Final answer:
The main difference between monotheism and polytheism is the number of deities, with Christianity as a key example of monotheism contrasting with the polytheistic practices of the Romans. Over time, Christianity became the dominant faith in the Roman Empire due to its monotheistic belief system and the lack of unity among polytheistic practices. The shift greatly affected Roman society and its religious practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The core difference between monotheism and polytheism lies in the number of deities worshiped. Monotheism, such as Christianity, is based on the belief in a single, all-powerful deity. This is a defining characteristic that set early Christians apart from the polytheistic Romans who worshiped many gods. Christianity places emphasis on baptism and the belief in salvation and the afterlife, concepts shared with various other mystery cults of the time. However, its strict monotheistic nature led to persecution as Christians refused to participate in the Roman civic cults.
In contrast, Roman polytheism was diverse, with no unified system. Worshipers of a range of gods could not come together in opposition to Christianity, especially when it became the official religion of the Roman Empire. Moreover, Christianity's evangelical nature and conviction in a single god who forbade the worship of Roman emperors posed a threat to the hierarchical structure of Roman society.
It is important to note that some religions may not fit neatly into the categories of monotheism or polytheism. For example, the Christian notion of the Holy Trinity and the multiple manifestations of Hinduism's godhead challenge the strict definitions of monotheism and polytheism, respectively. Still, the transition from a polytheistic society to a monotheistic Christian Empire reshaped religious and social dynamics in the Roman world.