Why did polytheism lose it's popularity ?

Question

is it because one divinity is easier to keep track of , as opposed to many divinities ?

Answer 1

Could it have anything to do with the fact that for hundreds of years, polytheists were tortured and killed if they didn't convert to monotheistic religions?

Could it be because monotheistic religions built their early churches on top of polytheistis temples and shrines?

Could it have anything to do with the lies told by monotheistic religions that demonized polytheist gods and beliefs?

For about 700 years, monotheism was the only "acceptable" form of religion in the western world. Even in the first few centuries in American history, the "great melting pot" of cultures and religions, monotheism was the only acceptable form of religion. It has only been in the last 80-100 years that polytheists have been recognized and accepted into the mainstream of western society.

It took Christianity some 300 years to gain acceptance as a valid religion. Considering that, polytheism is making a pretty effective comeback into society.

-SD-

Answer 2

One powerful god was probably more appealing than many gods that squabbled amongst each other. It's hard to get all that excited over Zeus when there were dozens of others around that frequently got the best of him. The monolithic god is much easier to kill people over.

Though, even then, the monolithic Christian god still has the air of polytheism to it with the trinity. They're trying to capitalize on the popularity of both types of pantheon.

Answer 3

Speaking of European polytheism only, the Christians worked miracles and were stunningly courageous in the face of martyrdom.

They also cared for people in ways the pagans did not. The emperor Julian the Apostate actually tried to set up charitable organizations in imitation of the Christians, saying "The impious Gallileans support not only their poor, but ours as well. Everyone can see that our poor lack aid from us."

Moreover, many of the Greco-Roman elites were either atheists or philosophical monotheists already. They both scoffed at the popular pieties of vulgar paganism.

Christianity also brought the discipline and austerity of the philosophical life to the masses in a way many ancients found admirable. Here's the pagan doctor Galen:
"We now see the people called Christians drawing their faith from parables and miracles, and yet sometimes acting in the same way as those who practice philosophy. With their contempt of death and of its sequel is patent to us every day, and likewise their restraint in cohabitation. For they include not only men but also women who refrain from cohabiting all through their lives; and they also number individuals who, in self-discipline and self-control in matters of food and drink, and in their keen pursuit of justice, have attained a pitch not inferior to that of genuine philosophers."

Further, pagans tended to abandon girl babies on the side of the road because they were considered inferior. Christians would adopt these girls and raise them in their faith. When it came time to marry, many pagan men only had Christian wives as options. A good Christian wife could also be trusted not to sleep around, so a husband wouldn't be raising another man's child.

The Christians also rejected abortion and contraceptive practices(primitive though they were, they were still popular) so they simply outbred those whom they didn't convert.

Answer 4

polytheism hasnt lost its popularity i dont know where you get your info from bud but the fact is polytheism is related to paganism and many other belief systems as well. i think you may have to do some research on these things

Answer 5

There really hasn't been much change in polytheism. Hinduism predates all monotheistic religions and is still going strong.

Answer 6

It hasn't lost its popularity in India by a longshot.

Answer 7

as long fashion is in style everybody follow or they don't simply as that

Answer 8

No, because it is logical nonsense.