Hindus claim that their religion is monotheistic because all their gods are avatars of the same God; Christians claim that their religion is also monotheistic because Jesus, the Father and Holy Spirit are aspects of the same God. But even pagan gods emanated from Zeus or were part of the same divinity. So the question is, is it possible that polytheism (in this sense) and strict monotheism are compatible? Or, is it possible that Christians and Hindus like the idea of monotheism but try to reconcile their beliefs with strict monotheism and fail miserably?
2007-09-24 08:19:35 · 8 answers · asked by Sincere-Advisor 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
CHRISTIAN TRINITY as the foundation of their Polytheistic Theology
God the Father = Judge/Punisher (in OT)
Jesus the Son = Creator/Saviour/Love
Holy Spirit = Preserver/Source of Miracles
HINDU TRINITY as the foundation of their Polytheistic Theology
Shiva = Punisher/destroyer
Brhama = Creator/Love
Vishnu = Preserver/Source of Miracles
Except Hindus believe God can come in millions of forms but even then he is One God…..
This is much like the Christian trinity of God as the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The trinity represents the Divine in its threefold nature and function. Each aspect of the trinity contains and includes the others.
God is multi-part but always considered as “one”.
http://www.hindunet.org/god/trinity/index.htm
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2007-09-24 08:23:33 · answer #1 · answered by Mithrianity 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
an analogy that me and a friend came up with is basically like this.
imagine a tree with one very big trunk, that splits into 3 trunks, like the base of the trunk is definitely 1 trunk, but it separates into 3 trees halfway up, pretty much. this is the trinitarian concept.
now imagine 3 trees that are separate, but in proximity, and the same variety. this is more or less your general pagan pantheon. the trees may or may noe be connected in their roots underground.
then, imagine a really really big, perfect stone obelisk. polished and faceted, absolutely flawless and singular. this is the "strict monotheism" of Judaism and Islam.
I imagine you might be able to add to this another group with 3 trees, where the trees are closer and more closely connected with the roots and branches and such. (for the hindu concept)
depending how you look at it, all these could be intepereted as "one".
but if you stand next to the obelisk... all the others look obviously polytheistic in comparison.
but then again, my view of God, which is absolutely monotheistic, can be mistakenly thought of as pantheistic as well, lol, so its not cut and dried for sure.
2007-09-24 08:44:06 · answer #2 · answered by RW 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps. It really only matters to those that believe in the particular god(s) though. There is nothing inherently better about either point of view as religions don't get points for one or the other.
2007-09-24 08:25:37 · answer #3 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. the mental gymnastics practiced by polytheistic religions is completely illogical and untenable....but humorous, nonetheless.
2007-09-24 08:29:05 · answer #4 · answered by mzJakes 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Still only 1 God,in 3 persons.
YOU are one person,with a soul/body/spirit
2007-09-24 08:32:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think the latter. It's a convenient argument to explain our limited and limiting awareness of Divinity.
2007-09-24 08:25:04 · answer #6 · answered by metanoia 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Suuuuuure....
2007-09-24 08:25:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
What difference does it make HOW many imaginary friends you have?
They're IMAGINARY.
2007-09-24 08:23:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋