polytheism

(noun)

The belief of the existence of many gods.

Related Terms

Examples of polytheism in the following topics:

  • Theism and Monotheism

    • Hard polytheism recognizes multiple gods as being distinct and separate beings.
    • Soft polytheism views multiple gods as being connected under the umbrella of a greater whole.
    • Polytheism can also be subdivided according to how individual deities are regarded: Henotheism is the belief that while only one deity is worshiped other deities may exist and other people are justified in worshiping those other deities.