adjective
- relating to or characterized by henotheism; believing in or worshiping one god while acknowledging the existence of other gods
Usage: formal; religious studies; theology
Examples
- Ancient Hebrew religion is often described as henotheistic, with Yahweh as the primary deity while other gods were acknowledged.
- Scholars debate whether early Israelite worship was henotheistic rather than strictly monotheistic.
- The henotheistic practices of certain ancient cultures show a middle ground between polytheism and monotheism.
- Some religious historians argue that henotheistic beliefs preceded the development of full monotheism.
- The henotheistic framework helps explain how societies transitioned from polytheistic to monotheistic worldviews.