Henotheistic

/ˌhɛnoʊθiˈɪstɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the worship of one particular god while acknowledging the existence of other gods. This represents a middle ground between polytheism and monotheism.

Etymology

Coined by German scholar Max Müller in 1860 from Greek 'henos' (one) and 'theos' (god). Müller used this term to describe Vedic religion, where different hymns praised different gods as supreme.

Kelly Says

Henotheism perfectly describes how many ancient peoples practiced religion—your family might worship one patron god intensely while respecting your neighbor's completely different patron deity, creating remarkably tolerant societies!

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