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Theism and Other Belief Systems

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Exploring the spectrum of religious beliefs, this content delves into theism with monotheism and polytheism in Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, as well as non-theistic philosophies like Buddhism and Confucianism. It also covers animism in indigenous cultures, totemism's social role, the New Age Movement's spiritual quest, and sociological perspectives on religion.

Exploring Theism, Atheism, and Agnosticism in World Religions

Theism encompasses belief systems that recognize the existence of one or more deities with divine attributes and influence over the universe. Monotheism, a branch of theism, is characterized by the belief in a single, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent deity, as exemplified by religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Christianity and Islam, in particular, often emphasize the concept of an afterlife where believers are rewarded. Judaism, with its ancient monotheistic tradition, reveres Yahweh and has a lineage of prophets who have historically served as intermediaries between God and humanity. Polytheism, another form of theism, involves the worship of multiple gods, each with unique attributes and responsibilities, as seen in religions like Hinduism, which honors deities such as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. There are also variations like henotheism and monolatrism, where one god is worshipped predominantly among many, with historical examples including Zoroastrianism and the worship of Aten in ancient Egypt.
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The Diversity of Non-Theistic and Atheistic Philosophies

Non-theistic religions and philosophies prioritize ethical principles and moral conduct without necessarily invoking a deity. Buddhism, for instance, offers a path to enlightenment devoid of a creator god, focusing instead on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Confucianism, another non-theistic system, concentrates on societal harmony through moral rectitude and ritual propriety. Non-theism includes a wide array of beliefs, such as pantheism, which identifies the divine with the universe itself, and agnosticism, which maintains that the existence or non-existence of deities is unknown or inherently unknowable. Atheism, by contrast, is the explicit rejection of belief in any deities. Deism represents a belief in a creator who does not intervene in the universe after its creation, advocating for a rationalistic approach to understanding the natural world rather than reliance on revealed religion or miracles.

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Definition of Theism

Belief in deities with divine influence over the universe.

01

Polytheism and Example

Worship of multiple gods; Hinduism honors Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva.

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Henotheism vs. Monolatrism

Henotheism: One god preferred among many. Monolatrism: Exclusive worship of one god without denying others.

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