Monotheism holds that exactly one God exists; polytheism holds that multiple gods exist; and pantheism identifies God or the divine with the totality of reality. The central difference is therefore not simply the number of gods, but the relationship between divine reality and the universe.
The Philosophical Distinctions
| Position | Central claim | Relationship between God and the universe |
|---|---|---|
| Monotheism | There is one God. | God is usually transcendent, meaning distinct from and beyond the universe, although God may also act within it. |
| Polytheism | There are multiple gods. | The gods are distinct beings, often with different powers, roles, or areas of authority within the cosmos. |
| Pantheism | God and the universe are ultimately identical. | God is fully immanent: divine reality exists in and as everything, rather than as a separate creator. |
In classical monotheism, God is commonly understood as a single, personal creator possessing attributes such as omnipotence, omniscience, and perfect goodness. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are major monotheistic traditions, although their concepts of God differ.
Polytheism does not necessarily claim that every god has unlimited power. A polytheistic system may include a hierarchy of finite divine beings, as in many interpretations of ancient Greek religion.
Pantheism rejects a strict separation between creator and creation. Spinoza's identification of God with Nature is a major philosophical example: all reality is part of one infinite substance.
A common misconception is that pantheism means that God is merely present everywhere. That view may instead describe panentheism, according to which the universe exists within God but God also exceeds it. Pantheism makes the stronger claim that God and the totality of reality are identical.
IB Exam Technique
When comparing these positions, first define each one precisely and then use a clear criterion, such as the number of divine beings or divine transcendence and immanence. Avoid merely naming religions: examiners expect analysis of the philosophical concepts and their implications for the nature and existence of God.
