In Judaism, which is worse: Atheism or Polytheism?

Answer 1

Well, I only know the Torah from the point of view of an outsider, but it seems to me that Polytheism would be considered worse.

Consider, all the discussion of 'worshiping other gods' and 'worshiping false idols'. There seems to be a lot of that. No where does it seem that god said 'if you worship nothing, you will burn in heck', but it certainly seems he gets upset when you worship golden calfs, and other such curious things.

Answer 2

i would say polytheism.

EDIT

"To say there is no god(s) -- Atheism -- is to deny the existence of He who made the Heavens and the Earth, formed you and seeks to have fellowship with you."

ken is right, both should not be done according to judaism, but at the same time an atheist jew is considered by all jews to be a jew, but many jews do not consider a jew who worships other gods to be a jew any longer, no matter how unhalachically based this is.

also judaism is places far more emphasis on deeds than on faith. an atheist does not actively worship other gods, so its almost as if his sin was never comitted in some respects.

Answer 3

In Judaism, both are wrong.

Remember the words of the Sh'ma [Shema}!!

To say there is no god(s) -- Atheism -- is to deny the existence of He who made the Heavens and the Earth, formed you and seeks to have fellowship with you.

To say there are many gods -- polytheism -- is to deny He Who Judaism praises -- "Baruch atta Adonai Eloheynu melech ha-olam"

Answer 4

both are incorrect.

but Polytheism in the form of Idolatry is far worse. The reason is that their you are attributing works of G-d to other things, in Atheism you are attributing it to nothing.

Answer 5

They're pretty equal.