, and monolatry are related concepts that describe beliefs systems where one god is supreme while acknowledging the existence of other gods. While they have similarities, there are also key differences between these three terms.
Henotheism
Henotheism comes from the Greek words “heis” meaning “one” and “theos” meaning “god”. It refers to the worship of one particular god without denying the existence of other gods. A henotheist believes in many gods but focuses devotion on just one god. In a henotheistic religion, the supreme god may be chosen because that god is considered more powerful, knowledgeable, accessible, or appropriate for a particular time and place.
Henotheism was common in the ancient world, including in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman religions where practitioners would focus worship on one preferred god while acknowledging other gods. Some scholars also categorize the religion of ancient Israel and Judah as henotheistic since the Israelites predominantly worshipped Yahweh but accepted the existence of foreign and ancestral gods referenced in the Hebrew Bible.
Characteristics of henotheism include:
- Belief in the existence of many gods.
- Worship focused on one particular supreme god.
- Acknowledgement that other gods exist.
- The supreme god is central for a particular time, place, or circumstance.
Monolatrism
Monolatrism has the same Greek roots as monotheism, meaning “one god”, but mono-latrism means the worship of one god without denying the existence of others. It is similar to henotheism in that a monolatrist worships one god above others, but a key difference is that the existence of other gods is considered doubtful or irrelevant.
In monolatrism, only one god is worshipped due to divine preference, human custom, or belief that no other deity is relevant or worth worshipping. Other gods may be acknowledged but are not considered real, efficacious, or worthy of worship. Monolatrism claims supreme devotion to a highest god while denying, ignoring, or being indifferent towards other gods.
Some characteristics of monolatrism include:
- Worship of one supreme god.
- Existence of other gods is considered uncertain or irrelevant.
- Other gods ignored or not worshipped.
- Central focus on one god without denying others.
Monolatry
Monolatry is derived from the Greek words “monos” meaning sole or alone and “latreia” meaning worship. It refers specifically to the worship of one god without denying that others may exist. Monolatry is very similar to henotheism and monolatrism but has a subtle distinction.
In monolatry, other gods are not just acknowledged as existing but they are recognized as possibly efficacious and worthy of worship. However, for reasons of preference, custom, or claimed singularity, only one god is actually worshipped. So a monolatrist worships one god alone, not because other gods are considered false or irrelevant, but because that one god is uniquely worthy of worship and service.
Characteristics of monolatry include:
- Worship of a single god while accepting other gods exist.
- Other gods recognized as genuine and efficacious.
- The supreme god worshipped by choice or custom.
- Focus on one god without denying or invalidating others.
Henotheism, Monolatrism and Monolatry in the Bible
There is scholarly debate about whether biblical Israelite religion was henotheistic, monolatristic, or monolatrous in various periods. Evidence for each view can be found by examining the recognition and treatment of other gods in the Hebrew Bible.
Passages that suggest henotheism include Exodus 15:11 which asks “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods?” implying Yahweh is supreme among other gods. Prayer in 1 Kings 18:39 refers to Yahweh as “the Lord, he is God”, suggestive but not definitive in denying others. Worship of foreign gods is prohibited not because they are false but because Yahweh alone delivered Israel from Egypt (Judges 10:16).
Monolatrism appears in Deuteronomy 4:28 which references forbidden gods but claims Israel was given over to them because they are not real gods. 2 Kings 19:18 claims false gods were fashioned by human hands. Psalm 96:5 says “the gods of the peoples are worthless idols” expressing doubt or denial of their reality and power. Yet Yahweh’s supremacy is also proclaimed without an outright denial of the existence of other gods (Psalm 95:3, 97:9, 135:5).
Evidence for monolatry includes the first commandment in Exodus 20:3 prohibiting other gods with an acknowledgement they do exist and pose a temptation. The conquest of Canaan is aimed at destroying the worship of competing gods (Deuteronomy 7:5, 12:2-3), recognizing their presence and attraction. Uzziah is condemned for honoring “other gods” (2 Chronicles 26:16), implying their reality.
Overall the Bible exhibits a range of perspectives from henotheism to monotheism. But at different times and in different texts, Israelite religion falls close to either henotheism, monolatrism, or monolatry in its treatment of Yahweh and other gods. There was a gradual progression toward a fully monotheistic belief in the God of Israel.
Conclusion
In summary, henotheism, monolatrism, and monolatry have similarities in their worship of one supreme god while recognizing the existence of others. But key differences also exist:
- Henotheism accepts other gods as real and efficacious.
- Monolatrism doubts or denies the reality of other gods.
- Monolatry acknowledges other gods but views them as unworthy or irrelevant.
Evidence of each view can be seen in the Hebrew Bible’s treatment of Yahweh among other gods. Israelite religion progressed over time from various forms of non-monotheism toward fully believing in only one true God.
