Polytheism Overview
The belief in a plurality of gods in which each deity is distinguished by special functions. The gods are particularly synonymous with function in the Vedic religion. Polytheistic worship does not imply equal devotion or importance to each deity. However there is usually a family of gods and one “father figure” or most important god. He is usually the god of the sun, but his role can differ with varied religions. Polytheism probably derives from an earlier polydemonism, or a devotion to a multitude of demons or spirits. It is also related to animism, ancestor worship, and totemism. All of these forms of belief are based on human propensity to worship all objects on earth and in heaven, all that is unusual or useful, strange or monstrous. Unlike polydemonism, these spirits or gods are personified to look like humans and are arranged into a family. Each god or goddess in this family has a certain role or element of nature or an idea that they are held responsible. As Polytheism evolved there started to be a decrease in the number of gods associated with the religion. An example is the Vedic religions in which there was once thousands of gods to worship and now it has been narrowed down to only Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. This is due to the fact that monotheistic religions started to evolve or polytheistic religions with only a few gods and there were less rituals. These religions started to become more popular so the existing polytheistic religions had to adapt. Polytheism was most likely created as an explanation for why or how things happen in the natural world. Gods or Goddesses can not only be responsible for certain elements of nature but also for certain ideas like love or war. Polytheism is not as popular with the human population as it used be for reasons like technological and scientific advancement. Since we have come so far in scientific research we can now explain why things really happen in nature. That doesn’t necessarily mean that polytheists are wrong to believe what they do, but it certainly is a big challenge against their beliefs.