Why did humanity gradually switch from mostly polytheism to mostly monotheism? Is it just noise or are there advantages for monotheism in larger civilizations and disadvantages in smaller?
Conversation
Replying to
We just redefined our beliefs as monotheistic. If you believe in God, Jesus, and various saints you kind of are polytheistic.
1
2
Show replies
Replying to
It’s probably easier to explain a single god that encompasses everything to new converts than a group of many gods each with specific purposes.
Replying to
Is monotheism more ethically/morally uniform? E.g every household favours ‘God’, not their own deity, leading to stronger ties between larger groups
3
Replying to
A. Prevents tribalism in larger cultures by uniting the people under a single god?
B. Monotheism is a more universal "theory" to understand the world? A simpler and more powerfull explanation of nature.
...
Replying to
I believe that's something to do with gathering a majority of society to follow the same set of moral rules and behaviors
1
Replying to
Monotheism perhaps parallels the rise of the single strong ruler over the population. We fashion our gods after ourselves.
2
Replying to
in ancient times with fewer people it was easier to have multiple gods for specific purposes (you need a good harvest, you pray to your specific god) As civilizations grow it is easier to entrust a single god who gathers all the functions and so it is easier to control people.
2
1
13
Replying to
1) Religion and governement had been linked to each other through history. In order to ensure peace between very different bands and tribes, polytheism might have been very usefull ad every tribe can still choose what god they prefer given their backround.
1