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

• henotheist
  noun
• henotheistic
  adjective

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

Even henotheism, the last name which Professor Max Müller applies to the early Aryan faith, denotes oneness in this sense.

From Oriental Religions and Christianity A Course of Lectures Delivered on the Ely Foundation Before the Students of Union Theological Seminary, New York, 1891 by Ellinwood, Frank F.

It marks the highest point to which the Hebrew race attained in its progress from henotheism to monotheism.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2 "Hearing" to "Helmond" by Various

Doctrines of animism; fetichism; polytheism; henotheism; monotheism; universal religions. b.

From Anthropology As a Science and as a Branch of University Education in the United States by Brinton, Daniel Garrison

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