Henotheist: meaning, definitions and examples

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henotheist

 

[ ˌhɛnəʊˈθiːɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious belief

A henotheist is a follower of henotheism, the belief in and worship of one god without denying the existence of other gods. This belief allows for devotion to a single deity while acknowledging the possible existence of additional divinities or divine entities.

Synonyms

monotheist, polytheist

Examples of usage

  • Many ancient cultures exhibited henotheistic practices.
  • The henotheist may pray to their chosen deity while respecting others.
  • In modern contexts, some individuals identify as henotheists in their personal spirituality.

Word origin

The term 'henotheism' comes from the Greek words 'henos' meaning 'one' and 'theos' meaning 'god'. The concept emerged as a way to describe certain ancient belief systems that were not strictly monotheistic (worshiping one god exclusively) or polytheistic (believing in many gods). It is commonly associated with the spiritual practices found in Hinduism, where devotees may worship one primary deity, such as Vishnu or Shiva, while acknowledging the existence of other gods. The term was introduced in the 19th century by philosophers and theologians, attempting to categorize various forms of religious belief that do not fit neatly into the monotheistic or polytheistic framework. Henotheism offers insights into the complexity of human religiosity and the ways individuals engage with the divine.