monotheism

(noun)

The belief in the existence of a single god.

Related Terms

Examples of monotheism in the following topics:

  • Culture and Religion in Pre-Islamic Arabia

    • The most well-known monotheists were the Hebrews, although the Persians and the Medes had also developed monotheism.

  • Flight from Mecca to Medina

    • The Arab population of Yathrib were familiar with monotheism and were prepared for the appearance of a prophet because a Jewish community existed there as well.
    • Muhammad's message of monotheism challenged the traditional social order in Mecca.

  • The New Kingdom

    • One of the best-known Eighteenth Dynasty pharaohs is Amenhotep IV (c. 1353-1336 BCE), who changed his name to Akhenaten in honor of Aten and whose exclusive worship of the deity is often interpreted as the first instance of monotheism.

  • The Rise of Christianity

    • The idea of monotheism was considered offensive against the polytheistic Roman pantheon and came into further conflict with the Imperial Cult, in which emperors and some members of their families were worshipped as divine.

  • Ancient Egyptian Art

    • The style reflects Akhenaten's move to monotheism, but disappeared after his death.

  • The Quran

    • Muhammad's mission also involves preaching monotheism; the Quran commands Muhammad to proclaim and praise the name of his Lord and instructs him not to worship idols or associate other deities with God.