# Christianity Really A Monotheistic Religion? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [March 6, 2004, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874 "2004-03-06T18:42:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![5cents](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/46a35a/32.png) [@5cents](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5cents)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/41 "2004-03-08T15:17:16Z")
> [@pool](#): > > Someone may have already answered this but what exactly is the holy spirit supposed to be? Oh boy, here’s where the handwaving really starts. First, for the Catholic interpretation of the Holy Ghost (aka Holy Spirit): [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07409a.htm](http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07409a.htm) The “real” short answer is “it is part of the mystery of the Trinity” (i.e. I don’t know, don’t bug me). A slightly more involved answer is that it is the spirit (soul?) of God, which went from father to son and can be invested in any of us. For instance, all bible writers and translators are supposed to be divinely inspired, which many take to mean that they were guided by the holy spirit. Get it? If not, that’s OK, it’s supposed to be a mystery. Also, many protestant churches claim to be trinitarian but basically ignore the Holy Spirit. ---
**Author:** ![Dogface](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9d8465/32.png) [@Dogface](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogface)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/42 "2004-03-08T15:36:12Z")
> [@Fear Itself](#): > > All the lesser gods of the Greek and Roman pantheon fit that description also, yet no one can argue that they are monotheistic. It is not proper to worship the created. The created are not and cannot be God, by definition of God. There may be many “gods” but they are not truly God, for they are of the same nature as mortal humanity. The theological errors of polytheism do not dictate the theology of Christianity. > [@](#): > > demigods like Pan. Just because these lesser gods (angels and saints, in Christian theology) are not omnipotent does not mean that they are not gods in the same way as polytheistic religions. Why should Christian theology be dictated by non-Christian beliefs? ---
**Author:** ![Dogface](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9d8465/32.png) [@Dogface](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogface)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/43 "2004-03-08T15:40:01Z")
> [@Fear Itself](#): > > If a supernatural being is the object of prayers of supplication (such as the Virgin Mary or patron saints), then polytheism exists. IMHO. And what of your background authorizes to you to dictate Christian theology, ecclesiology, and hagiology? An awful lot of this “Christianity is really polytheistic” talk is almost identical to 19th-century “interpretations” of “inferior” cultures that dismiss any and all social values that are not identical to those of Western European intelligentsia. I can supplicate any person and not worship that person. The saints and angels are in such a category. They are not to be worshipped, and asking them for aid is no different from asking somebody in ones own congregation for aid. ---
**Author:** ![Genghis\_Bob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/45deac/32.png) [@Genghis\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Genghis_Bob)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/44 "2004-03-08T15:49:45Z")
> [@Dogface](#): > > . . . I can supplicate any person and not worship that person. The saints and angels are in such a category. They are not to be worshipped, and asking them for aid is no different from asking somebody in ones own congregation for aid. And therein lies the crux of our problem. Until \*\*Dogface \*\* and \*\*Fear Itself \*\* can agree on a definition of what makes a “god”, we’re not going to get very far in the debate. By \*\*Fear Itself’s \*\* definition, scratch the average Catholic, and you’ve found yourself a polytheist. Offer the Catholic a bandage and then ask him if he’s a polytheist, and he’ll tell you he doesn’t feel much like one. Let’s also keep in mind that Christianity covers a huge spectrum of attitudes and beliefs about angles, saints, Mary, you name it. Even within Catholicism, the status of Mary is disputed. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/45 "2004-03-08T15:57:50Z")
> [@Dogface](#): > > Why should Christian theology be dictated by non-Christian beliefs? Why indeed? I certainly never said that. I merely compared the hierarchy of the Christian God, angels and saints to that of polytheistic religions. > [@](#): > > And what of your background authorizes to you to dictate Christian theology, ecclesiology, and hagiology? I am dictating nothing, simply pointing out the similarities between the Christian angels and saints with the demigods of polytheistic religions. I don’t think I am any less qualified than anyone else to recognize that the Emperor has no clothes. > [@](#): > > I can supplicate any person and not worship that person. The saints and angels are in such a category. They are not to be worshipped, and asking them for aid is no different from asking somebody in ones own congregation for aid. When the supplication is for divine intervention from a supernatural being other than God, it is polytheism. ---
**Author:** ![smiling\_bandit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/46 "2004-03-08T16:04:14Z")
> [@](#): > > My own Church, the “Eastern” Orthodox, always makes it plain that Satan has no power other than a glib tongue and an ability to alter appearance. He is just another created being–like you and like me. Agreed. Satan’s only real power is no different from that possessed by evil men - the ability to convince, cajole, intimidate, and lie. > [@](#): > > If a supernatural being is the object of prayers of supplication (such as the Virgin Mary or patron saints), then polytheism exists. IMHO. I don’t think you quite comprehend this. Mary and the saints and angels have power to use at their discretion. They share in the glory of god. However, beyond its unusual origin there is nothing specifically divine about them. Most of the good they do could be done by anyone else, with sufficient knowledge and a good heart. They are not even supernatural. They’re just dead and beloved by God. You can ask them to help you out and lend you strength. They might choose to answer. (Note: they don’t have to answer “yes”) There is a major distinction here. The Church recognizes that beings can be called “God” but this is no different and equally blasphemous as, say, setting yourself up as a living God ala David Koresh. What we’re saying is that there is only one essence in creation that is worthy of worship. Whether you want to pray to the part that gave laws to the Jews, the part that led to redeem mankind, or the part that brings enlightenment and purification is largely irrelevant. I like to liken the analogy to water. Does the water care that we see a distinction between the rain, the river, and the ocean? The water is all one in its own opinion. It is chemically identical (though it is mixed with other elements in places). It forms one long, unending chain of water flowing in different corners of the world. Giant long post by DtC and my replies: > [@](#): > > If Satan is not comparable in power to God then it can’t be said that he’s a rival to God in any meaningful sense, since God could simply will him out of existence at any moment. Can != Will. Actually, uncreating may be the one thing God truly cannot do. But then, for Him, will not and cannot are identical. > [@](#): > > It’s also specious to say that Satan “made an evil choice” since an omnscient Creator would have to know what choice Satan would make before he created him. False dilemma. God created Satan, but Satan’s choices thereafter do not invalidate God’s creation. > [@](#): > > So the fact that Christianity perceives Satan as a foe to God > means that he occupies the same mythogical niche as Ahriman in Persian mythology. Satan would like you to think that. But in point of fact he’s no threat to God. God wins, end of story. There are too repeated schools of thought concerning Satan’s goals. The first school is the idea that Satan wanted to put himself above all other creatures, possibly including God. It was in pride that he fell from grace. And since that non-time, he has wanted to hurt and humiliate God. It never works in the long run but Satan keeps trying. Second, Satan’s malice may comes not from his hatred of man, but his love of God. In his opinion, we are unworthy of God. We are not fit to exist, let alone be his youngest child (and the favored youngest at that). He wants to rule us, drag us through the mud and destroy to prove to God that we, essentially, suck. > [@](#): > > If Satan can do anything that is not God’s will then Satan is equal to God, Not if God chooses to allow Satan to sin. He has allowed us to Sin, to make choices, however vile, to walk with him or against him. I can do things against God’s will, but or at least equal enough that God apparently can’t stop him or destroy him (and if Satan is doing God’s will, then how can he be evil?) [/quote] This is the old saw. We do not understand fully why God created and tolerates Satan, but God also loves Satan - I think that is somthing you miss. Yes, God loves Satan, loved him before Satan was born, despite everything Satan has done. And perhaps after the end of time Satan will seek forgiveness. I don’t know. ---
**Author:** ![smiling\_bandit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/47 "2004-03-08T16:39:09Z")
> [@](#): > > My own Church, the “Eastern” Orthodox, always makes it plain that Satan has no power other than a glib tongue and an ability to alter appearance. He is just another created being–like you and like me. Agreed. Satan’s only real power is no different from that possessed by evil men - the ability to convince, cajole, intimidate, and lie. > [@](#): > > If a supernatural being is the object of prayers of supplication (such as the Virgin Mary or patron saints), then polytheism exists. IMHO. I don’t think you quite comprehend this. Mary and the saints and angels have power to use at their discretion. They share in the glory of god. However, beyond its unusual origin there is nothing specifically divine about them. Most of the good they do could be done by anyone else, with sufficient knowledge and a good heart. They are not even supernatural. They’re just dead and beloved by God. You can ask them to help you out and lend you strength. They might choose to answer. (Note: they don’t have to answer “yes”) There is a major distinction here. The Church recognizes that beings can be called “God” but this is no different and equally blasphemous as, say, setting yourself up as a living God ala David Koresh. What we’re saying is that there is only one essence in creation that is worthy of worship. Whether you want to pray to the part that gave laws to the Jews, the part that led to redeem mankind, or the part that brings enlightenment and purification is largely irrelevant. I like to liken the analogy to water. Does the water care that we see a distinction between the rain, the river, and the ocean? The water is all one in its own opinion. It is chemically identical (though it is mixed with other elements in places). It forms one long, unending chain of water flowing in different corners of the world. Giant long post by DtC and my replies: > [@](#): > > If Satan is not comparable in power to God then it can’t be said that he’s a rival to God in any meaningful sense, since God could simply will him out of existence at any moment. Can != Will. Actually, uncreating may be the one thing God truly cannot do. But then, for Him, will not and cannot are identical. > [@](#): > > It’s also specious to say that Satan “made an evil choice” since an omnscient Creator would have to know what choice Satan would make before he created him. False dilemma. God created Satan, but Satan’s choices thereafter do not invalidate God’s creation. > [@](#): > > So the fact that Christianity perceives Satan as a foe to God > means that he occupies the same mythogical niche as Ahriman in Persian mythology. Satan would like you to think that. But in point of fact he’s no threat to God. God wins, end of story. There are too repeated schools of thought concerning Satan’s goals. The first school is the idea that Satan wanted to put himself above all other creatures, possibly including God. It was in pride that he fell from grace. And since that non-time, he has wanted to hurt and humiliate God. It never works in the long run but Satan keeps trying. Second, Satan’s malice may comes not from his hatred of man, but his love of God. In his opinion, we are unworthy of God. We are not fit to exist, let alone be his youngest child (and the favored youngest at that). He wants to rule us, drag us through the mud and destroy to prove to God that we, essentially, suck. > [@](#): > > If Satan can do anything that is not God’s will then Satan is equal to God, Not if God chooses to allow Satan to sin. He has allowed us to Sin, to make choices, however vile, to walk with him or against him. I can do things against God’s will, but or at least equal enough that God apparently can’t stop him or destroy him (and if Satan is doing God’s will, then how can he be evil?) [/quote] This is the old saw. We do not understand fully why God created and tolerates Satan, but God also loves Satan - I think that is somthing you miss. Yes, God loves Satan, loved him before Satan was born, despite everything Satan has done. And perhaps after the end of time Satan will seek forgiveness. I don’t know. ---
**Author:** ![Dogface](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9d8465/32.png) [@Dogface](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogface)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/48 "2004-03-08T16:59:46Z")
> [@Fear Itself](#): > > When the supplication is for divine intervention from a supernatural being other than God, it is polytheism. Intercession by saints is not divine intervention. Likewise, the saints are not supernatural beings, nor, for that matter, are angels. Only God is supernatural–above nature. Saints and angels are still part of nature, part of the humdrum created universe. Likewise, they cannot perform divine intervention, since only God can perform a divine intervention–by definition of the divine. The saints and angels merely interced to God, who decides according to His Wisdom. Since He has (for whatever reason) decided to permit us mortals to have a hand in our fates, He is willing to withold His power and let our request make a difference. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/49 "2004-03-08T17:30:46Z")
> [@Dogface](#): > > Likewise, the saints are not supernatural beings, nor, for that matter, are angels. Only God is supernatural–above nature. Saints and angels are still part of nature, part of the humdrum created universe. Using your narrow definition, Greek and Roman mythology are also monotheistic then, because all their gods were created. Therefore, are you saying Christianity is no more monotheistic than the Greek pantheon? ---
**Author:** ![Genghis\_Bob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/45deac/32.png) [@Genghis\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Genghis_Bob)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/50 "2004-03-08T17:57:51Z")
> [@Dogface](#): > > . . . the saints and angels merely interced to God, who decides according to His Wisdom . . . According to Catholic theology, yes. But lots and lots of “Mainstream” Protestants do not pray to saints, angels or Mary for intercession. They pray to God only. Mary was a faithful person, just like any other; likewise, the saints. In many Protestant circles, “the saints” simply refer to the community of believers, both in this world and the next. In that context, I’m a saint (“Saint Rimshot”. I kinda like it . . . ) Satan is a caution. In the Old Testament, Job specifically, he’s God’s Prosecutor, testing God’s creation (although he’s not above using entrapment). Even in the New Testament, he acts in the same role when he tempts Jesus in the desert. IIRC, he’s really only painted as God’s deadly adversary in Revelation. Regardless of Satan’s role, he’s clearly a creature, just as are men. He is given the same free will as are men, and chooses his own path accordingly. The fact that some knuckleheads may choose to worship him does not make him a deity in the theology of Christianity, any more than my mother-in-law’s devotion to Elvis makes him the second coming. So, to sum up the Pantheon According to Rimshot: God’s the creator, redeemer and sustainer (Catechism 101); Mary and the Saints are people of faith, just like me but dead; Satan and the angels are another order of creation, imbued with free will but living only at the sufference of God. You’ll notice how I neatly sidestepped that whole “Trinity” thing . . . ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/51 "2004-03-08T18:26:08Z")
[QUOTE=inkleberry] The Holy Ghost isn’t really _worshipped_ by most Christians, it sort floats about, although it is figured more prominently in Catholicism.QUOTE] Not true at all; the Holy Spirit is just a much God as Jesus or God the Father. From the Nicene Creed: > [@](#): > > We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son]\*. > With the Father and the Son, _He is worshipped and glorified_. > He has spoken through the prophets. \ ***Dogface** and his Orthodox pals disagree about the proceeding from the Son part, but they, like Catholics, Anglicans and most Protestants I know, do agree that the Holy Spirit, being in essence God, is to be worshipped. I’m not arguing that the Trinity is three Gods either – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one and the same God; so each is as deserving of worship as the others. ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/52 "2004-03-08T18:30:52Z")
> [@](#): > > Of course originally Lucifer was a fallen angel, but then his desent into Hell also was his _asent_ in the mythology, dogma, and belief structure into a second diety, diametric to the original and top-dog God. There is a common misconception in our culture that Satan/Lucifer rules over Hell. He doesn’t. When he was cast out of Heaven, he landed on Earth, and does his business here. Hell was/will be created by God as the place where Satan will be punished. Satan isn’t there yet, and he doesn’t want to be there. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/53 "2004-03-08T18:51:21Z")
> [@spectrum](#): > > Jesus was considered divine by Christians long before they were a recognized religion in the Empire capable of converting many new followers. It was not a doctrine created to “impress” the wider Roman culture, but a natural outgrowth of Christology evident in the late First Century. Are you saying Christians weren’t interested in converting anyone until they were a state religion? Hardly. I’d say that grew because they offered pagans a compelling marketing story. Now, I don’t know whether the evolution of the doctrine to appeal to pagans was deliberate, to sell the product, or accidental, with the effect of selling the product, but a lot of very confusing Christian doctrine makes perfect sense when viewed in this light. I assure you the divinity of the Messiah did not flow natrually from any Jewish doctrine. From Roman and Greek religions, however, this is a very natural concept. The trashing of the dietary laws is a perfect example of what I’m talking about, by the way. ---
**Author:** ![Dogface](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9d8465/32.png) [@Dogface](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogface)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/54 "2004-03-08T21:02:20Z")
> [@Fear Itself](#): > > Using your narrow definition, Greek and Roman mythology are also monotheistic then, because all their gods were created. Therefore, are you saying Christianity is no more monotheistic than the Greek pantheon? Not in the least. The Greek and Roman mythology is not monotheistic–it has no gods at all–merely falsehoods that are not worthy of worship. If all of their “deities” are created, and nothing that is created is God, then none of them are God, thus, ultimately they are nihiltheistic. ---
**Author:** ![Dogface](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9d8465/32.png) [@Dogface](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogface)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/55 "2004-03-08T21:17:43Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > Are you saying Christians weren’t interested in converting anyone until they were a state religion? That’s not what’s being said. You explicitly stated that the general resurrection was a marketing ploy and nothing else. Give the evidence for this–not a “likely tale” but actual evidence. From all available evidence, it is equally as probable that general resurrection is a devout belief that just happened to play well in the sticks, as it were. You assign so much to conspiracy that ultimately the conspiratorial claim means nothing. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/56 "2004-03-08T21:27:00Z")
> [@Dogface](#): > > Not in the least. The Greek and Roman mythology is not monotheistic–it has no gods at all–merely falsehoods that are not worthy of worship. If all of their “deities” are created, and nothing that is created is God, then none of them are God, thus, ultimately they are nihiltheistic. Interesting. So, in your cosmology, has there ever been a polytheistic religion? Or is everyone whose beliefs differ from your own just deluded by “falsehoods not worthy of worship”? ---
**Author:** ![Genghis\_Bob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/45deac/32.png) [@Genghis\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Genghis_Bob)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/57 "2004-03-08T21:44:51Z")
> [@Fear Itself](#): > > Interesting. So, in your cosmology, has there ever been a polytheistic religion? Or is everyone whose beliefs differ from your own just deluded by “falsehoods not worthy of worship”? At first I interpreted \*\*Dogface’s \*\* post in the same way, **Fear Itself.** I was fixing to call him to task for skirting the issue of definition (which I think is the real subject here). But on re-reading, > [@](#): > > . . . If all of their “deities” are created, and nothing that is created is God, then none of them are God . . . implies a requirement that to be a deity means “not created”. Christians claim Jesus as “begotten, not made”; created beings such as angels are not worshipped, since they’re just another order of creation like man. Is this a workable definition for what makes someone a “god” rather than just a supernatural being (for purposes of discussion)? If so, are any of the Greek Pantheon eternal in nature - uncreated, unborn? (I’m asking, I don’t know). ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/58 "2004-03-08T22:00:19Z")
> [@Dogface](#): > > That’s not what’s being said. You explicitly stated that the general resurrection was a marketing ploy and nothing else. Give the evidence for this–not a “likely tale” but actual evidence. From all available evidence, it is equally as probable that general resurrection is a devout belief that just happened to play well in the sticks, as it were. > > You assign so much to conspiracy that ultimately the conspiratorial claim means nothing. First of all, who mentioned resurrection? I was speaking of godhood. Lazarus, not a god, supposedly got resurrected too, remember? Second, I said that perhaps the godhood thing was for purposes of making conversion more likely, and the response was this couldn’t be true since the divinity of Jesus was doctrine before Christianity was a recognized religion. My point was that they needed this aid to growth before Christianity was big enough to be recognized. As for proof, I think I said that I did not know whether Paul was a marketing genius, and intended these doctrines to sell the product, or if Christianity grew because these doctrines had a side effect of selling the product. I’ll provide proof, by the way, right after you provide extra-Biblical proof of the resurrection. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/59 "2004-03-08T22:09:29Z")
> [@rimshotgdansk](#): > > At first I interpreted \*\*Dogface’s \*\* post in the same way, **Fear Itself.** I was fixing to call him to task for skirting the issue of definition (which I think is the real subject here). But on re-reading, > > > [@](#): > > > > . . . If all of their “deities” are created, and nothing that is created is God, then none of them are God . . . > > implies a requirement that to be a deity means “not created”. That’s exactly my point; if we accept **Dogface’s** definition, there has never been a polytheistic religion, because I can think of none whose minor deities \*weren’t \* “created” by some greater deity. It’s kind of hard to argue whether Christianity is or is not polytheistic if your cosmology doesn’t even allow for the concept to exist. ---
**Author:** ![Dogface](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9d8465/32.png) [@Dogface](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogface)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874/60 "2004-03-08T22:13:55Z")
> [@Fear Itself](#): > > Interesting. So, in your cosmology, has there ever been a polytheistic religion? Or is everyone whose beliefs differ from your own just deluded by “falsehoods not worthy of worship”? It is not possible to be an Orthodox Christian and simultaneously believe that the so-called “gods” of pagan religions are real. So what’s the big deal about that? I believe that the people of these religions are wrong. So what? I do not believe that they are damned by being wrong. I do not believe that my correct belief automatically saves me nor does it make me a better person. I do not believe that my correct belief makes me a more intelligent person. My Church is not about some kind of “payoff theology” of “believe and you get a prize, don’t believe and you get eternal spanking”. My Church teaches that the Church offers a safer bet than other beliefs–safer, not safe. It’s easily possible for an Orthodox Christian to be damned. God may choose to save whom He wishes, and it is not our place to say that He cannot save all pagans if that is His wish. The same is true of atheists, Muslims, Jews, Presbyterians, Baptists, Anglicans, and even Methodists (although I’m not so sure about those Orthodox Christians who lean half a degree further than I do when doing prostrations–now THAT is some serious disagreement). I expect that you will leap upon some small fragment of the above message and twist it as mightily as you can to support your prejudices rather than respond to the whole. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianity-really-a-monotheistic-religion/232874.md?page=4)