Polytheistic V/S Monotheistic V/S Solotheistic religions : A comparative analysis
In this article we will draw comparisons between Polytheistic V/S Monotheistic V/S Solotheistic religions.
Polytheistic religion
In a polytheistic religion, people have choice to choose any means of worship. For e.g. Hinduism or Paganism in Europe. People can choose to worship Krishna or Shiva or Athena or Zeus or some or all of them. They have absolute right to choose their faith and way of worship.
What are the advantages?
Since all forms are accommodated in this type of religion, violence in the name of religion is low. Persecution in name of religion is least in Polytheistic societies.
Secondly, new religious and spiritual philosophies keep evolving. Since, Santana dharma is polytheistic we see many religious philosophies (Sankya, Bhakti etc.) have emerged and in unparalleled in history of mankind. We find many ways for liberation (Gyana yoga, Bhakti yoga, Dhyana yoga, karma yoga).
What are the dis-advantages?
A polytheistic religion cannot usher unity across various believers with a religion.
Monotheistic religion
A religion which supports one God and one form of worship. For e.g. Judaism.
What are the advantages?
A Monotheistic religion results to better unity among people as there is homogeneity.
What are the dis-advantages?
People don’t have flexibility to choose their own way of worship. Hence, new religious thoughts and philosophies don’t emerge.
Solotheistic religion
Solotheistic religion is a radicalized version of monotheistic religion. It not only believes in one God and one form of worship, it propounds that all other forms of worship are evil and gives followers open permission to persecute people not adhering to the solotheistic faith.
Advantages are none, disadvantages of a Solotheistic religion are many:
- Results to violent persecution and slaughter.
- Removes diversity from a society. Due to lack of differences new ideas and thoughts don’t emerge.
- Such ideologies are completely incompatible with democracy.
- Due to rule by repression, such societies are dictatorial.
- Dictatorship results to corruption, corruption results in unrest and unrest result to civil war and violence.
- Minorities have zero rights in such societies.
- Criticism is dealt with strong persecution.
- A solotheistic society eventually becomes weak and hence becomes the proxy battle ground of foreign players.
Hence, as we can see solotheistic religion results to widespread discontent not only among the non-believers, but also among the believers as well.
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