Worshiping one God at a time?
I am writing an article on "God, Types of Worship" and I'm looking for a term which describes worshiping a single god at a time.
That is, given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god. The focus of worship changes, but the worshiper's overall religion remains the same.
Monotheism is not the word I am looking for. I know the term but I can't recall it.
____ is the practise of worshiping one god of many extant gods, one at a time.
single-word-requests
add a comment |
I am writing an article on "God, Types of Worship" and I'm looking for a term which describes worshiping a single god at a time.
That is, given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god. The focus of worship changes, but the worshiper's overall religion remains the same.
Monotheism is not the word I am looking for. I know the term but I can't recall it.
____ is the practise of worshiping one god of many extant gods, one at a time.
single-word-requests
19
Serial monotheism
– Mitch
2 days ago
@Mitch I have read about "Serial Monotheism", but it quite dubious and not clear. Anyway, thank you for your suggestion.
– GATECSE
yesterday
GATECSE, I made it up on the spot, so what those unknown others to me may have a particular meaning in mind that I don't realize. I patterned it after 'serial monogamy', which has always sounded to me like the weirdest euphemism for a particular method of having multiple partners but still being able to say they never cheated on anyone, like Henry VIII or Elizabeth Taylor. Making an analogy with romantic constancy, the term 'serial monotheism' is a tiny bit denigrating, showing that faithfulness to one deity at a time is a questionable virtue.
– Mitch
16 hours ago
Yes, yes, I know about Elizabeth Taylor. She was married to Richard Burton twice, but those were consecutive marriages; she wasn't married to anyone in between.
– Mitch
16 hours ago
It sounded to me as "serial killer" :) There is a article on Serial Monotheism, but as I said it earlier, it is dubious, or if I am not wrong then it is about person changing religion and worshiping only one God in a given religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.
– GATECSE
16 hours ago
add a comment |
I am writing an article on "God, Types of Worship" and I'm looking for a term which describes worshiping a single god at a time.
That is, given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god. The focus of worship changes, but the worshiper's overall religion remains the same.
Monotheism is not the word I am looking for. I know the term but I can't recall it.
____ is the practise of worshiping one god of many extant gods, one at a time.
single-word-requests
I am writing an article on "God, Types of Worship" and I'm looking for a term which describes worshiping a single god at a time.
That is, given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god. The focus of worship changes, but the worshiper's overall religion remains the same.
Monotheism is not the word I am looking for. I know the term but I can't recall it.
____ is the practise of worshiping one god of many extant gods, one at a time.
single-word-requests
single-word-requests
edited 2 days ago
Glorfindel
8,341103842
8,341103842
asked 2 days ago
GATECSEGATECSE
907
907
19
Serial monotheism
– Mitch
2 days ago
@Mitch I have read about "Serial Monotheism", but it quite dubious and not clear. Anyway, thank you for your suggestion.
– GATECSE
yesterday
GATECSE, I made it up on the spot, so what those unknown others to me may have a particular meaning in mind that I don't realize. I patterned it after 'serial monogamy', which has always sounded to me like the weirdest euphemism for a particular method of having multiple partners but still being able to say they never cheated on anyone, like Henry VIII or Elizabeth Taylor. Making an analogy with romantic constancy, the term 'serial monotheism' is a tiny bit denigrating, showing that faithfulness to one deity at a time is a questionable virtue.
– Mitch
16 hours ago
Yes, yes, I know about Elizabeth Taylor. She was married to Richard Burton twice, but those were consecutive marriages; she wasn't married to anyone in between.
– Mitch
16 hours ago
It sounded to me as "serial killer" :) There is a article on Serial Monotheism, but as I said it earlier, it is dubious, or if I am not wrong then it is about person changing religion and worshiping only one God in a given religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.
– GATECSE
16 hours ago
add a comment |
19
Serial monotheism
– Mitch
2 days ago
@Mitch I have read about "Serial Monotheism", but it quite dubious and not clear. Anyway, thank you for your suggestion.
– GATECSE
yesterday
GATECSE, I made it up on the spot, so what those unknown others to me may have a particular meaning in mind that I don't realize. I patterned it after 'serial monogamy', which has always sounded to me like the weirdest euphemism for a particular method of having multiple partners but still being able to say they never cheated on anyone, like Henry VIII or Elizabeth Taylor. Making an analogy with romantic constancy, the term 'serial monotheism' is a tiny bit denigrating, showing that faithfulness to one deity at a time is a questionable virtue.
– Mitch
16 hours ago
Yes, yes, I know about Elizabeth Taylor. She was married to Richard Burton twice, but those were consecutive marriages; she wasn't married to anyone in between.
– Mitch
16 hours ago
It sounded to me as "serial killer" :) There is a article on Serial Monotheism, but as I said it earlier, it is dubious, or if I am not wrong then it is about person changing religion and worshiping only one God in a given religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.
– GATECSE
16 hours ago
19
19
Serial monotheism
– Mitch
2 days ago
Serial monotheism
– Mitch
2 days ago
@Mitch I have read about "Serial Monotheism", but it quite dubious and not clear. Anyway, thank you for your suggestion.
– GATECSE
yesterday
@Mitch I have read about "Serial Monotheism", but it quite dubious and not clear. Anyway, thank you for your suggestion.
– GATECSE
yesterday
GATECSE, I made it up on the spot, so what those unknown others to me may have a particular meaning in mind that I don't realize. I patterned it after 'serial monogamy', which has always sounded to me like the weirdest euphemism for a particular method of having multiple partners but still being able to say they never cheated on anyone, like Henry VIII or Elizabeth Taylor. Making an analogy with romantic constancy, the term 'serial monotheism' is a tiny bit denigrating, showing that faithfulness to one deity at a time is a questionable virtue.
– Mitch
16 hours ago
GATECSE, I made it up on the spot, so what those unknown others to me may have a particular meaning in mind that I don't realize. I patterned it after 'serial monogamy', which has always sounded to me like the weirdest euphemism for a particular method of having multiple partners but still being able to say they never cheated on anyone, like Henry VIII or Elizabeth Taylor. Making an analogy with romantic constancy, the term 'serial monotheism' is a tiny bit denigrating, showing that faithfulness to one deity at a time is a questionable virtue.
– Mitch
16 hours ago
Yes, yes, I know about Elizabeth Taylor. She was married to Richard Burton twice, but those were consecutive marriages; she wasn't married to anyone in between.
– Mitch
16 hours ago
Yes, yes, I know about Elizabeth Taylor. She was married to Richard Burton twice, but those were consecutive marriages; she wasn't married to anyone in between.
– Mitch
16 hours ago
It sounded to me as "serial killer" :) There is a article on Serial Monotheism, but as I said it earlier, it is dubious, or if I am not wrong then it is about person changing religion and worshiping only one God in a given religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.
– GATECSE
16 hours ago
It sounded to me as "serial killer" :) There is a article on Serial Monotheism, but as I said it earlier, it is dubious, or if I am not wrong then it is about person changing religion and worshiping only one God in a given religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.
– GATECSE
16 hours ago
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
The term you are looking for is Kathenotheism. It was coined by Max Muller from Greek kath' hen "one by one" i.e. kata- "according to" + en- "one" plus -theism.
So, in Kathenotheism (it is not a religion in itself, it is use to denote a particular type of religion) you worship one God head at a time and then move ahead to worship another Gods (Trinity)/Deities in same sect, or religion.
Reference from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathenotheism
Müller coined the term in reference to the Vedas, where he explained each deity is treated as supreme in turn.
Please note, Kathenotheism is different from Polytheism. In Polytheism, we worship all Gods (Trinity) and other deities at the same time, but in Kathenotheism we worship ONLY one God at a time, then move ahead to worship another one.
Also, note that Kathenotheism is different from Henotheism. Henotheist person, worships only one God, and neglects all other. Henotheist, does know, that there exists other Gods and Deities, but she/he worships only ONE God. The word Henotheism was also coined by Max Muller.
I don't want to complicate things for you, but I think you should also know, the difference between Monotheism and Henotheism. Monotheism is different from Henotheism, in a way, that in Monotheism you know that there is only one God and no other i.e. no concept of Trinity or deities.
1
Henotheism ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism ) or even monolatry have wider currency and are not dependent on Max Muller's particular viewpoint.
– Hugh
2 days ago
thank you for explaining in detail
– GATECSE
2 days ago
8
IMO, "no concept of Trinity" is pointlessly argumentative. Christians hold that there is only one God. Claiming that it is not monotheism seems to incite (pointless) arguments over definitions.
– Spitemaster
2 days ago
5
@Spitemaster Concept of Trinity also exist in Hinduism. My answer is not related to Christianity.
– Ubi hatt
2 days ago
2
@Hugh the word henotheism was coined by Max Muller :)
– Ubi hatt
2 days ago
add a comment |
Is monolatry the word you're looking for?
Monolatry, in contrast to monotheism, refers to the worship of a single god, without denying the validity of others.
You are correct about Monolartry, but that is not the word which describes worshiping God "one after another" in same sect or religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.
– GATECSE
yesterday
@GATECSE You're right, it's not exactly what you asked for. It is, however, close enough that I think it may be useful to others who find your question seeking a similar word.
– Hearth
10 hours ago
add a comment |
There are some good answers already offered, and I was going to jump in with monolatry myself. However I noticed that none of them actually quite meet the specifics of your question:
given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one
of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god.
Kathenotheism is somewhat similar to what you want, but doesn't actually mean you only worship one god; the kathenotheist may worship many gods, but believes only one is supreme. The ruler of the pantheon is what changes from time to time, not the object of worship.
Monolatry doesn't move on to other gods. The monolatrist believes in the existence of many gods, but worships only one.
Summodeism is another related concept; the summodeist accepts the existence of multiple gods, but believes that they are all aspects or emanations of one supreme being. He adopts different forms of worship according to which aspect he wish to appeal to, but considers them all the same being.
Henotheism is difficult because it is used in different ways by different authors. As originally defined by von Schelling, it is a synonym of monolatry. Müller (the guy who coined "kathenotheism") used it to mean something like summodeism. Edward Wente seems to make the subtle distinction that the monolatrist considers only one god suitable for worship (either because other gods are unworthy, or because of a special relationship to, say, his tribe) whereas the henotheist chooses a preferred god to worship. Either way, thought, there's no chopping and changing: once a henotheist has picked a team, he sticks with it.
So, what then is the word for believing in many gods, but worshiping one at a time? It's just polytheism. That is exactly what polytheists actually did. The Romans, for example, had 12 major gods, 12 minor gods, and hundreds of indigitamenta; the Greeks had even more. No-one can possibly worship more than, at most, one or two at a time! So if you're preparing for the harvest, you offer a sacrifice to Ceres; if it's Bacchanale time, you have a drunken orgy; if you're sick, you offer a cockerel to Asclepius.
How about Sequentialatry/Sequentheism?
– Dave the Sax
yesterday
on Henotheism:: some sources mention Friedrich Gottlieb Welcker, 1784 - 1868, philologist, as another source used by Muller. Is he significant in this group?
– Hugh
yesterday
add a comment |
Another word for this is henotheism, which is very similar to the already-mentioned monolatry. Both are religions where one only worships one God without denying the existence of other gods.
add a comment |
A less complex term might be serial monotheism; coined on the model of "serial monogamy". The reason I would prefer this term to many of the linguistically accurate offerings above is that it's immediately clear what is meant, and doesn't leave the reader floundering for a definition.
add a comment |
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5 Answers
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5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
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The term you are looking for is Kathenotheism. It was coined by Max Muller from Greek kath' hen "one by one" i.e. kata- "according to" + en- "one" plus -theism.
So, in Kathenotheism (it is not a religion in itself, it is use to denote a particular type of religion) you worship one God head at a time and then move ahead to worship another Gods (Trinity)/Deities in same sect, or religion.
Reference from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathenotheism
Müller coined the term in reference to the Vedas, where he explained each deity is treated as supreme in turn.
Please note, Kathenotheism is different from Polytheism. In Polytheism, we worship all Gods (Trinity) and other deities at the same time, but in Kathenotheism we worship ONLY one God at a time, then move ahead to worship another one.
Also, note that Kathenotheism is different from Henotheism. Henotheist person, worships only one God, and neglects all other. Henotheist, does know, that there exists other Gods and Deities, but she/he worships only ONE God. The word Henotheism was also coined by Max Muller.
I don't want to complicate things for you, but I think you should also know, the difference between Monotheism and Henotheism. Monotheism is different from Henotheism, in a way, that in Monotheism you know that there is only one God and no other i.e. no concept of Trinity or deities.
1
Henotheism ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism ) or even monolatry have wider currency and are not dependent on Max Muller's particular viewpoint.
– Hugh
2 days ago
thank you for explaining in detail
– GATECSE
2 days ago
8
IMO, "no concept of Trinity" is pointlessly argumentative. Christians hold that there is only one God. Claiming that it is not monotheism seems to incite (pointless) arguments over definitions.
– Spitemaster
2 days ago
5
@Spitemaster Concept of Trinity also exist in Hinduism. My answer is not related to Christianity.
– Ubi hatt
2 days ago
2
@Hugh the word henotheism was coined by Max Muller :)
– Ubi hatt
2 days ago
add a comment |
The term you are looking for is Kathenotheism. It was coined by Max Muller from Greek kath' hen "one by one" i.e. kata- "according to" + en- "one" plus -theism.
So, in Kathenotheism (it is not a religion in itself, it is use to denote a particular type of religion) you worship one God head at a time and then move ahead to worship another Gods (Trinity)/Deities in same sect, or religion.
Reference from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathenotheism
Müller coined the term in reference to the Vedas, where he explained each deity is treated as supreme in turn.
Please note, Kathenotheism is different from Polytheism. In Polytheism, we worship all Gods (Trinity) and other deities at the same time, but in Kathenotheism we worship ONLY one God at a time, then move ahead to worship another one.
Also, note that Kathenotheism is different from Henotheism. Henotheist person, worships only one God, and neglects all other. Henotheist, does know, that there exists other Gods and Deities, but she/he worships only ONE God. The word Henotheism was also coined by Max Muller.
I don't want to complicate things for you, but I think you should also know, the difference between Monotheism and Henotheism. Monotheism is different from Henotheism, in a way, that in Monotheism you know that there is only one God and no other i.e. no concept of Trinity or deities.
1
Henotheism ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism ) or even monolatry have wider currency and are not dependent on Max Muller's particular viewpoint.
– Hugh
2 days ago
thank you for explaining in detail
– GATECSE
2 days ago
8
IMO, "no concept of Trinity" is pointlessly argumentative. Christians hold that there is only one God. Claiming that it is not monotheism seems to incite (pointless) arguments over definitions.
– Spitemaster
2 days ago
5
@Spitemaster Concept of Trinity also exist in Hinduism. My answer is not related to Christianity.
– Ubi hatt
2 days ago
2
@Hugh the word henotheism was coined by Max Muller :)
– Ubi hatt
2 days ago
add a comment |
The term you are looking for is Kathenotheism. It was coined by Max Muller from Greek kath' hen "one by one" i.e. kata- "according to" + en- "one" plus -theism.
So, in Kathenotheism (it is not a religion in itself, it is use to denote a particular type of religion) you worship one God head at a time and then move ahead to worship another Gods (Trinity)/Deities in same sect, or religion.
Reference from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathenotheism
Müller coined the term in reference to the Vedas, where he explained each deity is treated as supreme in turn.
Please note, Kathenotheism is different from Polytheism. In Polytheism, we worship all Gods (Trinity) and other deities at the same time, but in Kathenotheism we worship ONLY one God at a time, then move ahead to worship another one.
Also, note that Kathenotheism is different from Henotheism. Henotheist person, worships only one God, and neglects all other. Henotheist, does know, that there exists other Gods and Deities, but she/he worships only ONE God. The word Henotheism was also coined by Max Muller.
I don't want to complicate things for you, but I think you should also know, the difference between Monotheism and Henotheism. Monotheism is different from Henotheism, in a way, that in Monotheism you know that there is only one God and no other i.e. no concept of Trinity or deities.
The term you are looking for is Kathenotheism. It was coined by Max Muller from Greek kath' hen "one by one" i.e. kata- "according to" + en- "one" plus -theism.
So, in Kathenotheism (it is not a religion in itself, it is use to denote a particular type of religion) you worship one God head at a time and then move ahead to worship another Gods (Trinity)/Deities in same sect, or religion.
Reference from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathenotheism
Müller coined the term in reference to the Vedas, where he explained each deity is treated as supreme in turn.
Please note, Kathenotheism is different from Polytheism. In Polytheism, we worship all Gods (Trinity) and other deities at the same time, but in Kathenotheism we worship ONLY one God at a time, then move ahead to worship another one.
Also, note that Kathenotheism is different from Henotheism. Henotheist person, worships only one God, and neglects all other. Henotheist, does know, that there exists other Gods and Deities, but she/he worships only ONE God. The word Henotheism was also coined by Max Muller.
I don't want to complicate things for you, but I think you should also know, the difference between Monotheism and Henotheism. Monotheism is different from Henotheism, in a way, that in Monotheism you know that there is only one God and no other i.e. no concept of Trinity or deities.
edited 2 days ago
answered 2 days ago
Ubi hattUbi hatt
2,941725
2,941725
1
Henotheism ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism ) or even monolatry have wider currency and are not dependent on Max Muller's particular viewpoint.
– Hugh
2 days ago
thank you for explaining in detail
– GATECSE
2 days ago
8
IMO, "no concept of Trinity" is pointlessly argumentative. Christians hold that there is only one God. Claiming that it is not monotheism seems to incite (pointless) arguments over definitions.
– Spitemaster
2 days ago
5
@Spitemaster Concept of Trinity also exist in Hinduism. My answer is not related to Christianity.
– Ubi hatt
2 days ago
2
@Hugh the word henotheism was coined by Max Muller :)
– Ubi hatt
2 days ago
add a comment |
1
Henotheism ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism ) or even monolatry have wider currency and are not dependent on Max Muller's particular viewpoint.
– Hugh
2 days ago
thank you for explaining in detail
– GATECSE
2 days ago
8
IMO, "no concept of Trinity" is pointlessly argumentative. Christians hold that there is only one God. Claiming that it is not monotheism seems to incite (pointless) arguments over definitions.
– Spitemaster
2 days ago
5
@Spitemaster Concept of Trinity also exist in Hinduism. My answer is not related to Christianity.
– Ubi hatt
2 days ago
2
@Hugh the word henotheism was coined by Max Muller :)
– Ubi hatt
2 days ago
1
1
Henotheism ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism ) or even monolatry have wider currency and are not dependent on Max Muller's particular viewpoint.
– Hugh
2 days ago
Henotheism ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism ) or even monolatry have wider currency and are not dependent on Max Muller's particular viewpoint.
– Hugh
2 days ago
thank you for explaining in detail
– GATECSE
2 days ago
thank you for explaining in detail
– GATECSE
2 days ago
8
8
IMO, "no concept of Trinity" is pointlessly argumentative. Christians hold that there is only one God. Claiming that it is not monotheism seems to incite (pointless) arguments over definitions.
– Spitemaster
2 days ago
IMO, "no concept of Trinity" is pointlessly argumentative. Christians hold that there is only one God. Claiming that it is not monotheism seems to incite (pointless) arguments over definitions.
– Spitemaster
2 days ago
5
5
@Spitemaster Concept of Trinity also exist in Hinduism. My answer is not related to Christianity.
– Ubi hatt
2 days ago
@Spitemaster Concept of Trinity also exist in Hinduism. My answer is not related to Christianity.
– Ubi hatt
2 days ago
2
2
@Hugh the word henotheism was coined by Max Muller :)
– Ubi hatt
2 days ago
@Hugh the word henotheism was coined by Max Muller :)
– Ubi hatt
2 days ago
add a comment |
Is monolatry the word you're looking for?
Monolatry, in contrast to monotheism, refers to the worship of a single god, without denying the validity of others.
You are correct about Monolartry, but that is not the word which describes worshiping God "one after another" in same sect or religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.
– GATECSE
yesterday
@GATECSE You're right, it's not exactly what you asked for. It is, however, close enough that I think it may be useful to others who find your question seeking a similar word.
– Hearth
10 hours ago
add a comment |
Is monolatry the word you're looking for?
Monolatry, in contrast to monotheism, refers to the worship of a single god, without denying the validity of others.
You are correct about Monolartry, but that is not the word which describes worshiping God "one after another" in same sect or religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.
– GATECSE
yesterday
@GATECSE You're right, it's not exactly what you asked for. It is, however, close enough that I think it may be useful to others who find your question seeking a similar word.
– Hearth
10 hours ago
add a comment |
Is monolatry the word you're looking for?
Monolatry, in contrast to monotheism, refers to the worship of a single god, without denying the validity of others.
Is monolatry the word you're looking for?
Monolatry, in contrast to monotheism, refers to the worship of a single god, without denying the validity of others.
answered 2 days ago
HearthHearth
1967
1967
You are correct about Monolartry, but that is not the word which describes worshiping God "one after another" in same sect or religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.
– GATECSE
yesterday
@GATECSE You're right, it's not exactly what you asked for. It is, however, close enough that I think it may be useful to others who find your question seeking a similar word.
– Hearth
10 hours ago
add a comment |
You are correct about Monolartry, but that is not the word which describes worshiping God "one after another" in same sect or religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.
– GATECSE
yesterday
@GATECSE You're right, it's not exactly what you asked for. It is, however, close enough that I think it may be useful to others who find your question seeking a similar word.
– Hearth
10 hours ago
You are correct about Monolartry, but that is not the word which describes worshiping God "one after another" in same sect or religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.
– GATECSE
yesterday
You are correct about Monolartry, but that is not the word which describes worshiping God "one after another" in same sect or religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.
– GATECSE
yesterday
@GATECSE You're right, it's not exactly what you asked for. It is, however, close enough that I think it may be useful to others who find your question seeking a similar word.
– Hearth
10 hours ago
@GATECSE You're right, it's not exactly what you asked for. It is, however, close enough that I think it may be useful to others who find your question seeking a similar word.
– Hearth
10 hours ago
add a comment |
There are some good answers already offered, and I was going to jump in with monolatry myself. However I noticed that none of them actually quite meet the specifics of your question:
given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one
of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god.
Kathenotheism is somewhat similar to what you want, but doesn't actually mean you only worship one god; the kathenotheist may worship many gods, but believes only one is supreme. The ruler of the pantheon is what changes from time to time, not the object of worship.
Monolatry doesn't move on to other gods. The monolatrist believes in the existence of many gods, but worships only one.
Summodeism is another related concept; the summodeist accepts the existence of multiple gods, but believes that they are all aspects or emanations of one supreme being. He adopts different forms of worship according to which aspect he wish to appeal to, but considers them all the same being.
Henotheism is difficult because it is used in different ways by different authors. As originally defined by von Schelling, it is a synonym of monolatry. Müller (the guy who coined "kathenotheism") used it to mean something like summodeism. Edward Wente seems to make the subtle distinction that the monolatrist considers only one god suitable for worship (either because other gods are unworthy, or because of a special relationship to, say, his tribe) whereas the henotheist chooses a preferred god to worship. Either way, thought, there's no chopping and changing: once a henotheist has picked a team, he sticks with it.
So, what then is the word for believing in many gods, but worshiping one at a time? It's just polytheism. That is exactly what polytheists actually did. The Romans, for example, had 12 major gods, 12 minor gods, and hundreds of indigitamenta; the Greeks had even more. No-one can possibly worship more than, at most, one or two at a time! So if you're preparing for the harvest, you offer a sacrifice to Ceres; if it's Bacchanale time, you have a drunken orgy; if you're sick, you offer a cockerel to Asclepius.
How about Sequentialatry/Sequentheism?
– Dave the Sax
yesterday
on Henotheism:: some sources mention Friedrich Gottlieb Welcker, 1784 - 1868, philologist, as another source used by Muller. Is he significant in this group?
– Hugh
yesterday
add a comment |
There are some good answers already offered, and I was going to jump in with monolatry myself. However I noticed that none of them actually quite meet the specifics of your question:
given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one
of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god.
Kathenotheism is somewhat similar to what you want, but doesn't actually mean you only worship one god; the kathenotheist may worship many gods, but believes only one is supreme. The ruler of the pantheon is what changes from time to time, not the object of worship.
Monolatry doesn't move on to other gods. The monolatrist believes in the existence of many gods, but worships only one.
Summodeism is another related concept; the summodeist accepts the existence of multiple gods, but believes that they are all aspects or emanations of one supreme being. He adopts different forms of worship according to which aspect he wish to appeal to, but considers them all the same being.
Henotheism is difficult because it is used in different ways by different authors. As originally defined by von Schelling, it is a synonym of monolatry. Müller (the guy who coined "kathenotheism") used it to mean something like summodeism. Edward Wente seems to make the subtle distinction that the monolatrist considers only one god suitable for worship (either because other gods are unworthy, or because of a special relationship to, say, his tribe) whereas the henotheist chooses a preferred god to worship. Either way, thought, there's no chopping and changing: once a henotheist has picked a team, he sticks with it.
So, what then is the word for believing in many gods, but worshiping one at a time? It's just polytheism. That is exactly what polytheists actually did. The Romans, for example, had 12 major gods, 12 minor gods, and hundreds of indigitamenta; the Greeks had even more. No-one can possibly worship more than, at most, one or two at a time! So if you're preparing for the harvest, you offer a sacrifice to Ceres; if it's Bacchanale time, you have a drunken orgy; if you're sick, you offer a cockerel to Asclepius.
How about Sequentialatry/Sequentheism?
– Dave the Sax
yesterday
on Henotheism:: some sources mention Friedrich Gottlieb Welcker, 1784 - 1868, philologist, as another source used by Muller. Is he significant in this group?
– Hugh
yesterday
add a comment |
There are some good answers already offered, and I was going to jump in with monolatry myself. However I noticed that none of them actually quite meet the specifics of your question:
given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one
of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god.
Kathenotheism is somewhat similar to what you want, but doesn't actually mean you only worship one god; the kathenotheist may worship many gods, but believes only one is supreme. The ruler of the pantheon is what changes from time to time, not the object of worship.
Monolatry doesn't move on to other gods. The monolatrist believes in the existence of many gods, but worships only one.
Summodeism is another related concept; the summodeist accepts the existence of multiple gods, but believes that they are all aspects or emanations of one supreme being. He adopts different forms of worship according to which aspect he wish to appeal to, but considers them all the same being.
Henotheism is difficult because it is used in different ways by different authors. As originally defined by von Schelling, it is a synonym of monolatry. Müller (the guy who coined "kathenotheism") used it to mean something like summodeism. Edward Wente seems to make the subtle distinction that the monolatrist considers only one god suitable for worship (either because other gods are unworthy, or because of a special relationship to, say, his tribe) whereas the henotheist chooses a preferred god to worship. Either way, thought, there's no chopping and changing: once a henotheist has picked a team, he sticks with it.
So, what then is the word for believing in many gods, but worshiping one at a time? It's just polytheism. That is exactly what polytheists actually did. The Romans, for example, had 12 major gods, 12 minor gods, and hundreds of indigitamenta; the Greeks had even more. No-one can possibly worship more than, at most, one or two at a time! So if you're preparing for the harvest, you offer a sacrifice to Ceres; if it's Bacchanale time, you have a drunken orgy; if you're sick, you offer a cockerel to Asclepius.
There are some good answers already offered, and I was going to jump in with monolatry myself. However I noticed that none of them actually quite meet the specifics of your question:
given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one
of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god.
Kathenotheism is somewhat similar to what you want, but doesn't actually mean you only worship one god; the kathenotheist may worship many gods, but believes only one is supreme. The ruler of the pantheon is what changes from time to time, not the object of worship.
Monolatry doesn't move on to other gods. The monolatrist believes in the existence of many gods, but worships only one.
Summodeism is another related concept; the summodeist accepts the existence of multiple gods, but believes that they are all aspects or emanations of one supreme being. He adopts different forms of worship according to which aspect he wish to appeal to, but considers them all the same being.
Henotheism is difficult because it is used in different ways by different authors. As originally defined by von Schelling, it is a synonym of monolatry. Müller (the guy who coined "kathenotheism") used it to mean something like summodeism. Edward Wente seems to make the subtle distinction that the monolatrist considers only one god suitable for worship (either because other gods are unworthy, or because of a special relationship to, say, his tribe) whereas the henotheist chooses a preferred god to worship. Either way, thought, there's no chopping and changing: once a henotheist has picked a team, he sticks with it.
So, what then is the word for believing in many gods, but worshiping one at a time? It's just polytheism. That is exactly what polytheists actually did. The Romans, for example, had 12 major gods, 12 minor gods, and hundreds of indigitamenta; the Greeks had even more. No-one can possibly worship more than, at most, one or two at a time! So if you're preparing for the harvest, you offer a sacrifice to Ceres; if it's Bacchanale time, you have a drunken orgy; if you're sick, you offer a cockerel to Asclepius.
answered yesterday
SecurigerSecuriger
3775
3775
How about Sequentialatry/Sequentheism?
– Dave the Sax
yesterday
on Henotheism:: some sources mention Friedrich Gottlieb Welcker, 1784 - 1868, philologist, as another source used by Muller. Is he significant in this group?
– Hugh
yesterday
add a comment |
How about Sequentialatry/Sequentheism?
– Dave the Sax
yesterday
on Henotheism:: some sources mention Friedrich Gottlieb Welcker, 1784 - 1868, philologist, as another source used by Muller. Is he significant in this group?
– Hugh
yesterday
How about Sequentialatry/Sequentheism?
– Dave the Sax
yesterday
How about Sequentialatry/Sequentheism?
– Dave the Sax
yesterday
on Henotheism:: some sources mention Friedrich Gottlieb Welcker, 1784 - 1868, philologist, as another source used by Muller. Is he significant in this group?
– Hugh
yesterday
on Henotheism:: some sources mention Friedrich Gottlieb Welcker, 1784 - 1868, philologist, as another source used by Muller. Is he significant in this group?
– Hugh
yesterday
add a comment |
Another word for this is henotheism, which is very similar to the already-mentioned monolatry. Both are religions where one only worships one God without denying the existence of other gods.
add a comment |
Another word for this is henotheism, which is very similar to the already-mentioned monolatry. Both are religions where one only worships one God without denying the existence of other gods.
add a comment |
Another word for this is henotheism, which is very similar to the already-mentioned monolatry. Both are religions where one only worships one God without denying the existence of other gods.
Another word for this is henotheism, which is very similar to the already-mentioned monolatry. Both are religions where one only worships one God without denying the existence of other gods.
answered 2 days ago
EJoshuaSEJoshuaS
1827
1827
add a comment |
add a comment |
A less complex term might be serial monotheism; coined on the model of "serial monogamy". The reason I would prefer this term to many of the linguistically accurate offerings above is that it's immediately clear what is meant, and doesn't leave the reader floundering for a definition.
add a comment |
A less complex term might be serial monotheism; coined on the model of "serial monogamy". The reason I would prefer this term to many of the linguistically accurate offerings above is that it's immediately clear what is meant, and doesn't leave the reader floundering for a definition.
add a comment |
A less complex term might be serial monotheism; coined on the model of "serial monogamy". The reason I would prefer this term to many of the linguistically accurate offerings above is that it's immediately clear what is meant, and doesn't leave the reader floundering for a definition.
A less complex term might be serial monotheism; coined on the model of "serial monogamy". The reason I would prefer this term to many of the linguistically accurate offerings above is that it's immediately clear what is meant, and doesn't leave the reader floundering for a definition.
answered yesterday
RichRich
33917
33917
add a comment |
add a comment |
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19
Serial monotheism
– Mitch
2 days ago
@Mitch I have read about "Serial Monotheism", but it quite dubious and not clear. Anyway, thank you for your suggestion.
– GATECSE
yesterday
GATECSE, I made it up on the spot, so what those unknown others to me may have a particular meaning in mind that I don't realize. I patterned it after 'serial monogamy', which has always sounded to me like the weirdest euphemism for a particular method of having multiple partners but still being able to say they never cheated on anyone, like Henry VIII or Elizabeth Taylor. Making an analogy with romantic constancy, the term 'serial monotheism' is a tiny bit denigrating, showing that faithfulness to one deity at a time is a questionable virtue.
– Mitch
16 hours ago
Yes, yes, I know about Elizabeth Taylor. She was married to Richard Burton twice, but those were consecutive marriages; she wasn't married to anyone in between.
– Mitch
16 hours ago
It sounded to me as "serial killer" :) There is a article on Serial Monotheism, but as I said it earlier, it is dubious, or if I am not wrong then it is about person changing religion and worshiping only one God in a given religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.
– GATECSE
16 hours ago