Essay On Henotheism

Thank you for accepting this debate and good luck to you.

Again the definition of monotheism as presented in round one is "the doctrine or belief that there is only one God."

Consider the following verses from the Bible that imply the existence of other Gods

A: Genesis 1:26 "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:"(1)

Notice that it does not say and I God will make man in my image, and after my likeness.

B: Exodus 20:3 "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."(2)

Notice that it does not read I am the only God and worship me.

C: John 10:34 "3 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?"(3)

There you have it out of the mouth of Jesus Christ himself saying gods, as in plural.

This leads to the conclusion that despite “Christians” believing in monotheism. The Bible teaches the idea of Henotheism.

Henotheism: “the worship of a particular god, as by a family or tribe, without disbelieving in the existence of others.”(4)

D: Consider the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 8 verses 4-6

“4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”

Paul here eludes that there may exists other “Gods” however that for “us” (Christians) there is one God. Christians believe in what is called the “true” God. This does imply that there are no other Gods, just that there is a “true” God or in other words the God you should

follow.

E: Jeremiah 10:10 “But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king”(5)

The Bible teaches that followers of Christ can become Gods. Consider the following Scriptures.
F: Philippians 2:5-6 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God."(6)

Paul even talks about becoming a God Through Christ

G:Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”(7)

He teaches that we are Children and heirs of God
H: Romans 8:16-17 “16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”(8)

Conclusion of what the Bible teaches

A,H: “Let Us make man in Our image.” We are the children of God…”

B,D,E: “No other Gods before me” “as there be gods many, and lords many,” “the Lord is the true God”

C,F,G,H: “ye are gods” “thought it not robbery to be equal with God” “high calling of God” “Joint heirs with Christ”

If the Bible teaches that we are children of God, can become like God, are warned not to worship other Gods then the Bible does not teach monotheism.