The Evolution of Monotheism: From Ancient Philosophy to Abrahamic Rivalries
Monotheism, the belief in a single deity, has taken diverse forms across cultures,
shaping religious, political, and social landscapes. In ancient times, the monotheistic
ideas of Vedic principles and Greek philosophy contrasted sharply with the monotheism
of Judaism, revealing a divide between abstract, universal concepts and a more
personified, exclusive deity. This distinction set the stage for clashes with the Roman
Empire’s polytheistic system and fueled the evolution of Judaism into Christianity and
Islam, perpetuating rivalries, scapegoating, and conflicts rooted in a superficial, ego-
driven view of divinity. By comparing these traditions, we can see how the
anthropomorphic deity of Abrahamic faiths diverges from the deeper, unifying principles
of ancient philosophies, contributing to centuries of strife born of fear and ignorance.
Monotheism in Ancient Vedic and Greek Thought vs. Jewish Monotheism
Around 800–500 BCE, the Vedic tradition of ancient India, as expressed in texts like the
Upanishads, articulated a monotheistic concept through Brahman, an all-encompassing,
impersonal cosmic force. Brahman is the ultimate reality, transcendent and immanent,
beyond human attributes or comprehension, yet evident in the patterns of existence.
Similarly, Greek philosophers like Xenophanes (circa 570–478 BCE) and Plato (circa
427–347 BCE) proposed proto-monotheistic ideas. Xenophanes rejected
anthropomorphic gods, advocating for a single, eternal deity, while Plato’s Demiurge in
Timaeus was a rational, cosmic craftsman shaping the universe. These concepts were
abstract, reserved for the educated elite—philosophers and scholars—who debated
metaphysics, not the masses who worshipped Zeus or Vishnu in polytheistic rituals.
Both Vedic aPost too long. Click here to view the full text.
