Worshiping one God at a time?

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I am writing an article on "God, Types of Worship" and I'm looking for a term which describes worshiping a single god at a time.



That is, given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god. The focus of worship changes, but the worshiper's overall religion remains the same.



Monotheism is not the word I am looking for. I know the term but I can't recall it.



____ is the practise of worshiping one god of many extant gods, one at a time.










share|improve this question






























    13















    I am writing an article on "God, Types of Worship" and I'm looking for a term which describes worshiping a single god at a time.



    That is, given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god. The focus of worship changes, but the worshiper's overall religion remains the same.



    Monotheism is not the word I am looking for. I know the term but I can't recall it.



    ____ is the practise of worshiping one god of many extant gods, one at a time.










    share|improve this question


























      13












      13








      13


      4






      I am writing an article on "God, Types of Worship" and I'm looking for a term which describes worshiping a single god at a time.



      That is, given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god. The focus of worship changes, but the worshiper's overall religion remains the same.



      Monotheism is not the word I am looking for. I know the term but I can't recall it.



      ____ is the practise of worshiping one god of many extant gods, one at a time.










      share|improve this question
















      I am writing an article on "God, Types of Worship" and I'm looking for a term which describes worshiping a single god at a time.



      That is, given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god. The focus of worship changes, but the worshiper's overall religion remains the same.



      Monotheism is not the word I am looking for. I know the term but I can't recall it.



      ____ is the practise of worshiping one god of many extant gods, one at a time.







      single-word-requests






      share|improve this question















      share|improve this question













      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question








      edited Mar 17 at 17:42









      Glorfindel

      9,087114244




      9,087114244










      asked Mar 17 at 15:56









      GATECSEGATECSE

      1028




      1028




















          5 Answers
          5






          active

          oldest

          votes


















          25














          The term you are looking for is Kathenotheism. It was coined by Max Muller from Greek kath' hen "one by one" i.e. kata- "according to" + en- "one" plus -theism.



          So, in Kathenotheism (it is not a religion in itself, it is use to denote a particular type of religion) you worship one God head at a time and then move ahead to worship another Gods (Trinity)/Deities in same sect, or religion.



          Reference from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathenotheism




          Müller coined the term in reference to the Vedas, where he explained each deity is treated as supreme in turn.




          Please note, Kathenotheism is different from Polytheism. In Polytheism, we worship all Gods (Trinity) and other deities at the same time, but in Kathenotheism we worship ONLY one God at a time, then move ahead to worship another one.



          Also, note that Kathenotheism is different from Henotheism. Henotheist person, worships only one God, and neglects all other. Henotheist, does know, that there exists other Gods and Deities, but she/he worships only ONE God. The word Henotheism was also coined by Max Muller.



          I don't want to complicate things for you, but I think you should also know, the difference between Monotheism and Henotheism. Monotheism is different from Henotheism, in a way, that in Monotheism you know that there is only one God and no other i.e. no concept of Trinity or deities.






          share|improve this answer




















          • 1





            Henotheism ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism ) or even monolatry have wider currency and are not dependent on Max Muller's particular viewpoint.

            – Hugh
            Mar 17 at 16:16











          • thank you for explaining in detail

            – GATECSE
            Mar 17 at 16:35






          • 10





            IMO, "no concept of Trinity" is pointlessly argumentative. Christians hold that there is only one God. Claiming that it is not monotheism seems to incite (pointless) arguments over definitions.

            – Spitemaster
            Mar 18 at 1:29






          • 5





            @Spitemaster Concept of Trinity also exist in Hinduism. My answer is not related to Christianity.

            – Ubi hatt
            Mar 18 at 3:22






          • 2





            @Hugh the word henotheism was coined by Max Muller :)

            – Ubi hatt
            Mar 18 at 3:28


















          6














          Is monolatry the word you're looking for?



          Monolatry, in contrast to monotheism, refers to the worship of a single god, without denying the validity of others.






          share|improve this answer


















          • 1





            You are correct about Monolartry, but that is not the word which describes worshiping God "one after another" in same sect or religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.

            – GATECSE
            Mar 19 at 1:44











          • @GATECSE You're right, it's not exactly what you asked for. It is, however, close enough that I think it may be useful to others who find your question seeking a similar word.

            – Hearth
            Mar 19 at 18:53


















          6














          There are some good answers already offered, and I was going to jump in with monolatry myself. However I noticed that none of them actually quite meet the specifics of your question:




          given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one
          of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god.





          • Kathenotheism is somewhat similar to what you want, but doesn't actually mean you only worship one god; the kathenotheist may worship many gods, but believes only one is supreme. The ruler of the pantheon is what changes from time to time, not the object of worship.


          • Monolatry doesn't move on to other gods. The monolatrist believes in the existence of many gods, but worships only one.


          • Summodeism is another related concept; the summodeist accepts the existence of multiple gods, but believes that they are all aspects or emanations of one supreme being. He adopts different forms of worship according to which aspect he wish to appeal to, but considers them all the same being.


          • Henotheism is difficult because it is used in different ways by different authors. As originally defined by von Schelling, it is a synonym of monolatry. Müller (the guy who coined "kathenotheism") used it to mean something like summodeism. Edward Wente seems to make the subtle distinction that the monolatrist considers only one god suitable for worship (either because other gods are unworthy, or because of a special relationship to, say, his tribe) whereas the henotheist chooses a preferred god to worship. Either way, thought, there's no chopping and changing: once a henotheist has picked a team, he sticks with it.

          So, what then is the word for believing in many gods, but worshiping one at a time? It's just polytheism. That is exactly what polytheists actually did. The Romans, for example, had 12 major gods, 12 minor gods, and hundreds of indigitamenta; the Greeks had even more. No-one can possibly worship more than, at most, one or two at a time! So if you're preparing for the harvest, you offer a sacrifice to Ceres; if it's Bacchanale time, you have a drunken orgy; if you're sick, you offer a cockerel to Asclepius.






          share|improve this answer























          • How about Sequentialatry/Sequentheism?

            – Dave the Sax
            Mar 18 at 16:15











          • on Henotheism:: some sources mention Friedrich Gottlieb Welcker, 1784 - 1868, philologist, as another source used by Muller. Is he significant in this group?

            – Hugh
            Mar 18 at 17:24



















          3














          Another word for this is henotheism, which is very similar to the already-mentioned monolatry. Both are religions where one only worships one God without denying the existence of other gods.






          share|improve this answer






























            3














            A less complex term might be serial monotheism; coined on the model of "serial monogamy". The reason I would prefer this term to many of the linguistically accurate offerings above is that it's immediately clear what is meant, and doesn't leave the reader floundering for a definition.






            share|improve this answer























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              5 Answers
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              5 Answers
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              active

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              active

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              25














              The term you are looking for is Kathenotheism. It was coined by Max Muller from Greek kath' hen "one by one" i.e. kata- "according to" + en- "one" plus -theism.



              So, in Kathenotheism (it is not a religion in itself, it is use to denote a particular type of religion) you worship one God head at a time and then move ahead to worship another Gods (Trinity)/Deities in same sect, or religion.



              Reference from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathenotheism




              Müller coined the term in reference to the Vedas, where he explained each deity is treated as supreme in turn.




              Please note, Kathenotheism is different from Polytheism. In Polytheism, we worship all Gods (Trinity) and other deities at the same time, but in Kathenotheism we worship ONLY one God at a time, then move ahead to worship another one.



              Also, note that Kathenotheism is different from Henotheism. Henotheist person, worships only one God, and neglects all other. Henotheist, does know, that there exists other Gods and Deities, but she/he worships only ONE God. The word Henotheism was also coined by Max Muller.



              I don't want to complicate things for you, but I think you should also know, the difference between Monotheism and Henotheism. Monotheism is different from Henotheism, in a way, that in Monotheism you know that there is only one God and no other i.e. no concept of Trinity or deities.






              share|improve this answer




















              • 1





                Henotheism ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism ) or even monolatry have wider currency and are not dependent on Max Muller's particular viewpoint.

                – Hugh
                Mar 17 at 16:16











              • thank you for explaining in detail

                – GATECSE
                Mar 17 at 16:35






              • 10





                IMO, "no concept of Trinity" is pointlessly argumentative. Christians hold that there is only one God. Claiming that it is not monotheism seems to incite (pointless) arguments over definitions.

                – Spitemaster
                Mar 18 at 1:29






              • 5





                @Spitemaster Concept of Trinity also exist in Hinduism. My answer is not related to Christianity.

                – Ubi hatt
                Mar 18 at 3:22






              • 2





                @Hugh the word henotheism was coined by Max Muller :)

                – Ubi hatt
                Mar 18 at 3:28















              25














              The term you are looking for is Kathenotheism. It was coined by Max Muller from Greek kath' hen "one by one" i.e. kata- "according to" + en- "one" plus -theism.



              So, in Kathenotheism (it is not a religion in itself, it is use to denote a particular type of religion) you worship one God head at a time and then move ahead to worship another Gods (Trinity)/Deities in same sect, or religion.



              Reference from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathenotheism




              Müller coined the term in reference to the Vedas, where he explained each deity is treated as supreme in turn.




              Please note, Kathenotheism is different from Polytheism. In Polytheism, we worship all Gods (Trinity) and other deities at the same time, but in Kathenotheism we worship ONLY one God at a time, then move ahead to worship another one.



              Also, note that Kathenotheism is different from Henotheism. Henotheist person, worships only one God, and neglects all other. Henotheist, does know, that there exists other Gods and Deities, but she/he worships only ONE God. The word Henotheism was also coined by Max Muller.



              I don't want to complicate things for you, but I think you should also know, the difference between Monotheism and Henotheism. Monotheism is different from Henotheism, in a way, that in Monotheism you know that there is only one God and no other i.e. no concept of Trinity or deities.






              share|improve this answer




















              • 1





                Henotheism ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism ) or even monolatry have wider currency and are not dependent on Max Muller's particular viewpoint.

                – Hugh
                Mar 17 at 16:16











              • thank you for explaining in detail

                – GATECSE
                Mar 17 at 16:35






              • 10





                IMO, "no concept of Trinity" is pointlessly argumentative. Christians hold that there is only one God. Claiming that it is not monotheism seems to incite (pointless) arguments over definitions.

                – Spitemaster
                Mar 18 at 1:29






              • 5





                @Spitemaster Concept of Trinity also exist in Hinduism. My answer is not related to Christianity.

                – Ubi hatt
                Mar 18 at 3:22






              • 2





                @Hugh the word henotheism was coined by Max Muller :)

                – Ubi hatt
                Mar 18 at 3:28













              25












              25








              25







              The term you are looking for is Kathenotheism. It was coined by Max Muller from Greek kath' hen "one by one" i.e. kata- "according to" + en- "one" plus -theism.



              So, in Kathenotheism (it is not a religion in itself, it is use to denote a particular type of religion) you worship one God head at a time and then move ahead to worship another Gods (Trinity)/Deities in same sect, or religion.



              Reference from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathenotheism




              Müller coined the term in reference to the Vedas, where he explained each deity is treated as supreme in turn.




              Please note, Kathenotheism is different from Polytheism. In Polytheism, we worship all Gods (Trinity) and other deities at the same time, but in Kathenotheism we worship ONLY one God at a time, then move ahead to worship another one.



              Also, note that Kathenotheism is different from Henotheism. Henotheist person, worships only one God, and neglects all other. Henotheist, does know, that there exists other Gods and Deities, but she/he worships only ONE God. The word Henotheism was also coined by Max Muller.



              I don't want to complicate things for you, but I think you should also know, the difference between Monotheism and Henotheism. Monotheism is different from Henotheism, in a way, that in Monotheism you know that there is only one God and no other i.e. no concept of Trinity or deities.






              share|improve this answer















              The term you are looking for is Kathenotheism. It was coined by Max Muller from Greek kath' hen "one by one" i.e. kata- "according to" + en- "one" plus -theism.



              So, in Kathenotheism (it is not a religion in itself, it is use to denote a particular type of religion) you worship one God head at a time and then move ahead to worship another Gods (Trinity)/Deities in same sect, or religion.



              Reference from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathenotheism




              Müller coined the term in reference to the Vedas, where he explained each deity is treated as supreme in turn.




              Please note, Kathenotheism is different from Polytheism. In Polytheism, we worship all Gods (Trinity) and other deities at the same time, but in Kathenotheism we worship ONLY one God at a time, then move ahead to worship another one.



              Also, note that Kathenotheism is different from Henotheism. Henotheist person, worships only one God, and neglects all other. Henotheist, does know, that there exists other Gods and Deities, but she/he worships only ONE God. The word Henotheism was also coined by Max Muller.



              I don't want to complicate things for you, but I think you should also know, the difference between Monotheism and Henotheism. Monotheism is different from Henotheism, in a way, that in Monotheism you know that there is only one God and no other i.e. no concept of Trinity or deities.







              share|improve this answer














              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer








              edited Mar 17 at 22:05

























              answered Mar 17 at 16:02









              Ubi hattUbi hatt

              4,8891731




              4,8891731







              • 1





                Henotheism ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism ) or even monolatry have wider currency and are not dependent on Max Muller's particular viewpoint.

                – Hugh
                Mar 17 at 16:16











              • thank you for explaining in detail

                – GATECSE
                Mar 17 at 16:35






              • 10





                IMO, "no concept of Trinity" is pointlessly argumentative. Christians hold that there is only one God. Claiming that it is not monotheism seems to incite (pointless) arguments over definitions.

                – Spitemaster
                Mar 18 at 1:29






              • 5





                @Spitemaster Concept of Trinity also exist in Hinduism. My answer is not related to Christianity.

                – Ubi hatt
                Mar 18 at 3:22






              • 2





                @Hugh the word henotheism was coined by Max Muller :)

                – Ubi hatt
                Mar 18 at 3:28












              • 1





                Henotheism ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism ) or even monolatry have wider currency and are not dependent on Max Muller's particular viewpoint.

                – Hugh
                Mar 17 at 16:16











              • thank you for explaining in detail

                – GATECSE
                Mar 17 at 16:35






              • 10





                IMO, "no concept of Trinity" is pointlessly argumentative. Christians hold that there is only one God. Claiming that it is not monotheism seems to incite (pointless) arguments over definitions.

                – Spitemaster
                Mar 18 at 1:29






              • 5





                @Spitemaster Concept of Trinity also exist in Hinduism. My answer is not related to Christianity.

                – Ubi hatt
                Mar 18 at 3:22






              • 2





                @Hugh the word henotheism was coined by Max Muller :)

                – Ubi hatt
                Mar 18 at 3:28







              1




              1





              Henotheism ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism ) or even monolatry have wider currency and are not dependent on Max Muller's particular viewpoint.

              – Hugh
              Mar 17 at 16:16





              Henotheism ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism ) or even monolatry have wider currency and are not dependent on Max Muller's particular viewpoint.

              – Hugh
              Mar 17 at 16:16













              thank you for explaining in detail

              – GATECSE
              Mar 17 at 16:35





              thank you for explaining in detail

              – GATECSE
              Mar 17 at 16:35




              10




              10





              IMO, "no concept of Trinity" is pointlessly argumentative. Christians hold that there is only one God. Claiming that it is not monotheism seems to incite (pointless) arguments over definitions.

              – Spitemaster
              Mar 18 at 1:29





              IMO, "no concept of Trinity" is pointlessly argumentative. Christians hold that there is only one God. Claiming that it is not monotheism seems to incite (pointless) arguments over definitions.

              – Spitemaster
              Mar 18 at 1:29




              5




              5





              @Spitemaster Concept of Trinity also exist in Hinduism. My answer is not related to Christianity.

              – Ubi hatt
              Mar 18 at 3:22





              @Spitemaster Concept of Trinity also exist in Hinduism. My answer is not related to Christianity.

              – Ubi hatt
              Mar 18 at 3:22




              2




              2





              @Hugh the word henotheism was coined by Max Muller :)

              – Ubi hatt
              Mar 18 at 3:28





              @Hugh the word henotheism was coined by Max Muller :)

              – Ubi hatt
              Mar 18 at 3:28













              6














              Is monolatry the word you're looking for?



              Monolatry, in contrast to monotheism, refers to the worship of a single god, without denying the validity of others.






              share|improve this answer


















              • 1





                You are correct about Monolartry, but that is not the word which describes worshiping God "one after another" in same sect or religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.

                – GATECSE
                Mar 19 at 1:44











              • @GATECSE You're right, it's not exactly what you asked for. It is, however, close enough that I think it may be useful to others who find your question seeking a similar word.

                – Hearth
                Mar 19 at 18:53















              6














              Is monolatry the word you're looking for?



              Monolatry, in contrast to monotheism, refers to the worship of a single god, without denying the validity of others.






              share|improve this answer


















              • 1





                You are correct about Monolartry, but that is not the word which describes worshiping God "one after another" in same sect or religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.

                – GATECSE
                Mar 19 at 1:44











              • @GATECSE You're right, it's not exactly what you asked for. It is, however, close enough that I think it may be useful to others who find your question seeking a similar word.

                – Hearth
                Mar 19 at 18:53













              6












              6








              6







              Is monolatry the word you're looking for?



              Monolatry, in contrast to monotheism, refers to the worship of a single god, without denying the validity of others.






              share|improve this answer













              Is monolatry the word you're looking for?



              Monolatry, in contrast to monotheism, refers to the worship of a single god, without denying the validity of others.







              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              answered Mar 17 at 17:46









              HearthHearth

              1957




              1957







              • 1





                You are correct about Monolartry, but that is not the word which describes worshiping God "one after another" in same sect or religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.

                – GATECSE
                Mar 19 at 1:44











              • @GATECSE You're right, it's not exactly what you asked for. It is, however, close enough that I think it may be useful to others who find your question seeking a similar word.

                – Hearth
                Mar 19 at 18:53












              • 1





                You are correct about Monolartry, but that is not the word which describes worshiping God "one after another" in same sect or religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.

                – GATECSE
                Mar 19 at 1:44











              • @GATECSE You're right, it's not exactly what you asked for. It is, however, close enough that I think it may be useful to others who find your question seeking a similar word.

                – Hearth
                Mar 19 at 18:53







              1




              1





              You are correct about Monolartry, but that is not the word which describes worshiping God "one after another" in same sect or religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.

              – GATECSE
              Mar 19 at 1:44





              You are correct about Monolartry, but that is not the word which describes worshiping God "one after another" in same sect or religion. Anyway, thank you for your time.

              – GATECSE
              Mar 19 at 1:44













              @GATECSE You're right, it's not exactly what you asked for. It is, however, close enough that I think it may be useful to others who find your question seeking a similar word.

              – Hearth
              Mar 19 at 18:53





              @GATECSE You're right, it's not exactly what you asked for. It is, however, close enough that I think it may be useful to others who find your question seeking a similar word.

              – Hearth
              Mar 19 at 18:53











              6














              There are some good answers already offered, and I was going to jump in with monolatry myself. However I noticed that none of them actually quite meet the specifics of your question:




              given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one
              of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god.





              • Kathenotheism is somewhat similar to what you want, but doesn't actually mean you only worship one god; the kathenotheist may worship many gods, but believes only one is supreme. The ruler of the pantheon is what changes from time to time, not the object of worship.


              • Monolatry doesn't move on to other gods. The monolatrist believes in the existence of many gods, but worships only one.


              • Summodeism is another related concept; the summodeist accepts the existence of multiple gods, but believes that they are all aspects or emanations of one supreme being. He adopts different forms of worship according to which aspect he wish to appeal to, but considers them all the same being.


              • Henotheism is difficult because it is used in different ways by different authors. As originally defined by von Schelling, it is a synonym of monolatry. Müller (the guy who coined "kathenotheism") used it to mean something like summodeism. Edward Wente seems to make the subtle distinction that the monolatrist considers only one god suitable for worship (either because other gods are unworthy, or because of a special relationship to, say, his tribe) whereas the henotheist chooses a preferred god to worship. Either way, thought, there's no chopping and changing: once a henotheist has picked a team, he sticks with it.

              So, what then is the word for believing in many gods, but worshiping one at a time? It's just polytheism. That is exactly what polytheists actually did. The Romans, for example, had 12 major gods, 12 minor gods, and hundreds of indigitamenta; the Greeks had even more. No-one can possibly worship more than, at most, one or two at a time! So if you're preparing for the harvest, you offer a sacrifice to Ceres; if it's Bacchanale time, you have a drunken orgy; if you're sick, you offer a cockerel to Asclepius.






              share|improve this answer























              • How about Sequentialatry/Sequentheism?

                – Dave the Sax
                Mar 18 at 16:15











              • on Henotheism:: some sources mention Friedrich Gottlieb Welcker, 1784 - 1868, philologist, as another source used by Muller. Is he significant in this group?

                – Hugh
                Mar 18 at 17:24
















              6














              There are some good answers already offered, and I was going to jump in with monolatry myself. However I noticed that none of them actually quite meet the specifics of your question:




              given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one
              of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god.





              • Kathenotheism is somewhat similar to what you want, but doesn't actually mean you only worship one god; the kathenotheist may worship many gods, but believes only one is supreme. The ruler of the pantheon is what changes from time to time, not the object of worship.


              • Monolatry doesn't move on to other gods. The monolatrist believes in the existence of many gods, but worships only one.


              • Summodeism is another related concept; the summodeist accepts the existence of multiple gods, but believes that they are all aspects or emanations of one supreme being. He adopts different forms of worship according to which aspect he wish to appeal to, but considers them all the same being.


              • Henotheism is difficult because it is used in different ways by different authors. As originally defined by von Schelling, it is a synonym of monolatry. Müller (the guy who coined "kathenotheism") used it to mean something like summodeism. Edward Wente seems to make the subtle distinction that the monolatrist considers only one god suitable for worship (either because other gods are unworthy, or because of a special relationship to, say, his tribe) whereas the henotheist chooses a preferred god to worship. Either way, thought, there's no chopping and changing: once a henotheist has picked a team, he sticks with it.

              So, what then is the word for believing in many gods, but worshiping one at a time? It's just polytheism. That is exactly what polytheists actually did. The Romans, for example, had 12 major gods, 12 minor gods, and hundreds of indigitamenta; the Greeks had even more. No-one can possibly worship more than, at most, one or two at a time! So if you're preparing for the harvest, you offer a sacrifice to Ceres; if it's Bacchanale time, you have a drunken orgy; if you're sick, you offer a cockerel to Asclepius.






              share|improve this answer























              • How about Sequentialatry/Sequentheism?

                – Dave the Sax
                Mar 18 at 16:15











              • on Henotheism:: some sources mention Friedrich Gottlieb Welcker, 1784 - 1868, philologist, as another source used by Muller. Is he significant in this group?

                – Hugh
                Mar 18 at 17:24














              6












              6








              6







              There are some good answers already offered, and I was going to jump in with monolatry myself. However I noticed that none of them actually quite meet the specifics of your question:




              given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one
              of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god.





              • Kathenotheism is somewhat similar to what you want, but doesn't actually mean you only worship one god; the kathenotheist may worship many gods, but believes only one is supreme. The ruler of the pantheon is what changes from time to time, not the object of worship.


              • Monolatry doesn't move on to other gods. The monolatrist believes in the existence of many gods, but worships only one.


              • Summodeism is another related concept; the summodeist accepts the existence of multiple gods, but believes that they are all aspects or emanations of one supreme being. He adopts different forms of worship according to which aspect he wish to appeal to, but considers them all the same being.


              • Henotheism is difficult because it is used in different ways by different authors. As originally defined by von Schelling, it is a synonym of monolatry. Müller (the guy who coined "kathenotheism") used it to mean something like summodeism. Edward Wente seems to make the subtle distinction that the monolatrist considers only one god suitable for worship (either because other gods are unworthy, or because of a special relationship to, say, his tribe) whereas the henotheist chooses a preferred god to worship. Either way, thought, there's no chopping and changing: once a henotheist has picked a team, he sticks with it.

              So, what then is the word for believing in many gods, but worshiping one at a time? It's just polytheism. That is exactly what polytheists actually did. The Romans, for example, had 12 major gods, 12 minor gods, and hundreds of indigitamenta; the Greeks had even more. No-one can possibly worship more than, at most, one or two at a time! So if you're preparing for the harvest, you offer a sacrifice to Ceres; if it's Bacchanale time, you have a drunken orgy; if you're sick, you offer a cockerel to Asclepius.






              share|improve this answer













              There are some good answers already offered, and I was going to jump in with monolatry myself. However I noticed that none of them actually quite meet the specifics of your question:




              given that different gods exist, the practise of worshiping only one
              of these at a given time, then moving on to worship another god.





              • Kathenotheism is somewhat similar to what you want, but doesn't actually mean you only worship one god; the kathenotheist may worship many gods, but believes only one is supreme. The ruler of the pantheon is what changes from time to time, not the object of worship.


              • Monolatry doesn't move on to other gods. The monolatrist believes in the existence of many gods, but worships only one.


              • Summodeism is another related concept; the summodeist accepts the existence of multiple gods, but believes that they are all aspects or emanations of one supreme being. He adopts different forms of worship according to which aspect he wish to appeal to, but considers them all the same being.


              • Henotheism is difficult because it is used in different ways by different authors. As originally defined by von Schelling, it is a synonym of monolatry. Müller (the guy who coined "kathenotheism") used it to mean something like summodeism. Edward Wente seems to make the subtle distinction that the monolatrist considers only one god suitable for worship (either because other gods are unworthy, or because of a special relationship to, say, his tribe) whereas the henotheist chooses a preferred god to worship. Either way, thought, there's no chopping and changing: once a henotheist has picked a team, he sticks with it.

              So, what then is the word for believing in many gods, but worshiping one at a time? It's just polytheism. That is exactly what polytheists actually did. The Romans, for example, had 12 major gods, 12 minor gods, and hundreds of indigitamenta; the Greeks had even more. No-one can possibly worship more than, at most, one or two at a time! So if you're preparing for the harvest, you offer a sacrifice to Ceres; if it's Bacchanale time, you have a drunken orgy; if you're sick, you offer a cockerel to Asclepius.







              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              answered Mar 18 at 13:17









              SecurigerSecuriger

              3875




              3875












              • How about Sequentialatry/Sequentheism?

                – Dave the Sax
                Mar 18 at 16:15











              • on Henotheism:: some sources mention Friedrich Gottlieb Welcker, 1784 - 1868, philologist, as another source used by Muller. Is he significant in this group?

                – Hugh
                Mar 18 at 17:24


















              • How about Sequentialatry/Sequentheism?

                – Dave the Sax
                Mar 18 at 16:15











              • on Henotheism:: some sources mention Friedrich Gottlieb Welcker, 1784 - 1868, philologist, as another source used by Muller. Is he significant in this group?

                – Hugh
                Mar 18 at 17:24

















              How about Sequentialatry/Sequentheism?

              – Dave the Sax
              Mar 18 at 16:15





              How about Sequentialatry/Sequentheism?

              – Dave the Sax
              Mar 18 at 16:15













              on Henotheism:: some sources mention Friedrich Gottlieb Welcker, 1784 - 1868, philologist, as another source used by Muller. Is he significant in this group?

              – Hugh
              Mar 18 at 17:24






              on Henotheism:: some sources mention Friedrich Gottlieb Welcker, 1784 - 1868, philologist, as another source used by Muller. Is he significant in this group?

              – Hugh
              Mar 18 at 17:24












              3














              Another word for this is henotheism, which is very similar to the already-mentioned monolatry. Both are religions where one only worships one God without denying the existence of other gods.






              share|improve this answer



























                3














                Another word for this is henotheism, which is very similar to the already-mentioned monolatry. Both are religions where one only worships one God without denying the existence of other gods.






                share|improve this answer

























                  3












                  3








                  3







                  Another word for this is henotheism, which is very similar to the already-mentioned monolatry. Both are religions where one only worships one God without denying the existence of other gods.






                  share|improve this answer













                  Another word for this is henotheism, which is very similar to the already-mentioned monolatry. Both are religions where one only worships one God without denying the existence of other gods.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Mar 17 at 22:28









                  EJoshuaSEJoshuaS

                  1827




                  1827





















                      3














                      A less complex term might be serial monotheism; coined on the model of "serial monogamy". The reason I would prefer this term to many of the linguistically accurate offerings above is that it's immediately clear what is meant, and doesn't leave the reader floundering for a definition.






                      share|improve this answer



























                        3














                        A less complex term might be serial monotheism; coined on the model of "serial monogamy". The reason I would prefer this term to many of the linguistically accurate offerings above is that it's immediately clear what is meant, and doesn't leave the reader floundering for a definition.






                        share|improve this answer

























                          3












                          3








                          3







                          A less complex term might be serial monotheism; coined on the model of "serial monogamy". The reason I would prefer this term to many of the linguistically accurate offerings above is that it's immediately clear what is meant, and doesn't leave the reader floundering for a definition.






                          share|improve this answer













                          A less complex term might be serial monotheism; coined on the model of "serial monogamy". The reason I would prefer this term to many of the linguistically accurate offerings above is that it's immediately clear what is meant, and doesn't leave the reader floundering for a definition.







                          share|improve this answer












                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer










                          answered Mar 18 at 16:54









                          RichRich

                          34717




                          34717



























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