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This book is a theological and political exploration of how Christianity may be compatible with polytheism, arguing that there is no singular "orthodoxy", rather we see "polydoxy".
Conceptually deconstructing the distinction between monotheism and polytheism, it advances multi-devotionalism and mono-devotionalism as analytically preferable terminology. It starts by exploring notions of polytheism in the Old(er) Testament, New(er) Testament, and Christian developments of the Trinity over subsequent centuries, before placing Christianity in comparative dialogue with Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism. Employing a decolonial and feminist stance, the book proceeds to examine global Christianities, focusing on African and Asian theologies as well as Goddess traditions. It concludes by offering five options for developing a theology of Christian polytheism: Henotheist originalism, theologies of plurality, generous orthodoxy, atheistic Christian polytheism, and a theology of polytheistic excess.
This original and compelling volume is essential reading for scholars of Christian Systematic Theology and Modern Theology.
List of contents
1. What is Polytheism?: Theological and Analytical Explorations 2. "Thou Shalt Have None of Those Other Gods Before Me": Polytheistic Beginnings, Monotheistic Leanings 3. Surely the Newer Testament Teaches Monotheism? Jewish and Christian Origins 4. The Dancing G*d(s) of Polytheism and Multi-Devotionalism: On the Trinity 5. Jesus and the Other Gods: Theologies of Religions 6. Is There an Abrahamic Monotheism? Christians, Jews, and Muslims 7. Liberating Plurality and G*d: Global, Decolonial, and Feminist Approaches 8. Being a Polytheistic Christian: Or, Can Christians Accept Polytheists? Epilogue: The Theology, Ideology, and Politics of One and the Many Index
About the author
Paul Hedges is a Life Member at Clare Hall, Cambridge, UK, and an associate professor at RSIS, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. His research spans interreligious studies, intercultural and global theologies, prejudice, and the study of religion. He has published 14 books and over 90 academic papers including Understanding Religion (2021) and Religious Hatred (2021).
Summary
This book is a theological and political exploration of how Christianity may be compatible with polytheism, arguing that there is no singular “orthodoxy”, rather we see “polydoxy”. It is essential reading for scholars of Christian Systematic Theology and Modern Theology.
