In Acts 17, the Apostle Paul is waiting for fellow ministers in Athens, but he can’t just wait around. He decides to go to the center of Greek philosophy and religion to introduce the gospel.
At this religious center on Mars Hill, the Greeks had a bevy of idols and gods from around the Empire. The Greeks alone had 12, and there were probably more at Mars Hill.
Because the Greeks believed in many deities, they wanted to cover all their bases and had an idol of an “unknown god,” which Paul used to introduce the God of Israel, Yahweh, which he declares as the only God.
For the ancient world, this was quite the statement. To add one more god wasn’t a big deal. To say there was only one? That all these others didn’t exist? Revolutionary, even considered hateful to many; what we might consider “fighting words.”
Why would Paul make this claim? Why did he feel the need to confront these philosophers in Athens and point to the monotheistic God of Israel?
What Is Monotheism?
Monotheism is a religious belief system characterized by the worship or belief in a single, all-powerful, and supreme deity.
In monotheistic religions, this singular divine entity is typically considered the creator and sustainer of the universe, possessing ultimate authority and dominion over all things.
Monotheism stands in contrast to polytheism, which involves the belief in multiple gods, and atheism, which involves the rejection of the existence of gods altogether.
The central tenet of monotheism is the affirmation of the existence of only one God. This God is often perceived as all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving.
Monotheistic faiths emphasize the unity and singularity of this divine entity. God is usually seen as the creator of the universe, responsible for its origin and ongoing existence. God is believed to maintain order and balance in the cosmos.
Monotheistic faiths attribute ultimate authority and sovereignty to God. God’s will is considered the highest law, and adherents seek to align their lives with God's commandments and teachings.
Since God’s teachings are central, monotheistic religions often involve the belief in divine revelation, where God communicates His will, wisdom, and guidance to humanity through prophets, scriptures, or sacred texts. These revelations provide a framework for moral and ethical conduct.
Monotheistic believers engage in acts of worship, devotion, and prayer to express their reverence and submission to God. Worship practices can include prayer, rituals, religious festivals, and acts of charity.
Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion, with a focus on the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The Hebrew Bible, known as the Old Testament in Christianity, contains foundational texts and teachings for Jews.
Christianity came from Judaism and is rooted in the belief in one God, with a focus on the Holy Trinity — the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Christians follow the teachings of the Bible, which includes both the Old and New Testaments.
Islam is founded on the belief in the one God, Allah, as revealed through the Prophet Muhammad in the Quran. The Quran serves as the primary holy text, and Muslims follow the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet).
The Baha'i Faith is a relatively modern monotheistic religion that teaches the belief in one God. Baha'is follow the teachings of Baha'u'llah, who is considered the latest in a line of divine messengers that includes Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad.
A couple of monotheistic religions aren’t directly connected to Judaism. Sikhism emerged in India, emphasizing the worship of one God, Waheguru. Sikhs follow the Guru Granth Sahib, their holy scripture, and the teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus.
Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, worships Ahura Mazda as the supreme deity. It was founded in ancient Persia and is based on the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster.
Monotheism has played a significant role in shaping the moral, ethical, and cultural foundations of various civilizations throughout history.
It has provided a framework for understanding the divine, guiding human behavior, and fostering a sense of purpose and connection to the ultimate source of existence.
How Did Monotheism Make Israel Unique from Other Nations?
The theological and philosophical distinction of monotheism had profound implications for the identity, culture, and history of the Israelites.
Ancient Israel’s devotion to the exclusive worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, distinguished them from neighboring cultures that exclusively practiced polytheism.
While many nations had multiple gods and goddesses, Israel’s monotheistic commitment meant that they recognized only one God as the source of their existence and the ultimate authority in their lives.
Israel's monotheistic faith was not only about acknowledging one God but also adhering to a set of moral and ethical principles.
The Israelites believed that Yahweh had given them a divine code of conduct, including the Ten Commandments, which provided a moral framework for their society.
This ethical monotheism set Israel apart as a nation with a strong emphasis on justice, righteousness, and compassion.
Most of the surrounding nations celebrated with things such as human sacrifice and sexual acts. These nations didn’t see their gods as good or loving or kind but angry, needing to be satisfied by violence or other means.
Other nations definitely didn’t have explicit instructions to take care of the poor and marginalized and alien among them. Israel was unique in all these ways.
Israel’s monotheistic faith was characterized by a covenantal relationship between Yahweh and the Israelite people. This unique bond, often described in terms of a divine covenant, was founded on trust, obedience, and mutual commitment.
The covenant served as a foundational concept, emphasizing Israel's special status and responsibilities. This covenant also gave rise to a rich prophetic tradition. Prophets were messengers of Yahweh, delivering divine revelation and guidance.
Israel’s monotheism was not henotheistic, where one god is worshiped while acknowledging the existence of others, but truly monotheistic in the sense that they believed in the absolute uniqueness and oneness of God. This set them apart from some other ancient societies that acknowledged multiple gods.
The Judaic insistence on only one God often led to conflicts with neighboring nations that practiced polytheism. The Israelites faced persecution and exile as they maintained their monotheistic faith in the midst of foreign cultures and deities.
The Israelites’ commitment to monotheism is evident in the Old Testament. These texts are replete with monotheistic themes, narratives, and teachings that emphasize the uniqueness and sovereignty of Yahweh.
Although a smaller nation, even when strong and expanded, Israel’s monotheistic tradition had a lasting impact on the development of monotheistic religions worldwide. Christianity and Islam, both rooted in monotheism, have drawn on elements of Israel's monotheistic heritage.
What Bible Verses Teach the Importance of One God?
The Bible contains numerous verses that emphasize the importance of one God, affirming the monotheistic nature of the Christian faith. These verses highlight the uniqueness, sovereignty, and supreme authority of God. Here are several Bible verses that teach the importance of one God:
In the Ten Commandments, the first commandment reinforces the belief in one God: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). This commandment underscores the exclusive worship of God alone.
Known as the Shema, this verse is a central declaration: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). This verse encapsulates the core belief in the oneness of God and serves as a foundational statement of faith for Jews.
“For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God” (Psalm 86:10). This psalm highlights the greatness of God and affirms His exclusive divine status.
“I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me” (Isaiah 45:5).
This verse from the Book of Isaiah underscores the exclusive nature of God's divinity and emphasizes that there is no other deity besides Him.
In the New Testament, this verse affirms the Christian belief in one God: “Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live” (1 Corinthians 8:6).
It distinguishes between God the Father and Jesus Christ as Lord while upholding monotheism.
Jesus affirmed the monotheistic belief in the Great Commandment: “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one’” (Mark 12:29). In this verse, Jesus reiterates the Shema to emphasize the oneness of God.
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, emphasizes the singularity of God and the unique role of Jesus as the mediator.
How Is the Trinity a Part of Monotheism in Christianity?
The concept of the Trinity within Christianity presents a unique perspective on monotheism, often described as “Trinitarian monotheism.”
While the doctrine of the Trinity may appear complex, it is firmly rooted in the belief in one God, yet it introduces the idea of three distinct persons within the one Godhead: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. Here’s how the Trinity works, affirming one God.
1. One essence, three persons. Trinitarian monotheism asserts that there is only one God in terms of essence or nature.
In other words, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share the same divine essence — they are not three separate gods. This emphasizes the core principle of monotheism, the belief in the singularity of God.
2. Distinct persons. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are understood as distinct persons within the Godhead. They are not separate beings but rather different expressions of the one God. Each person of the Trinity has a unique role in the divine plan.
3. Interrelated roles. The roles of the three persons of the Trinity are interrelated. The Father is often associated with creation and the source of all things, the Son with redemption and salvation, and the Holy Spirit with sanctification and guidance. These roles work in harmony to fulfill God's divine plan.
4. Salvation and redemption. The doctrine of the Trinity is central to the Christian understanding of salvation.
The Father sent the Son into the world to provide redemption through His sacrificial death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit is sent to empower believers and guide them in their Christian walk.
5. Biblical basis. Trinitarian monotheism finds its basis in the Bible. While the word “Trinity” is not explicitly used in the Bible, the New Testament contains numerous passages that hint at the Triune nature of God.
For example, the baptismal formula in Matthew 28:19 mentions baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
6. Historical development. The doctrine of the Trinity developed over centuries through theological reflection, debate, and councils within the early Christian church.
It was articulated more fully in creeds such as the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed, which affirmed the triune nature of God.
7. Mystery and paradox. The Trinity is often described as a divine mystery and paradox because it challenges human understanding.
While Christians believe in the Trinity, they acknowledge the limitations of human language and comprehension when trying to fully explain this complex aspect of God's nature.
The Trinity affirms the belief in one God while recognizing the existence of three distinct persons within the Godhead.
This concept underscores the complexity of God's nature and His multifaceted relationship with humanity. Trinitarian monotheism is a foundational doctrine in Christianity, emphasizing both the unity and diversity of God and His active role in creation, redemption, and sanctification.
For further reading:
What Should Christians Know about the Trinity?
What Is Polytheism? Definition and Meaning
The Roles of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
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