Monolatrism
From Wikinfo
Monolatrism or monolatry (Greek μόνος(monos) = single and λατρεία(latria) = worship) is a form of theology where adherents believe in the existence of multiple deities but worship only one. In contrast to monotheists, monolatrists accept the existence of other gods. The term was perhaps first used by Julius Wellhausen.
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Monolatrism and Judaism
Some scholars claim the Torah (Pentateuch) shows evidence of monolatrism in some passages. This argument is normally based on references to other gods, such as the "god of the Egyptians" in the Book of Exodus.
The first of the Ten Commandments has been interpreted as monolatry: "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me" (emphasis added).
There is even a passage in the Book of Psalms, verse 86:8 that reads "Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works."
However passages of monolatrism in Hebrew scripture could merely also be rhetorical devices, not an assumption of the existence of other gods. In an ancient world full of faiths and gods, the need to differentiate Hebraic monotheism from the background can easily explain passages suggestive of monolatrism.
Henotheism and Monolatry
Monolatry is closely related to the theistic concept of Henotheism, which is also the worship of one God among many. The primary difference between the two is that Monolatry is the worship of one god who alone is worthy of worship, though other gods are known to exist, while Henotheism is the worship of one god, not precluding the existence of others who may also be worthy of praise.
Reference
- Robert Needham Cust (1895). Essay on the Common Features which Appear in All Forms of Religious Belief. Luzac & Co.
External links
References
- Adapted from the Wikipedia article, "Monolatrism" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/monolatrism, used under the GNU Free Documentation License
