Essays in Pagan Theology Polytheism

We're proud to introduce a new columnist, bringing yet another provocative perspective on our faith. Having grown up in a (Hindu) Pagan environment, she will expand our own horizons.

A Polytheist's Perspective

Why Monotheism ISN'T Religious
By Indrani, corresponding from India

The Oxford dictionary defines the word "Religion" as referring to a system of values, beliefs, customs and traditions that is followed by ANY sect or group of people in the world....INCLUDING monotheists.

However, to me, the word "Religion" has a different meaning.

It denotes a path of life, that CONNECTS humankind with the natural world and the Universe. Hence, it is a path which is MARRIED to Physics, Chemistry and Biology, as these subjects reveal the truths about nature and our cosmos to us.

Religion to me, is a WAY OF LIFE in which merges together
u   Science, 
u Literature [particularly referring to the classics produced by the
        ancient world], 
u the Arts and the Humanities [the ancients delved in them so as to
         increase their own awareness about the society they lived in], and 
u    Sports [ I'm not referring to modern-day professional sports,
         many of which are about glamour and money, but to the ancient
         belief of participating in amateur sports, so as to keep one's
         body....a beautiful work of nature -- healthy and fit.] 

THAT is what I mean by "Religion."

Since we live in politically-correct times, our dictionaries are written to reflect the dominant world-view. Thus, the dictionary meaning of the word "Religion" is leveled down and pains are taken to make sure that it so that it doesn't offend monotheists.

Let us try to judge them by the a more ancient meaning of the term "Religion" -- to bind back together again or reconnect. 

u Do they accept the known facts about the universe and nature?
u Do they accept Science as an INTEGRAL part of their philosophy?
       Today that would include reflecting on the the deep connections
       between Quantum Mechanics and the birth of the Universe?
u Is their philosophy able to LOGICALLY explain the laws of Nature,
       for example, EVOLUTION or the appearance of consciousness during
       evolution? There are many others.

NO.

Therefore, I object to monotheisms being referred to as religions.

Note that when monotheism appeared,  science was divorced from religion. Monotheism triumphed all over the world and began describing itself as a religion too. It is no wonder then, that scientifically endowed people from all over began to make sure that they were seen as "non-religious" people!!

Monotheism created such a huge chasm between science and spirituality that its effect still remains today all over the globe. In the West, perfectly educated people -- physicists, physicians, astronomers -- go purple in the face, if asked whether they believe in what science has taught them, or if they have more faith in the GENESIS. 

This is the sorry legacy of monotheism. 

When I was younger, I was wary of being called religious -- today I PROUDLY declare myself as a religious person. I have done so after discovering that my polytheistic heR.ge embraces all the truths about nature and the Cosmos.

I was once told by someone that my views were "intolerant" and that they were nothing but an example of "my dad is bigger than your dad."

My answer to that was -- and still is -- it has become fashionable these days to be politically correct. We are SO afraid of being labeled "intolerant" that we make statements like, "All religions are the same", "We are all the children of the same God," "All religions are full of truth and meaning" etc, etc. We want to sound as "safe" as possible by making such simplistic statements.

But does simply disagreeing with a particular philosophy make me intolerant? Should the urge to know the TRUTH, and the discovery that it doesn't exist in a particular philosophy label me "intolerant?"

If so, then I am SCARED of being called "reasonable" and tolerant. 

If tolerance means that one must abandon the drive to investigate the truth and criticize errors, then I am happy to be called "intolerant."

To those monotheists who argue, "my dad is bigger than your dad," "your dad" [the monotheistic Godhead] doesn't exist, and CAN'T exist, logically speaking. Besides, there is no concept of a singe God in polytheism. Hence there is no question of a struggle.

A point to be noticed : Monotheism has triumphed SO WELL over the globe, that it's main centers of worship are called the "HOLIEST PLACES IN THE WORLD" for e.g., Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Kaaba in Mecca, etc. 

Holiest Places???  The belief in this God's "holy places" sounds a little funny to me, because the God of all this "holiness" gives us such magnificent lies as: creating the Universe out of nothing, the 6 day creation theory, woman being created out of Adam's Rib, the sun revolving around the earth, and other absurdities. 

Indrani