Final answer:
Monotheism began with the Hebrews, transitioning from polytheism and henotheism to the worship of one God, a belief that heavily influenced the future of world religions such as Christianity and Islam. This transition illustrates the evolution of religious practices and their impact on human history.
Step-by-step explanation:
Origins of Monotheism and Polytheism
The question relates to the origins of monotheistic and polytheistic religions. Through historical records, we understand that monotheism emerged first among the Hebrews, with the Bible attributing this to Abraham and later to Moses during the exodus from Egypt. However, evidence suggests this was a gradual transition from polytheism, with earlier forms of Hebrew religious practice including henotheism—an acknowledgment of multiple gods but the worship of just one.
Zoroastrianism, founded by Zoroaster in the 6th century BC, also reflects an early example of monotheism. Over time, Judaism evolved into a strictly monotheistic faith, differentiating itself from the polytheistic beliefs of neighboring cultures, and serving as a forerunner to Christianity and Islam.
Judaism's development from henotheism to true monotheism shows a significant shift in religious beliefs that eventually had profound effects on world history. Although many ancient civilizations were polytheistic, the monotheistic practice of worshipping one supreme deity became a defining characteristic of several major world religions today including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
The evolution of monotheistic worship illustrates how religious beliefs can be influenced by a range of factors, including cultural interchange and geopolitical pressures, and how these beliefs have shaped human history.