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I've been thinking about what I'd say in a debate against a monotheist, on the topic of our beliefs about the idea of one god versus many. I've come to the conclusion that it's a difficult debate to have because it's largely an issue of semantics. What do you call a god? Why? Monotheists tend to say that God is the most powerful being, and anything less than that is not a god. But why say that? It's an issue that I'm still learning more about. I intend to write an essay about it for my tumblr, but I need to do more research first. If you know anything about this subject, let me know!
Monotheism VS. Polytheism
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Hevel Havalim
You're right. It's all semantics. That's why we have three main Abrahamic religions, which have their own denominations. Then the holy books, it's so hard to translate between languages, especially ones that don't directly translate. As far as polytheism, it's been so suppressed by monotheism. I feel that polytheism must have some validity; otherwise, why would so many people be into it long before monotheism? I think God is something that isn't tangible or able to comprehend as humans. We as humans usually need to identify and connect gods to something real, and that's why we get artwork or prophets (Jesus, Muhammed, etc.) I like associating God with science; why would God use magic or whatever to create things? Science. Science is factual, but also something we're slowly learning new things. Basically, my opinion is just to explore and find whatever you need that fits your morality and your truths because everyone will read into different semantics. That being said, I could be very wrong, which is the beauty of it too.
Samryl
Hello moss :)
I have explored both monotheism and polytheism in my religious path. In my experience, it has often been unproductive to debate someone regarding a difference of opinion in religion. I learned that religion, to me and to many others, has more power simply in our belief than it does as a declaration of the absoluteness of our interpretation.
All this to say that those I've debated on the subject have been unsteady in their belief and felt a need to defend its validity through logic. So you may find debate subjects who are willing and competent enough few and far between. But to answer your question as to what I call god...
Previously I had been a Christian, and believed that god was a single entity, the creator of my soul and mind who therefore deserved worship and obedience. But I wondered why it was that a god would create me in his image with free will, a god in everything but name, and deny me the opportunity to exercise it in a way that was personally fulfilling and truly joyous, as Christian holy texts claim is possible.
Now, my understanding is that each persons religion is a description and interpretation of the fundamental nature of our existence. The sum total of all that is, as Aquinas puts it, is god. Truth, Honor, Loyalty, Death, Vice, and War are all gods, as powerful as the concepts are pure. They have many names in many languages and traditions, but all describe the same vast weave that connects us all as humans. They are both describable by empirical methods, and as unknowable as the length of the cosmos. The eternal mystery of the human condition.
With this understanding, I am god over my own destiny. And I take the gods of Love, Loyalty, and Courage as my patrons, I name them and perform rituals to them, using my belief to strengthen myself and my power over myself. Njid is no less a goddess of Love than Aphrodite, Ishtar, Freya or Hathor. She is merely the one I can call myself closest to, as one might describe a friend. I do not speak to her, but I know her, as intimately as I know myself, because we are all one in the name of Ezsch'erat.
- S
Very interesting! I would like to mention that I don't think debates are a good way to change minds or determine truth, that's not why I was thinking about this. I just think they're fun intellectual exercises (when done respectfully and properly). I really like your descriptions though. That's fascinating!
by moss; ; Report