Monotheistic religions - the emergence of monotheism and its cultural consequences

There are many religious movements known that were formed at different times and have their own principles and foundations. One of the main differences is the number of gods that people believe in, so there are religions based on belief in one god, and there is polytheism.

What are monotheistic religions?

The doctrine of a single God is called monotheism. There are several currents that share the notion of the super-created Creator. Understanding what monotheistic religion means, it is worth saying that this is the name of the three main world currents: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Concerning other religious trends, disputes are under way. It is important to replace monotheistic religions - these are distinguishing directions, because some empower the Lord with personality and different qualities, while others simply elevate the central deity to others.

What is the difference between monotheism and polytheism?

In the sense of such a thing as "monotheism" was understood, and as for polytheism, then it is the complete opposite of monotheism and is based on faith in several gods. Among modern religions, they include, for example, Hinduism. Proponents of polytheism believe that there are many gods who have their spheres of influence, traits and habits. A vivid example are the gods of Ancient Greece.

Scientists believe that at first arose polytheism, which eventually passed to faith in one God. Many are interested in the reasons for the transition from polytheism to monotheism, and so there are several explanations for this, but the most justified one is. Scientists believe that such religious changes reflect certain stages in the development of society. In those days, the slave system was strengthened and the monarchy was created. Monotheism has become a kind of base for the formation of a new society that believes in a single monarch and God.

World Monotheistic Religions

It has already been said that the main world religions, which are based on monotheism, are Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Some scholars consider them a mass form of ideological life, which are aimed at strengthening the moral content in it. The rulers of the states of the Ancient East at the time of the formation of monotheism were guided not only by their own interests and the strengthening of states, but also at the opportunity to exploit people as efficiently as possible. The God of the monotheistic religion gave them a chance to find a way to the souls of believers and to strengthen their monarch's throne.

Monotheistic religion - Christianity

Judging from the time of origin, Christianity is the second world religion. Initially, it was a sect of Judaism in Palestine. Similar kinship is observed in the fact that the Old Testament (the first part of the Bible) is an important book for both Christians and Jews. As for the New Testament, which consists of the four Gospels, these books are sacred only to Christians.

1. There is a monotheism in the subject of errors in Christianity, since the basis of this religion is faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For many, this is a contradiction of the fundamentals of monotheism, but in fact it is all considered to be the three attributes of the Lord.
2. Christianity implies redemption and salvation, and people believe in the mercy of God towards a sinful person.
3. Comparing other monotheistic religions and Christianity, it should be said that in this system, life expires from God to people. In other currents a person must make efforts to ascend to the Lord.

Monotheistic religion - Judaism

The oldest religion, which arose around 1000 BC. The prophets used different beliefs of the time to form the new current, but the only important difference was the existence of a single and all-powerful God, which requires people to strictly observe the moral code. The emergence of monotheism and its cultural consequences are an important topic that scientists continue to explore, and in Judaism the following facts stand out:

1. The founder of this trend is the prophet Abraham.
2. Jewish monotheism is established as the basic idea for the moral development of the Jewish people.
3. The current is based on the recognition of the one God Yahweh, who judges all people, not only the living, but also the dead.
4. The first literary work of Judaism - Torah, which indicates the main dogmas and commandments.

Monotheistic religion - Islam

The second largest religion is Islam, which appeared later than other directions. This current was born in Arabia in the 7th century AD. e. The essence of monotheism of Islam is in the following dogmas:

1. Muslims must believe in one God - Allah . He is represented by a being that possesses moral qualities, but only to an excellent degree.
2. The founder of this trend was Muhammad, to whom God appeared and gave him a series of revelations, described in the Qur'an.
3. The Quran is the main Muslim holy book.
4. In Islam, there are angels and evil spirits, called jinns, but all entities are in the power of God.
5. Every person lives by divine predestination, because Allah ordains destiny.

Monotheistic religion - Buddhism

One of the oldest religions of the world, whose name is associated with the important title of its founder, is called Buddhism. There was this current in India. There are scientists who enumerate monotheistic religions, mention this current, but in fact it can not be attributed to either monotheism or polytheism. This is explained by the fact that the Buddha does not deny the existence of other gods, but he assures that everyone obeys the action of karma. Given this, figuring out which religions are monotheistic, it is incorrect to include Buddhism in the list. Its main provisions include:

1. No one except a person can stop the process of rebirth of "samsara" , because in his power to change himself and reach nirvana.
2. Buddhism can take many forms, taking into account where it confesses.
3. This direction promises to the believers the deliverance from suffering, experiences and fears, but at the same time, it does not confirm the immortality of the soul.

Monotheistic religion - Hinduism

The ancient Vedic stream, which includes various philosophical schools and traditions, is called Hinduism. Many, describing the main monotheistic religions, do not consider it necessary to mention this direction, since its adherents believe in about 330 million gods. In fact, this can not be considered an accurate definition, because the Hindu concept is complex, and people can understand it in their own way, but everything in Hinduism revolves around a single God.

1. Practitioners believe that one supreme God can not be understood, therefore he is represented in three terrestrial incarnations: Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Every believer has the right to decide for himself which embodiment to give preference to.
2. This religious current does not have one basic text, so believers use Vedas, Upanishads and others.
3. An important position of Hinduism indicates that the soul of each person must go through a huge number of reincarnations.
4. Karma is in all living beings, and all actions will be taken into account.

Monotheistic religion - Zoroastrianism

One of the most ancient religious directions is Zoroastrianism. Many religious scholars believe that all monotheistic religions began with this current. There are historians who say that it is dualistic. It appeared in ancient Persia.

1. This is one of the first beliefs that presented people the struggle of good and evil. Light forces in Zoroastrianism are represented by the god Ahuramazda, and the dark forces are represented by the Ankhra Manui.
2. The first monotheistic religion indicates that every person should maintain his soul in purity, spreading good on earth.
3. The main significance in Zoroastrianism is not the cult and prayer, but good deeds, thoughts and words.

Monotheistic religion - Jainism

An ancient dharmic religion, which was originally a reformatory trend in Hinduism, is commonly called Jainism. Appeared and spread it in India. Religion monotheism and Jainism have nothing in common, because this current does not imply faith in God. The main provisions of this direction include:

1. All life on earth has a soul that has endless knowledge, power and happiness.
2. A person should be responsible for his life in the present and the future, because everything is reflected in karma.
3. The purpose of this trend is to free the soul from the negative, which causes wrong actions, thoughts and speeches.
4. The main prayer of Jainism is the mantra of Navokar and during its singing the person shows respect to the liberated souls.

Monotheistic religions - Confucianism

Many scholars believe that Confucianism can not be considered a religion, and call it the philosophical trend of China. The idea of ​​monotheism can be seen in the fact that Confucius was deified over time, but this current practical does not pay attention to the nature and activities of God. Confucianism in many respects differs from the basic world monotheistic religions.

1. It is based on the strict implementation of existing regulations and rites.
2. The main thing for this cult is the veneration of ancestors, so each kind has its own temple where sacrifices are made.
3. The goal of man is to find his place in world harmony, and for this it is necessary to constantly improve. Confucius proposed his unique program for the harmony of people with the cosmos.