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POLYTHEISM Polytheism- many gods What is Polytheism? • Polytheism means believing in many gods. A person that believes in polytheism is called a polytheist. A religion with polytheism can be called a polytheistic religion. • Polytheism is well documented in historical religions of classical antiquity, especially Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. Other ancient people who were polytheists include Germanic paganism, Ancient Egypt., the Celts and the Norse. • There are various polytheistic religions practiced today, for example; Hinduism, Shintoism, thelema, Wicca, druidism, Taoism, Asatru and Candomble. • Usually, a polytheistic religion has a set of stories about the gods. • This is called mythology Download this page or create your own graphic organizer • Essential Characteristics • Non-Essential Characteristics • Religion • Religious belief in many gods • Believe gods controlled all natural events • Sacrifices • Tied to Geography • Temples • Afterlife • Burial traditions • Worship more than one god • Idols • Must please gods at all times • Ceremonies • Divine right • Writing • Cultural diffusion • Gods protect each city state (Sumerians) • God like humans • Priests • Examples • Non-examples • Hinduism • Akhenaton • Ancient Egyptian religion = Amon + Re • Abraham’s covenant with god = + Anubis + Osiris + Isis + Set Judaism • Pharaohs = god on earth • Zoroastrianism • Ancient Mesopotamia = • Buddhism + Buddha • kings chief gods human like. • Confucianism + Confucius • Ancient China = oracle bones and • Christianity + Jesus ancestor worship • Islam + Mohammad • Incas + Aztecs + Mayans • Atheists • Native Americans Popular examples of Polytheism in media Assignment • Please choose research on religion that practices polytheism. • Answer the following questions • What are the primary beliefs of this religion? • Where do they worship? (building or location) • What are the main symbols associated with this religion? (example- some Christians wear a cross) • Does this religion have a text/book that they follow? • Answers should be submitted in proper sentences. Min 1 paragraph..

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