Polytheism vs Henotheism: Understanding Multiple Gods

What is Polytheism?

Polytheism is the belief in and worship of multiple gods or deities, each with their own distinct personalities, domains, and powers. Polytheists recognize many gods as real, independent beings worthy of worship and devotion. These gods may be organized into pantheons (Greek, Norse, Egyptian, etc.), may have hierarchies or be relatively equal, and may govern different aspects of life and nature. Polytheism has been the dominant religious form throughout human history and remains practiced today in Hinduism, Shinto, modern paganism (Hellenism, Heathenry, Kemeticism), and various indigenous religions.

Polytheism Characteristics:

• Core belief: Multiple gods exist and are real
• Worship: Honor many gods (all, several, or rotating)
• Hierarchy: Gods may be equal or have hierarchy
• Devotion: Distributed among multiple deities
• Approach: Acknowledge and honor the many
• Flexibility: Can worship different gods for different needs

Polytheism says: "Many gods exist, and I honor multiple deities as real, distinct beings."

What is Henotheism?

Henotheism (also called monolatry) is the worship of one primary god while acknowledging that other gods exist and may be worshipped by others. Henotheists focus their devotion on a single deity—their patron god or chosen deity—but don't deny the existence or validity of other gods. This is different from monotheism (only one god exists) and from polytheism (worship multiple gods). Henotheism is a "one god for me, but many gods exist" approach. Historical examples include ancient Israelite religion (before strict monotheism), some forms of Hinduism (ishta-devata), and some modern pagan practices.

Henotheism Characteristics:

• Core belief: Multiple gods exist, but I worship one primarily
• Worship: Devoted to one god (patron deity)
• Hierarchy: One god is supreme FOR ME, not necessarily objectively
• Devotion: Concentrated on single deity
• Approach: "My god" focus while respecting others' gods
• Flexibility: May honor other gods occasionally but primary devotion to one

Henotheism says: "Many gods exist, but I devote myself primarily to one deity."

Key Differences Between Polytheism and Henotheism

1. Distribution of Worship

Polytheism:

• Worship multiple gods regularly
• Devotion distributed among many
• May honor different gods for different purposes
• No single primary deity
• Relationship with many gods

Henotheism:

• Worship one god primarily
• Devotion concentrated on single deity
• One patron or chosen god
• Clear primary deity
• Deep relationship with one god

2. Theological Belief

Polytheism:

• Many gods exist (agreed)
• All gods are real and valid
• No single supreme god (or multiple supreme gods)
• Gods are distinct individuals

Henotheism:

• Many gods exist (agreed)
• All gods are real and valid
• One god is supreme FOR ME (personal choice)
• My god is my focus, not necessarily "better"

3. Practice

Polytheism:

• Altars to multiple gods
• Offerings to various deities
• Prayers to different gods for different needs
• Celebrate festivals of many gods
• Balanced attention

Henotheism:

• Primary altar to one god
• Most offerings to patron deity
• Prayers primarily to chosen god
• Focus on patron's festivals
• Concentrated attention

4. Relationship Dynamic

Polytheism:

• Multiple relationships with gods
• Like having many friends
• Different gods for different aspects of life
• Diverse spiritual connections

Henotheism:

• Primary relationship with one god
• Like having a best friend or spouse
• One god for most aspects of life
• Deep, focused spiritual connection

5. Exclusivity

Polytheism:

• Non-exclusive worship
• Open to honoring any/all gods
• No primary allegiance
• Eclectic devotion

Henotheism:

• Functionally exclusive worship (to one god)
• Committed to primary deity
• Strong allegiance to patron
• Focused devotion

Historical Examples

Polytheism:

• Ancient Greece: Worshipped all Olympian gods
• Ancient Rome: Honored entire Roman pantheon
• Ancient Egypt: Worshipped many gods (though some periods more henotheistic)
• Norse/Germanic: Honored Aesir and Vanir
• Hinduism (some forms): Worship multiple deities equally

Henotheism:

• Ancient Israel (early): "You shall have no other gods before me" (acknowledges other gods exist)
• Ancient Egypt (Atenism): Akhenaten's focus on Aten while other gods existed
• Hinduism (Ishta-devata): Personal chosen deity while acknowledging others
• Some Greek city-states: Patron deity (Athena for Athens) while acknowledging others

Modern Polytheism

Hard Polytheism:

• Gods are completely distinct, separate beings
• Not aspects of one divine
• Real, individual entities
• Common in reconstructionist paganism

Soft Polytheism:

• Gods may be aspects of one divine source
• Or archetypes of universal patterns
• Real but perhaps interconnected
• Common in eclectic paganism

Polytheistic Practices Today:

• Hellenism (Greek gods)
• Religio Romana (Roman gods)
• Kemeticism (Egyptian gods)
• Heathenry (Norse/Germanic gods)
• Hinduism (many forms)
• Shinto (Japanese kami)

Modern Henotheism

Patron Deity Practice:

• Choose one god as primary patron
• Deep devotional relationship
• Acknowledge other gods exist
• May honor others occasionally

Examples:

• Hindu Bhakti: Devotion to Krishna, Shiva, or Devi primarily
• Some modern pagans: Devoted to one deity (e.g., Hekate, Odin, Isis) while acknowledging pantheon
• Wicca (some): Working primarily with one god/goddess pair

Advantages of Each Approach

Polytheism Advantages:

• Diverse spiritual relationships
• Different gods for different needs
• Rich, varied practice
• Honors complexity of divine
• Flexibility in devotion
• Multiple perspectives and energies

Henotheism Advantages:

• Deep, focused relationship
• Clear spiritual direction
• Intimate connection with deity
• Simpler practice
• Strong patron-devotee bond
• Easier for beginners

Challenges of Each Approach

Polytheism Challenges:

• Can feel scattered or overwhelming
• Difficult to honor all gods adequately
• May lack deep connection with any one deity
• Complex practice to maintain
• Potential for conflicting divine wills

Henotheism Challenges:

• May miss out on other divine relationships
• Risk of ignoring other gods
• Can become too narrow
• Patron may not cover all life areas
• Potential for spiritual tunnel vision

Can You Practice Both?

Yes! Many practitioners blend approaches:

Polytheism with Primary Deity:

• Honor many gods (polytheism)
• But have special relationship with one (henotheistic element)
• Balanced approach

Henotheism with Occasional Polytheism:

• Primary devotion to patron (henotheism)
• Honor other gods on their festivals or for specific needs (polytheistic element)
• Focused but not exclusive

Evolution Over Time:

• Start polytheistic, develop henotheistic focus
• Or start henotheistic, expand to polytheism
• Practice can evolve

Choosing Your Approach

Choose Polytheism if you:

• Are drawn to multiple deities equally
• Want diverse spiritual relationships
• Enjoy honoring many gods
• Prefer variety in practice
• Don't feel called to one deity specifically
• Want to honor entire pantheon
• Appreciate complexity and multiplicity

Choose Henotheism if you:

• Feel strongly called to one deity
• Want deep, focused relationship
• Prefer simplicity in practice
• Have a clear patron deity
• Want intensive devotional practice
• Feel overwhelmed by many gods
• Seek intimate divine connection

Practical Considerations

Polytheistic Practice:

• Multiple altars or shared altar space
• Rotating offerings to different gods
• Learning about many deities
• Celebrating multiple festivals
• Balancing attention and devotion

Henotheistic Practice:

• Primary altar to patron deity
• Regular offerings to chosen god
• Deep study of patron's mythology
• Focus on patron's festivals
• Intensive relationship building

Theological Spectrum

These concepts exist on a spectrum:

1. Monotheism: Only one god exists
2. Henotheism: Many gods exist, worship one
3. Polytheism: Many gods exist, worship many
4. Pantheism: All is god/gods

You can move along this spectrum as your practice evolves.

Respect and Etiquette

For Polytheists:

• Respect those devoted to one deity
• Don't pressure others to honor all gods
• Understand focused devotion is valid

For Henotheists:

• Respect other gods even if not your focus
• Don't claim your god is objectively superior
• Acknowledge validity of others' deities
• Don't disparage polytheistic practice

Common Ground

Both polytheists and henotheists:

• Believe multiple gods exist
• Reject monotheism
• Honor divine multiplicity
• Practice devotional relationship with deity/deities
• Often share pantheons and traditions
• Respect the reality of gods

Final Thoughts

Polytheism and henotheism are two approaches to honoring multiple gods, differing primarily in the distribution of worship and devotion. Polytheism offers rich, diverse relationships with many deities—perfect for those who want to honor the full complexity of the divine and maintain multiple spiritual connections. Henotheism offers deep, focused devotion to one primary deity while acknowledging others—perfect for those who feel called to intensive relationship with a patron god.

Neither approach is superior or more "correct." Some practitioners thrive with the variety and complexity of polytheism, while others find their spiritual home in the focused devotion of henotheism. Many practitioners blend both approaches, honoring many gods while having a special relationship with one.

Your approach may be determined by your calling, your personality, your life circumstances, or simply what works for your spiritual practice. You may start with one approach and evolve to another. The gods call who they will, and whether you're honoring an entire pantheon or devoted to a single patron deity, you're engaged in the ancient and sacred practice of divine relationship.

Listen to your heart, honor the gods with sincerity, and walk the path that brings you closest to the divine. Whether you're making offerings to many gods or pouring all your devotion into one, may your practice bring you wisdom, connection, and blessing. Hail the gods!