henotheism

American  

[hen-uh-thee-iz-uhm] / ˈhɛn ə θiˌɪz əm /

noun

1. the worship of a particular god, as by a family or tribe, without disbelieving in the existence of others.

2. ascription of supreme divine attributes to whichever one of several gods is addressed at the time.

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henotheism British  

/ ˈhɛnəʊθiːˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the worship of one deity (of several) as the special god of one's family, clan, or tribe

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• henotheistic
  adjective
• henotheist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of henotheism

1855–60; < Greek heno-, combining form of hén one (neuter of heîs ) + theism

Example Sentences

Pettinato theorizes that the Eblaites evolved from polytheism into henotheism, the worship of a supreme creator-god within the pantheon.

From Time Magazine Archive

When astrology and the Semitic religions caused the establishment of a solar henotheism as the leading religion at Rome, Attis was considered as the sun, "the shepherd of the twinkling stars."

From The Oriental Religions in Roman Paganism by Cumont, Franz

There is one kind of monotheism, though it would more properly be called theism, or henotheism, which forms the birthright of every human being.

From Chips From A German Workshop - Volume I Essays on the Science of Religion by Müller, F. Max (Friedrich Max)

It is henotheism, not monotheism, that we see in this most religious land; the worship of one god at a time while other gods are also believed to exist and act.

From History of Religion A Sketch of Primitive Religious Beliefs and Practices, and of the Origin and Character of the Great Systems by Menzies, Allan

There was no henotheism, no worship of several single supreme deities: One only was supreme.

From Moon Lore by Harley, Timothy