Difference Between Monotheism and Polytheism

关键区别 - 一神教与多神论

多神论和一神教是两个词，对于大多数人来说可能会令人困惑，尽管两者之间存在关键区别。让我们以以下方式处理这种差异。您相信多少神？这是一个对所有是一神教追随者的问题听起来很荒谬religions. Monotheism is abeliefthat there is only one god. On the other hand, there are many religions that are polytheistic in nature and allow belief andworshipof many gods. Though this is contradictory in thought and procedure, there are many similarities in the two types of religions. However, despite similarities, there are also differences that are hard to explain and it is these differences that will be highlighted in this article.

什么是一神教?

Belief in and worship of one god is the basis of monotheism.当今世界上许多主要的宗教都可以被视为一神论，因为他们相信一个至高无上的存在或神灵。这些是Islam,基督教,Judaism,Hinduism, andSikhism. This may appear contradictory to some, particularly when Hinduism with its pantheon of gods is included in the religions that are monotheistic in nature. But those who talk of hundreds of gods in Hinduism conveniently forget that there is an underlying unity among these gods and the different gods are manifestations of different powers only.

What is Polytheism?

Polytheism is the belief and worship of many gods.There are many who feel that many different gods in Hinduism is an example of polytheism. Hindu philosophy called Advaita as propounded by Shankara says that belief and worship of many deities having different forms and qualities makes it easier for the believers to choose one of them. However, there is a greater understanding among all that all these gods are mere manifestations of one Supreme Being even though there is a basic trinity of Gods called Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh in Hindu faith.

In polytheism as is prevalent in Hindus, people choose one god and worship that and do not accord the same high status to other deities. Though they have respect for other gods too, they do not treat these deities as their own. Rather, people feel closer and nearer to their own chosen gods rather than to all the gods described in Hindu religion. A devout Hindu, whether he is a worshipper of Rama, Krishna, Durga, Hanuman, or any other deity is quick to acknowledge the existence of all other deities. In the heart of his hearts, every Hindu believes that these are mere manifestations of One Supreme deity. Since this Supreme Being is not within his grasp, he conveniently chooses one of the deities. At the same time, he is aware that the deity he worships is exhibiting one of the aspects of the Supreme Being. This is the reason a Hindu is so tolerant and ready to accept the viewpoints of other religions.

对于大多数人来说，一神论的概念更容易理解，也有些人认为一神教比多神论的概念优越。

What is the difference between Monotheism and Polytheism?

Definitions of Monotheism and Polytheism:

一神论: Monotheism refers to a religion that believes in one God.

Polytheism:多神论是许多神的信仰和崇拜。

一神教和多神论的特征：

Number of Gods:

一神论:Only one god is worshiped.

Polytheism:Many gods are worshiped.

Examples:

一神论:犹太教，基督教和伊斯兰教是一神教。这些也称为亚伯拉罕宗教。

Polytheism:印度教是一个例外，对于西方人来说似乎是多神论的，因为许多神灵的存在，尽管这些神在这些神中存在着潜在的统一性，而这些团结被认为仅仅是一个至高无上的存在。

Image Courtesy:

1. “Cima da Conegliano, God the Father” by Attributed to Cima da Conegliano – The Courtauld Institute of Art, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 0RN, UK [1]. [Public Domain] via Commons

2. “Avatars” by the Victoria and Albert Museum – Painting from Jaipur, India; in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. (site is redesigned, old description is also available in Britannica”. [Public Domain] via Commons