monotheism

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monotheism

monotheism [Gr.,=belief in one God], in religion, a belief in one personal god. In practice, monotheistic religion tends to stress the existence of one personal god that unifies the universe. The term is applied particularly to Judaism , Christianity , and Islam , as well as Zoroastrianism . Some eastern religions, notably Vaishava, Saiva, Sikhism, and some Hindu sects, tend to promote the omnipotence of one particular god within the pantheon, and thus display some monotheistic characteristics. Monotheism arose in opposition to polytheism , the belief in many gods. Monism , or nondualism between the physical and the spiritual, presupposes unity but deemphasizes personal monotheism. See also God .

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monotheism

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Â© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

monotheism Belief in the existence of a single God. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are the three major monotheistic religions.

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Monotheism

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church | 2000 | | Â© The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church 2000, originally published by Oxford University Press 2000. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Monotheism. Belief in one personal and transcendent God. According to traditional Christian teaching it was the original religion of man, but lost by most men as a consequence of the Fall. In the 19th cent. it was often maintained that the religious beliefs of man had progressed from animism by way of polytheism to monotheism, but this theory is now less widely held.

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E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Monotheism." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Monotheism." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (November 10, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-Monotheism.html

E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Monotheism." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Retrieved November 10, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-Monotheism.html

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	For the Glory of God: How Monotheism Led to Reformations, Science, Witch-Hunts, and the End of Slavery.(Book Review) Magazine article from: The Christian Century; 11/15/2003
	One true God: historical consequences of monotheism. (The power of one God).(Review) Magazine article from: The Christian Century; 11/21/2001
	The Birth of Monotheism.(The Birth of Monotheism: The Rise and Disappearance of Yahwism)(Brief article)(Book review) Newspaper article from: Internet Bookwatch; 6/1/2007

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