A polytheist is someone who believes in multiple deities. These deities are known by the name pantheons. They are often part or all of religious rituals or sects. Monotheism believes that there is only one God. It is the opposite of polytheism. The main difference between the two is that polytheism is a belief in multiple gods, while monotheism is a belief in only one god.
Religion
Polytheism can be described as a form of theism which worships several gods or goddesses. This form of theism is often associated with different religious sects and rituals. Monotheism, on the other hand, is a belief that there is one God. Both monotheism as well as polytheism have both their advantages and disadvantages.
Monotheists historically denigrated polytheism as well other forms of religious belief. Some have even accused polytheists, of moral laxity. However, modern scholars of religion view religion as an evolutionary process and favor polytheism.
Identity
Many West-based polytheists are having trouble defining their identities. It can be difficult to establish a clear definition of polytheism because of the numerous nuances and historical precedents that can complicate the definition. We will examine the identity of West polytheists, and identify some characteristics that distinguish them.
Consider first the role of polytheism for the expansion of religious freedom and human rights. White western cultures are notorious for excluding or banning polytheistic religions. Despite its negative aspects, polytheism has helped to expand religious rights.
Criticism
E. B. Tylor is a historian who studies the evolution of religion in man's history. He says that the argument that monotheism inherently is superior to polytheism can be flawed in many ways. Many critics view this theory as disrespectful for non-monotheistic religious systems and as disregarding the ethical, virtuous and moral aspects of polytheism. If duBois is correct, we must recognize that polytheism does have its ethical and virtuous aspects and should not ignore them.
Monotheists have long condemned polytheism. They argue that multiple gods compromise the rational unity the divine being. Other critics argue that stories of the gods' wars and loves sanction the concept of moral relativism. Polytheism has also been associated with idolatry especially in Abrahamic religions.
Origins
Polytheism has a history that reaches back to ancient Greece. Polytheism was adopted by the Romans, who based it on a structured pantheon. This belief in many gods eventually gave rise to a variety of religions. Although many polytheists are monotheistic today, the roots of the polytheistic belief system can still be traced back at prehistoric humans.
Polytheism is a significant religious phenomenon that gets far less attention. While it is often referred to as a stage between monotheism or primitive religions, polytheism can actually be found in any type of religion.
Identifying character traits
A polytheist is a person who believes in the existence of more than one god. Polytheists can refer to many groups that range from ancient cultures to modern times. These groups share similar practices and characteristics but can also be distinguished through their differing religious beliefs.
Polytheists believe in more than one god, sometimes in a large number of gods. While they believe in many gods, many are tied to particular places, families or occupations. This type of thinking makes it difficult for polytheists to choose one god over another.