Define Monotheism

[rameumptom]

At Lehi's Library blog, James discusses an article by Larry Hurtado (Prof of religion at Edinburgh Univ, expert on 1st century Judaism and Christianity). Hurtado explains that Jewish monotheism of the period was very different than the view of monotheism today, and we should be careful about judging others' for their concept of monotheism. You can read James' blog here.

In essence, Hurtado explains that early Jews and Christians, while believing in the one great God, also believed in special agents of God, angels and divine beings, who were often given God's attributes, and even his name. He mentions that some prophets would get confused and begin worshiping the angel (we see this in Revelation 19:1-10), because the being seems to be God. This would include the great Angel Yahweh/Messiah, Enoch as Metatron, etc.

Clearly, the early Jewish/Christian view of God and divinity was very similar to what today's Latter-day Saints believe it is.

[Dr T]

The way I see it is by using the etymology of monotheism: 1660, from Gk. mono-, comb. form of monos "single, alone" + theos "a god" (see Thea). and the other attributes that u reference I do not see as making divine.

[prisonchaplain]

Several times through the Bible prophets did mistake angels for God. The angels were quick to rebuke them though, and explain that they were FELLOW servants--and that only God should be worshipped. So, I'm not so certain that early Jews and Christians were henotheists. Rather, they were simply overwhelmed by the powerful presence of angels, and mistakenly took them for God. The fact that the authors took time to explain the correction the angels offered seems to affirm the monotheism of today's Jews and Christians.

[rameumptom]

You have to also read the ancient Jewish and Christian writings that make such people god-like. Enoch becoming Metatron, being clothed in God's robes, and sitting down on God's throne, where the others then worship him, is a classic example of this, and it is mentioned in the article.

These ancient peoples were monotheists. HOWEVER, their definition of monotheism would differ greatly than that established by many Trinitarians today! And that is the point being made. We can define monotheism in a modern way, or in an ancient way.

[prisonchaplain]

Ram, the actions you describe seem to be of those who strayed from the faith...the type that Scripture describe as "whoring after the gods of Canaan." There is no doubt that there were many Jews who were, in reality, henotheists--or worse. BUT, these were condemned. They were heretics, not the orthodoxy of Jewish faith.

I sought out a Messianic Jewish (Jews who accept Jesus as Messiah) source for added information: Monotheism of the Ancient Hebrews: Evolved, Invented, Stolen or Revealed? - http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/5_5/monotheism/

[Moksha]

The Greek Pantheon of Gods should also be considered, with Zeus being the Chief God. Also it seems interesting that Odin, has been call the All Father, with his offspring also being Gods and also served by the angelic looking Valkyries (at least they look angelic when observed in a comic book).

[Justice]

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

Several times through the Bible prophets did mistake angels for God. The angels were quick to rebuke them though, and explain that they were FELLOW servants--and that only God should be worshipped. So, I'm not so certain that early Jews and Christians were henotheists. Rather, they were simply overwhelmed by the powerful presence of angels, and mistakenly took them for God. The fact that the authors took time to explain the correction the angels offered seems to affirm the monotheism of today's Jews and Christians.

There isn't enough mentioned about Enoch in the Bible to prove your claim.

No doubt, people even bowed to Joseph Smith, which he quickly set them straight. I'm sure what you mentioned here did happen in the Bible. However, that does not mean what Ram described didn't happen also.

I know we get set in our ways and dismiss things quickly that go against how we view things. But, maybe more sources and evidence could be reviewed before making a call for "Final Answer?"

[prisonchaplain]

Justice, you want me to prove that the monotheism of Orthodox Judaism, as practiced in the Old Testament era was non-henotheisitic? Otherwise, I'm not sure what you are asking me to prove.

[Traveler]

I believe that monotheism is the acceptance of a singular G-d or person as your G-d and person that you worship; regardless of how many G-ds, g-ds or persons may be or may exist.

For the record - I recognize and worship the G-d and person Jesus Christ as my G-d. I believe this to be the definition of monotheism. I believe that because of the fall - I cannot worship the Father - only Jesus Christ as the mediator. Sometimes in talking to "other" Christians I get the impression that the doctrine of a mediator and the fall is not really understood.

I also see the doctrine of the Trinity as polytheistic in that there are plural (3) persons that are worshiped.


The Traveler

[Dr T]

They are yet we see there is only ONE God therefore-a triune God.