215k views
1 vote
What is monotheism? How does the first creation story support this belief?

A) Monotheism is the belief in multiple gods. The first creation story supports this belief through the depiction of various deities.
B) Monotheism is the belief in one God. The first creation story supports this belief by describing the creation of the universe by a single divine being.
C) Monotheism is the belief in nature as a higher power. The first creation story supports this belief by emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things.
D) Monotheism is the belief in ancient myths and legends. The first creation story supports this belief through the incorporation of mythical creatures.

User Florinda
by
8.1k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

Monotheism is the belief in one God, in contrast to polytheism, which is the belief in multiple gods. The first creation story in the Bible supports monotheism by describing a single god creating the universe. Religious complexity, such as Christianity's Trinity and Hinduism's godhead manifestations, may challenge the strict monotheistic definition.

Step-by-step explanation:

Monotheism is the belief in one God. This belief is central to several major world religions including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. In contrast, polytheism is the belief in multiple gods, and henotheism is a form of belief where multiple gods are acknowledged but only one is worshipped. The first creation story often refers to the Biblical Genesis account, which supports monotheism by describing the creation of the universe by a single divine entity. In this narrative, God is presented as the sole creator and ruler of everything, reflecting the monotheistic view. Over time, the Hebrew culture transitioned from henotheism to strict monotheism, a historic journey depicted in the Hebrew Bible.

Different belief systems complicate the understanding of terms like monotheism. For instance, Christianity's concept of the Trinity and Hinduism's numerous manifestations of a single godhead sometimes challenge straightforward definitions of monotheism. Likewise, it's important to note that considering the extensive diversity of religious practices and beliefs, monotheism can manifest differently across cultures and religious traditions.

User Tcollart
by
8.2k points