Monotheists: why only one god?

[Sheldon]

I think I asked this a few years ago and didn't get much of a response, so I figured I'd ask again:

Those of you who are monotheists: how do you justify your position that two or more gods do not exist?

I mean, we've seen all the threads here directed at atheists about burden of proof and the like, and plenty of theists - often monotheists, ironically - have gone on at length about the problems they see with the conclusion that no gods exist.

... but here's the thing: if these problems are problems at all, they don't just apply to atheism. All the objections along the lines of "well, what if there's some god out there that you haven't noticed?" work just as well for a second god to a monotheist as a first god for an atheist.

So these objections to atheists saying "there are no gods" can really be seen as expressions of a larger idea: if you think only a specific number of gods exist and no more than that - whether it's 0, 1, 3, or 94 - how do you know there aren't more gods than that?

A lot of the responses to this question I've seen from atheists have been some form of argument that gods are impossible in general... but of course these arguments aren't available to a monotheist.

So monotheists: what gives? Why not two gods? Why not 10?

A more aggressive version of the meme evolved?

 

[Jacob Samuelson]

I think I asked this a few years ago and didn't get much of a response, so I figured I'd ask again:

Those of you who are monotheists: how do you justify your position that two or more gods do not exist?

I mean, we've seen all the threads here directed at atheists about burden of proof and the like, and plenty of theists - often monotheists, ironically - have gone on at length about the problems they see with the conclusion that no gods exist.

... but here's the thing: if these problems are problems at all, they don't just apply to atheism. All the objections along the lines of "well, what if there's some god out there that you haven't noticed?" work just as well for a second god to a monotheist as a first god for an atheist.

So these objections to atheists saying "there are no gods" can really be seen as expressions of a larger idea: if you think only a specific number of gods exist and no more than that - whether it's 0, 1, 3, or 94 - how do you know there aren't more gods than that?

A lot of the responses to this question I've seen from atheists have been some form of argument that gods are impossible in general... but of course these arguments aren't available to a monotheist.

So monotheists: what gives? Why not two gods? Why not 10?

You, as many theists might be overly concerned by the definition of God. The Bible which origin is very polytheistic in nature and culture later gives a monumental commandment of 'There shalt not be any other gods before me.' This implies an initial although not conclusive introduction to monotheism. Instead of images and stories about gods that perform civil functions for mankind, we are given an abolition of gods to one supreme God. The idea of which made idolatry and paganism as heathen practices. Which we see in a modernized society as the case. Surely the unity in Monotheism has helped civilization grow from barbaric lawless societies to industrial innovative ones. Atheist can argue the less of a God exist, the better we grow as a society as going from multiple gods to a singular God has proven to have beneficial results.

The only counter to an atheists argument would be that society has tried that after the Russian Revolution in the earty 20th century. Russia held to the idea that God was a inhibitor to societal growth and removed any acts of worship from a all powerful God to an all powerful country whose head was supreme Lenin and later Stalin. This was one of the absolute worst events in History of the World. Millions of deaths, hundreds of thousands imprisoned, and a person whose head was as big as his country.

From history we can conclude that Polytheism deflates social integrity and intelligence and Atheism inflates the human ego and invites narcissism. Both are equally destructive and give little to no purpose in a societal progression.

Monotheism in practice is what has worked and surpassed most hurdles in society over the ages. Now in my faith, we believe in One God that is composed of multiple persons. We believe that God is a being or corporation not a singular person. God would be compared to a Company that has a CEO a Founder, and a HR with a work force to carry out tasks. A singular God that has infinite moving parts and generates infinite amount of creations.

We practice Monotheism but understand the singular God in a way that utilizes the polytheistic scriptures and make sense of it where we as God's creations can be reunited in his Eternal Life. Which I think is the perfect way of resolving the paradoxes of Christian Theologies.

 

[Rival]

From history we can conclude that Polytheism deflates social integrity and intelligence and Atheism inflates the human ego and invites narcissism.

I'm sorry what?

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

Why consider man at all when considering god or god's.
If there can be one God there can be more. How that, as a society of god's , would function is anyone's guess.

The universe is so vast there could be a plethora of god's that show no interest at all in this very minor planet and it's dominant lifeforms.
They could have far greater interests elsewhere.

There is no evidence to show that any God has an interest in mankind,
however much that may be seen as an unpleasant concepts to many theists.

 

[Trailblazer]

I think I asked this a few years ago and didn't get much of a response, so I figured I'd ask again:

Those of you who are monotheists: how do you justify your position that two or more gods do not exist?

Not only the Bible and the Qur'an, but the Writings of Baha'u'llah say that there is only one true God.

“God witnesseth that there is no God but Him, the Gracious, the Best-Beloved. All grace and bounty are His. To whomsoever He will He giveth whatsoever is His wish. He, verily, is the All-Powerful, the Almighty, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.”
Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 73

“Regard thou the one true God as One Who is apart from, and immeasurably exalted above, all created things. The whole universe reflecteth His glory, while He is Himself independent of, and transcendeth His creatures. This is the true meaning of Divine unity.”
Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 167

 

[Jacob Samuelson]

I'm sorry what?

I assume with your usage of a question mark, that you are implying a question, but I am not sure what it is. If you disagree with my statement I am sure you will tell me some type of reason as to why rather than creating a non-essential and unsupported gasp in word form. Polytheism and Atheism are not helpful to advancing society is the statement where as monotheism is. Do you disagree?

 

[Clara Tea]

I think I asked this a few years ago and didn't get much of a response, so I figured I'd ask again:

Those of you who are monotheists: how do you justify your position that two or more gods do not exist?

I mean, we've seen all the threads here directed at atheists about burden of proof and the like, and plenty of theists - often monotheists, ironically - have gone on at length about the problems they see with the conclusion that no gods exist.

... but here's the thing: if these problems are problems at all, they don't just apply to atheism. All the objections along the lines of "well, what if there's some god out there that you haven't noticed?" work just as well for a second god to a monotheist as a first god for an atheist.

So these objections to atheists saying "there are no gods" can really be seen as expressions of a larger idea: if you think only a specific number of gods exist and no more than that - whether it's 0, 1, 3, or 94 - how do you know there aren't more gods than that?

A lot of the responses to this question I've seen from atheists have been some form of argument that gods are impossible in general... but of course these arguments aren't available to a monotheist.

So monotheists: what gives? Why not two gods? Why not 10?

Jews were polytheists until they dropped the weaker Gods (likely so they wouldn't offend the powerful God). Why? Lightning zapping.

 

[Clara Tea]

I think it's interesting that the Hebrew God was derived from a polytheistic system.

Does anyone have any current info on this research? Why did the sift out other gods? Could it have been to make the authority of leadership a more efficient system?

God is jealous of other Gods. God's love sends atheists to burn in the fires of hell for all eternity. (Love hurts). God's love allows pain, disease, hunger, and suffering. (Love hurts).

 

[an anarchist]

Those of you who are monotheists: how do you justify your position that two or more gods do not exist?

Let’s talk about the creator God of Christianity. God encompasses infinity, He is omnipresent. Maybe those are imaginary qualities rather than tangible ones, but it is believed nonetheless.
So this God is infinite. Can there be two beings who simultaneously encompass the same infinite space? The thinking is no, there’s only room for one infinite being. So there can only be one, who is the creator God of Christian myth.

 

[robocop (actually)]

I think I asked this a few years ago and didn't get much of a response, so I figured I'd ask again:

Those of you who are monotheists: how do you justify your position that two or more gods do not exist?

I mean, we've seen all the threads here directed at atheists about burden of proof and the like, and plenty of theists - often monotheists, ironically - have gone on at length about the problems they see with the conclusion that no gods exist.

... but here's the thing: if these problems are problems at all, they don't just apply to atheism. All the objections along the lines of "well, what if there's some god out there that you haven't noticed?" work just as well for a second god to a monotheist as a first god for an atheist.

So these objections to atheists saying "there are no gods" can really be seen as expressions of a larger idea: if you think only a specific number of gods exist and no more than that - whether it's 0, 1, 3, or 94 - how do you know there aren't more gods than that?

A lot of the responses to this question I've seen from atheists have been some form of argument that gods are impossible in general... but of course these arguments aren't available to a monotheist.

So monotheists: what gives? Why not two gods? Why not 10?

Scientifically, one advantage of having few gods is that you don't ditch the losers and create new ones. Your one god has to stand the test of time, so you get a better one.

 

[leroy]

I think I asked this a few years ago and didn't get much of a response, so I figured I'd ask again:

Those of you who are monotheists: how do you justify your position that two or more gods do not exist?

I mean, we've seen all the threads here directed at atheists about burden of proof and the like, and plenty of theists - often monotheists, ironically - have gone on at length about the problems they see with the conclusion that no gods exist.

... but here's the thing: if these problems are problems at all, they don't just apply to atheism. All the objections along the lines of "well, what if there's some god out there that you haven't noticed?" work just as well for a second god to a monotheist as a first god for an atheist.

So these objections to atheists saying "there are no gods" can really be seen as expressions of a larger idea: if you think only a specific number of gods exist and no more than that - whether it's 0, 1, 3, or 94 - how do you know there aren't more gods than that?

A lot of the responses to this question I've seen from atheists have been some form of argument that gods are impossible in general... but of course these arguments aren't available to a monotheist.

So monotheists: what gives? Why not two gods? Why not 10?

Well okams razor………..why postulating 2 or 3 or 10 Gods if one is enough to explain the stuff that is commonly attributed to God.



If you live some money in your desk and then you realize that the money is no longer there; you will assume that someONE took your money…………… it would be unparsimonious to say that 10 different guys stole your money (10% each) so unless you have good additional reasons to think that 10 people stole your money , one person would be the best explanation.

 

[Trailblazer]

God is jealous of other Gods. God's love sends atheists to burn in the fires of hell for all eternity. (Love hurts).

Are you serious?
God is not jealous because God is not a human. Only humans can be jealous.
The OT is anthropomorphism at its best.

Are you serious?
The Loving God does not send anyone to hell to burn for eternity because there is no place called hell. Hell is distance from God and heaven is nearness to God, but God can allow anyone into heaven by His bounty and mercy.

God loves atheists as much as anyone else. People will be judged by their deeds.

Matthew 25:46
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

God's love allows pain, disease, hunger, and suffering. (Love hurts).

That part is true.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

It's more or less getting to the heart and saying 'If there's one omnimax God, why any others?' it makes others redundant in the eyes of monotheists.

This seems like a very self-centered view: "what would *I* need with another god?"

Also, why would an omnimax god need anything at all? Yet here we are. If redundant humans can exist, why not redundant gods?

It also depends on how one is defining 'god' as a word and what one considers a god.

Does it, though?

I mean, I get the impression that most Christians and Jews understand that worshipping, say, Thor or Apollo would go against the First Commandment.

It seems to me that they understand what "god" means and that it could conceivably apply to more than just God.

Mostly though, once you reach the omnimax god, others start falling away. A big problem is that a lot of polytheistic Gods are associated with certain places, and in certain places it was polite to worship local Gods - the omnimax over-all God makes this redundant since he's local to the whole universe. It tends just to be a matter of time.

Monotheistic religions are often associated with specific places too, though: Judaism had the Temple. Islam focuses on Mecca with the Hajj. Catholic and Orthodox Christianity have shrines and pilgrimage sites.

Protestant Christianity seems to be a bit of an outlier in this regard.

One interesting location-based thing about Islam: I've heard convincing arguments that Muslim dietary restrictions were a major factor in how the Middle Ages played out and why the boundary between the "Christian world" and the "Muslim world" got set where it did: Muslim merchants and missionaries were severely limited in how much they could venture into Christian territory because of a lack of halal food. OTOH, Christian merchants and missionaries had no such problem in Muslim territory, so the Christians had an advantage.

I'd consider them justificaitons.

How so?

 

[Trailblazer]

Your one god has to stand the test of time

as the one true God has.

 

[Trailblazer]

Also, why would an omnimax god need anything at all?

He doesn't.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Well okams razor………..why postulating 2 or 3 or 10 Gods if one is enough to explain the stuff that is commonly attributed to God.

This would be one of the arguments that - IMO - monotheists can't reasonably use. I'd say that anyone who's assumed the existence of one god has already given up on Occam's Razor.

If you live some money in your desk and then you realize that the money is no longer there; you will assume that someONE took your money…………… it would be unparsimonious to say that 10 different guys stole your money (10% each) so unless you have good additional reasons to think that 10 people stole your money , one person would be the best explanation.

Do you think that every unsolved crime worldwide was committed by the same person?

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

there are other gods that people have worshiped throughout history. These gods are demons.

So you're a polytheist, but you consider all but one of the gods you recognize as malevolent?

 

[Bree]

I think I asked this a few years ago and didn't get much of a response, so I figured I'd ask again:

Those of you who are monotheists: how do you justify your position that two or more gods do not exist?

I mean, we've seen all the threads here directed at atheists about burden of proof and the like, and plenty of theists - often monotheists, ironically - have gone on at length about the problems they see with the conclusion that no gods exist.

... but here's the thing: if these problems are problems at all, they don't just apply to atheism. All the objections along the lines of "well, what if there's some god out there that you haven't noticed?" work just as well for a second god to a monotheist as a first god for an atheist.

So these objections to atheists saying "there are no gods" can really be seen as expressions of a larger idea: if you think only a specific number of gods exist and no more than that - whether it's 0, 1, 3, or 94 - how do you know there aren't more gods than that?

A lot of the responses to this question I've seen from atheists have been some form of argument that gods are impossible in general... but of course these arguments aren't available to a monotheist.

So monotheists: what gives? Why not two gods? Why not 10?

If we take the word god definition, it means a 'supernatural being' or the 'creator'

NOUN

1. (in Christianity and other monotheistic religions) the creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being.
   synonyms:
   the Father · Jehovah · the Almighty · the Supreme Being · the Deity ·
   deity · goddess · divine being · celestial being · supreme being · divinity · immortal · creator · demiurge · godhead · daemon · numen · avatar

So is there only one God who is supernatural, or only one God who is the creator? No, there are both. God the Creator and other supernatural beings who exist in heaven with God.


The bible says there is only one God who is the creator of all things.
Deuteronomy 4:35 You—you have been shown, so as to know that Jehovah is the [true] God;+ there is no other besides him.


But it also says there are 'other' gods who exist with him in heaven.
Psalm 89:6 For who in the skies can be compared to Jehovah?+ Who can resemble Jehovah among the sons of God?

Psalm 86:8 There is none like you among the gods,* O Jehovah,*+ Neither are there any works like yours.+


What has happened is that many of the other supernatural beings have rebelled and set themselves up as gods among mankind. And all religions who worship a god other then the Creator, are worshiping these rebellious gods. This explains why there are so many different religions and so many different gods they worship.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

What has happened is that many of the other supernatural beings have rebelled and set themselves up as gods among mankind. And all religions who worship a god other then the Creator, are worshiping these rebellious gods. This explains why there are so many different religions and so many different gods they worship.

So then you're not a monotheist?

 

[Bree]

So then you're not a monotheist?

i worship only the one God, Jehovah. So in that sense i am a monotheist.

But i believe in other gods because they exist and they are real. They are not to be worshipped, they should not be venerated just because they exist.