Monotheism, Your comments please

pseudoxristos

Everyone,

While discussing JW's concept of Jesus as a god (in a yahoo group), the following was posted to define "monotheism". This is a new one on me. I'm looking for comments or thoughts from everyone here before I post a my reply.

...You asked for a definition of "monotheism" and/or "Biblical monotheism" which would allow for the existence of multiple gods.
After doing a significant amount of reading on this subject I would
like to propose the use of the following definition taken from Greg
Stafford's book entitled "Jehovah's Witnesses Defended" who writes:

"Biblical Monotheism involoves the recognition, acceptance and
worship of only one true, uni-personal God, the Father. Other beings
can and are rightly considered "gods" in a different, lesser (that
is, a positionally/functionally conferred and/or ontologically
derived) sense than the true God. This is true of them either
collectively or as individuals, so long as their position and glory
preserve or further enhance the uniqueness of God." (page 128)

Furthermore, Peter Hayman in his journal article entitled "Monotheism-
-A Misused Word in Jewish Studies?" made the following observation,
writing, "The pattern of Jewish beliefs about God remains
monarchistic throughtout. God is king of a heavenly court consisting
of many other powerful beings, not always under his control. For most
Jews, God is the sole object of worship, but he is not the only
divine being. In particular, there is always a prominent number two
in the hierarchy to whom Isreal in particular relates." -- Journal of
Jewish Studies, page 15.

I believe the above two cited quotations are sufficent enough to
provide a clear and concise definition of what "Biblical Monotheism"
means. However, if you disagree with the above referenced quoations,
then on what basis do you disagree? Lastly, how do you understand
Pslams 8:5 which LXX translators understood ELOHIM to a be reference
to angels with the use of the Greek term "angel/messenger(s)".

I look forward to your response.

Thanks,

pseudo

gumby

...You asked for a definition of "monotheism" and/or "Biblical monotheism" which would allow for the existence of multiple gods.

Well first of all the underlined statement is wrong. Monotheism is the belief of only one true God. I'm sure it was a typo.

pseudoxristos

gumby,

Well first of all the underlined statement is wrong. Monotheism is the belief of only one true God. I'm sure it was a typo.

My request for a definition of "monotheism" that allowed for the existence of multiple gods, was in response to another JW post that suggested that "biblical monothesism" was different from the typical meaning of "monotheism". I never expected a response that would attempt change the meaning of "monotheism". I had no idea that JW's even entertained such an idea. My understanding of the definition is much like yours, "one true God". I assumed that JW's defined "monotheism" the same way I do, therefore I'm here, looking for comments to formulate a response.

I'm also wondering if this is the typical JW definition?

pseudo

A Paduan

This is true of them either collectively or as individuals, so long as their position and glory preserve or further enhance the uniqueness of God

The position of someone's indoor plants (household gods) in the structure of their life can preserve the glory of God. By the definition, all things may be "gods".

Monotheism - a pecking order of gods down from God?

For a religion of "brothers with no clergy" jwism is highly preoccupied with pecking orders .

Edited by - a paduan on 11 October 2002 4:13:52

gumby

pseudoxristos,

ln all the years as a witness I never understood them to be anything other than Monotheistic,nor have they changed it's meaning. By their saying Jesus is " a god", does not mean they believe he is the one they worship. They also believe Jesus had a begginning...God did not.

Those who try to enforce the idea that the witnesses are panthestic....more than one god.......distort the facts.

I for one am not getting into a Trinity debate. If the bible were God's word there would BE NO QUESTION as to who God is and who Jesus is.

yucca

heres a simple explanation of the trinity. you take an egg. theres the shell the yolk the white part. its one egg but 3 parts. how about triplets 3 boys they inherit their fathers kingdom. they are all king but 3 personalties on the throne. god bless yucca

LucidSky

I would venture to say that Biblical monotheism is merely henotheistic, a recognition that other "gods" exist (Jesus, Satan, angels, powerful men), but that only one god is absolute. Some Trinitarians attempt to deny that the word "god" can apply to anything but the Absolute god.

pseudoxristos

Thanks all for your comments.

Lucid, thanks for the proper term for this belief.

pseudo

pseudoxristos

I'm back after a little discussion with the Witnesses on the Yahoo Group.

JW's do not like to be called henotheist. Made for good discussion.

Thanks again,

pseudo

pomegranate

Monotheism = Jews and JW's belief

Tritheism = Mainstream "Christianity" belief

Ditheism = pomegranate belief

Monotheism, Your comments please

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