Ancient Monotheism

New Testament scholar Larry Hurtado discusses at his blog the concept that what we view as “monotheism” today is very different than how ancient Jews and Christians did.  He therefore coins some new phrases for us: “ancient Jewish monotheism” and “ancient Christian monotheism.”

These do not deny the existence of other gods, but only that the ancient Jews and Christians focused their worship only on God (or God and Christ in the case of Christians). He distinguishes these terms from a term other scholars use “pagan monotheism”, where there is a supreme God, but other gods that are also worthy of worship, or who are manifestations of the supreme God.

I don’t necessarily agree with all of Hurtado’s points, but the fact that many Bible scholars are now agreeing that ancient peoples did not follow a modern view of monotheism is an important step for Christianity and Judaism today.  Things similar to those taught by Joseph Smith are only now being accepted by today’s scholars, which means it will take a generation or two for it to filter down to the masses.

 

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About rameumptom

Gerald (Rameumptom) Smith is a student of the gospel. Joining the Church of Jesus Christ when he was 16, he served a mission in Santa Cruz Bolivia (1978=1980). He is married to Ramona, has 3 stepchildren and 7 grandchildren. Retired Air Force (Aim High!). He has been on the Internet since 1986 when only colleges and military were online. Gerald has defended the gospel since the 1980s, and was on the first Latter-Day Saint email lists, including the late Bill Hamblin's Morm-Ant. Gerald has worked with FairMormon, More Good Foundation, LDS.Net and other pro-LDS online groups. He has blogged on the scriptures for over a decade at his site: Joel's Monastery (joelsmonastery.blogspot.com). He has the following degrees: AAS Computer Management, BS Resource Mgmt, MA Teaching/History. Gerald was the leader for the Tuskegee Alabama group, prior to it becoming a branch. He opened the door for missionary work to African Americans in Montgomery Alabama in the 1980s. He's served in two bishoprics, stake clerk, high council, HP group leader and several other callings over the years. While on his mission, he served as a counselor in a branch Relief Society presidency.

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