Editorial October 12, 1981 Issue

How many gods?

NATHAN A. TALBOT

My friend is a monotheist. She spoke of her neighbor who is a polytheist. He worships an array of gods. By community standards he's an intelligent, thoughtful individual, a useful member of society. On a small table in his home is a little carved figure. It is one of his gods. Each morning he rings a soft bell to waken the god.

Most people who read this magazine are monotheists. They worship one God. And it may seem a little strange, perhaps even somewhat amusing, for them to think of having many gods.

The contribution made by inspired thinkers of the Old Testament in fashioning and encouraging a recognition of one God has been monumental. Moses' insistence "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" Ex. 20:3. gave the world an invariable standard. Not that the Israelites were always prepared to follow his command. In fact, a reading of the Old Testament could almost be seen as the story of a people who were constantly struggling with, and often yielding to, the temptation to pursue other gods. But the Hebrew vision "The Lord our God is one Lord" Deut. 6:4. took deep root in human consciousness.

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