ext_147905 ([identity profile] prettygoodword.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] 1word1day2010-04-15 08:48 am
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henotheism

henotheism (hee-noh-THEE-iz-m) - n., the worship of one god without denying the existence of other gods.


Coined in 1860 by philologist Max Müller from Greek roots hen theos, one god. The Bible repeatedly shows the ancient Hebrews as henotheistic -- the existence of Caananite gods are not denied, but are forbidden for the Hebrews to worship. See also the second commandment: "Do not have any other gods before me" -- not that theren't any others, just don't worship them first.

Henotheism makes sense to me -- I mean, the Flying Spaghetti Monster is my main man, but that doesn't mean some other deity won't do it for you.

---L.

[identity profile] chuckney.livejournal.com 2010-04-15 04:41 pm (UTC)(link)
May you be touched by his holy noodles.

[identity profile] amita-serpens.livejournal.com 2010-04-15 11:43 pm (UTC)(link)
R'amen!

[identity profile] nerdfury.livejournal.com 2010-04-16 02:25 am (UTC)(link)
RAmen, brother!

[identity profile] xhallucinationx.livejournal.com 2010-04-16 07:14 am (UTC)(link)
I like this one... both the word and the examples. :)