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Polytheism

Polytheism, belief in the existence of many gods or divine beings. It has been widespread in human cultures, past and present, and has taken many forms. Natural forces and objects—celestial, atmospheric, and earthly (such as stars, rain, mountains, and fire)—have often been identified with divinities. Gods have also been worshiped in the form of vegetation (especially trees and cultivated plants) and animals (for instance, the monkey in India and the hummingbird among the Aztecs). The assumption of human forms and characteristics by divine beings (anthropomorphism), as in the emphatically human passions and behavior of the Greek and Roman gods, is virtually a universal feature of polytheism.

Polytheism is clearly related to a belief in various kinds of demons and spirits, as in animism, totemism, and ancestor worship, but in polytheism the spirits are distinct, personified deities who belong to a cosmic hierarchy described in myths or sacred writings. Scholars have proposed several theories to account for its emergence. It has been attributed, for instance, to the need for supernatural moral sanctions or to the awe inspired by (and the desire to appease) the uncontrollable forces of nature. It has also been associated in some theories with the development of a social structure characterized by specialization and class distinctions.

Many polytheistic religions, such as Hinduism and ancient Egyptian religion, have exhibited a clear tendency toward monotheism, the belief in and worship of one god or divine power, and polytheistic beliefs and practices sometimes coexist with an essentially monotheistic theology. See also Religion.

Contributed By:
John A. SalibaMicrosoft ® Encarta ® Encyclopedia 2004. © 1993-2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.