Israelites were polytheistic

[outhouse]

History of ancient Israel and Judah - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The revision of Israelite origins has implications for Israelite religion: whereas the Bible had depicted them as monotheists from the beginning, the new understanding is that they were polytheists who harboured a small and ultimately successful group of monotheistic revolutionaries



there is no doubt in modern scholarships that Israelites started as Polytheist.



Anyone is welcome to try and debate this

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

History of ancient Israel and Judah - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The revision of Israelite origins has implications for Israelite religion: whereas the Bible had depicted them as monotheists from the beginning, the new understanding is that they were polytheists who harboured a small and ultimately successful group of monotheistic revolutionaries

there is no doubt in modern scholarships that Israelites started as Polytheist.

Anyone is welcome to try and debate this

I see nothing to debate. In fact, I didn't know there was anyone who thought the Israelite's were always monotheists.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

<yawn> it's somewhat tempting, but why ruin a perfectly good week </yawn>

 

[jazzymom]

History of ancient Israel and Judah - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The revision of Israelite origins has implications for Israelite religion: whereas the Bible had depicted them as monotheists from the beginning, the new understanding is that they were polytheists who harboured a small and ultimately successful group of monotheistic revolutionaries

there is no doubt in modern scholarships that Israelites started as Polytheist.

Anyone is welcome to try and debate this

There actually is no debate to be had. This is true and the ancient Israelites lived in a world full of many gods.

 

[outhouse]

<yawn> it's somewhat tempting, but why ruin a perfectly good week </yawn>

there was a mod here that was debating this, and he didnt want to derail a perfectly worthless thread

 

[outhouse]

I see nothing to debate. In fact, I didn't know there was anyone who thought the Israelite's were always monotheists.

I think the real debate is how short they were actually henotheistic as some have claimed.

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

I think the real debate is how short they were actually henotheistic as some have claimed.

Ah. I have no idea, but I look forward to finding out.

opcorn:

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

opcorn:

Flamebait and popcorn ... yum

 

[tumbleweed41]

First some definitions for clarification.

Polytheism- a belief in multiple deities.
Henotheism- a form of polytheism with a specialized worship of one deity, but one may recognize and pay homage to other deities.
Monolotry- a form of polytheism with the strict worship of a singular deity, but acknowledging the existence of other deities,
Monotheism- a belief in one God, or the oneness of God. Denial of the existence of any other deities.

 

[Levite]

Sure, early Israelites were henotheistic (proto-Israelites were probably polytheistic), and many were monolatrous. Looks to me like the majority were monolatrous heading into monotheistic by the Babylonian Exile of 586 BCE, though.

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

Flamebait and popcorn ... yum

Pull up a chair and grab a handful. I don't suppose you brought the beer?

 

[tumbleweed41]

Sure, early Israelites were henotheistic (proto-Israelites were probably polytheistic), and many were monolatrous. Looks to me like the majority were monolatrous heading into monotheistic by the Babylonian Exile of 586 BCE, though.

That is what I have also seen. (But I am just a layman)

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

First some definitions for clarification.

Polytheism- a belief in multiple deities.
Henotheism- a form of polytheism with a specialized worship of one deity, but one may recognize and pay homage to other deities.
Monolotry- a form of polytheism with the strict worship of a singular deity, but acknowledging the existence of other deities,
Monotheism- a belief in one God, or the oneness of God. Denial of the existence of any other deities.

The problem, of course, is that 'diety' is a somewhat fluid term. So, for example, does trinitarianism constitute a rejection of monotheism? What about belief in Satan/Iblis?

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

Pull up a chair and grab a handful. I don't suppose you brought the beer?

Actually, I was hoping for a more upscale experience. You's be surprised how well popcorn pairs with Viogne and cheese.

 

[outhouse]

Sure, early Israelites were henotheistic (proto-Israelites were probably polytheistic), and many were monolatrous. Looks to me like the majority were monolatrous heading into monotheistic by the Babylonian Exile of 586 BCE, though.

My basis is that we know they worshipped a family of gods and were still polytheistic in 622 BC whne the Yahwist king took over in the period of second Isaiah.

by scripture we still people worshipping other deities, El as a different deity and surely Baal and Asherah, and the Yahwist redactors trying to get people all behind Yahweh. While monotheism was born at this time, it had not taken full effect yet as a national cultural identity.

it was a evolution of thought and worship. Henotheism and Monolotry

Were not in full effect for the population as a whole but yes after the switch to yahwist deity im sure there were some that did follow henotheism and monolotry for quite some time.

 

[tumbleweed41]

The problem, of course, is that 'diety' is a somewhat fluid term. So, for example, does trinitarianism constitute a rejection of monotheism? What about belief in Satan/Iblis?

Trinitarianism, at least for many Christians, posits a "oneness" of God, albeit in three identities. I am not aware of any similar beliefs in the history of Judaism.

And as far as I understand, the duality of Christianity concerning God/Satan does not exist in the monotheism of Judaism.

Correct?

 

[outhouse]

The problem, of course, is that 'diety' is a somewhat fluid term. So, for example, does trinitarianism constitute a rejection of monotheism? What about belief in Satan/Iblis?

this is true

and I do propose worship of jesus and Yahweh was polytheistic for a while before the trinity doctrine was fully established with their new definition of said deity/ies

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

Trinitarianism, at least for many Christians, posits a "oneness" of God, albeit in three identities. I am not aware of any similar beliefs in the history of Judaism.

And as far as I understand, the duality of Christianity concerning God/Satan does not exist in the monotheism of Judaism.

The question is whether or not Satan is a diety -- or, if you'd prefer, whether a demigod is nevertheless a god.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

Parenthetically - some scholars also distinguish between Hebrew, Israelite, and Yahwist.

 

[fallingblood]

Pull up a chair and grab a handful. I don't suppose you brought the beer?

I've got some Cherry Vodka and cola.