more from Karen Armstrong

Single Idea 7597

[catalogued under 29. Religion / B. Monotheistic Religion / 2. Judaism]

Full Idea

It is very difficult to find a single monotheistic statement in the whole of the Pentateuch, and even the Ten Commandments take the existence of other gods for granted ("There shall be no strange gods for you before my face").

Clarification

The Pentateuch is the first five books of the Bible

Gist of Idea

There is virtually no sign of monotheism in the Pentateuch

Source

Karen Armstrong (A History of God [1993], Ch.1)

Book Reference

Armstrong,Karen: 'A History of God' [Mandarin 1993], p.31


A Reaction

The transition from polytheism to monotheism is very strange. First God is 'jealous' of other gods, then supremely above them, and eventually totally exclusive. It's like watching the rise of Stalin.