Monolatry

/məˈnɑlətri/ noun

Definition

The worship of one god without denying the existence of other gods, often practiced by a specific group or nation. Unlike monotheism, monolatry doesn't claim the worshipped god is the only god that exists.

Etymology

From Greek 'monos' (single) and 'latreia' (worship). The term distinguishes between exclusive worship (monolatry) and exclusive belief in one god's existence (monotheism).

Kelly Says

Ancient Israel's relationship with Yahweh was originally monolatrous—they worshipped only Yahweh but acknowledged other nations had their own real gods, creating a kind of divine nationalism that later evolved into universal monotheism!

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