The Complexity of Religious Beliefs: A Personal Inquiry into Monotheism, Polytheism, and Omnism

Throughout human history, the question of belief in the divine has captivated thinkers, writers, and individuals alike. The variety of beliefs, from the belief in a single God to the worship of multiple deities, reflects the rich tapestry of human culture and the mysteries of existence. This article will delve into the personal journeys of those who believe in a single God, those who believe in multiple gods, and those who are omnists—a belief system that acknowledges the validity of all religions.

Do You Believe in God?

Responses: No, No, Yes and Yes, No and No, Yes and Yes.
Reasons: Lack of evidence, Same reason, Belief in the idea of monism, Science and the clockwork universe, Belief in a sentient universe, Lack of evidence, Belief in a personal and non-public explanation.

monotheism

Many individuals find the belief in a single God as a source of solace and purpose. For instance, Hans, a long-time believer in monotheism, says, "To believe in God for me is similar to saying I believe in enlightenment or transcending the boundaries of the physical. This belief, rooted in the testimonies of mystics and individuals across history, provides a sense of unity and transcendence."

polytheism

Others find the belief in multiple gods more resonant. Kim, a Norse polytheist, explains her perspective: "I believe because it makes sense to me. Why and how it does so are not up for public discussion, and it doesn’t matter to anyone but me." This belief system acknowledges a multiplicity of divine expressions, suggesting that different forms of divinity can coexist.

omnism

Sarah, an omnist, offers a nuanced and inclusive perspective. She states, "Omnism is the belief in and respect for all religions. Followers of omnism acknowledge the validity of various religious paths, seeing them as different ways to understand and connect with the divine or the ultimate truth. It promotes inclusivity and emphasizes the shared values among different belief systems."

The Role of Science in Belief Systems

The question of whether science undermines religious beliefs is a prevalent one. Some argue that the concept of a clockwork universe, devoid of purpose and meaning, leads to feelings of depression and even suicide. Dr. Emily, a scientist, shares, "Science teaches that the clockwork mechanical toy universe is accidental and, therefore, life is meaningless. However, in this toy universe, life, consciousness, and so on cannot exist. This leads to a fantasy that produces depression and ultimately to suicide."

Personal Experiences with Religious Beliefs

John has a unique journey when it comes to his belief in gods. He started as a good Mormon but later became disillusioned. "When I was a good little Mormon boy, I believed in an infinite number of gods," he explains. "God the father had a God which was his father, and so on. No first God was mentioned. Also, those of us who were male and obeyed the commandments would become gods. I’m now certain there are zero gods." This transformation shows how deeply ingrained religious beliefs can be and how they can evolve over time.

Conclusion

The diversity of religious beliefs reflects the complexity and richness of human thought. Whether one believes in a single God, multiple gods, or none at all, these beliefs shape our understanding of the world and our place within it. The personal journeys of those who explore these beliefs offer insights into the multifaceted nature of spirituality and faith.