God against the Gods: The History of Monotheism and Polytheism

Kick off your course with a big-picture look at the themes and terminology of religion. From the origins of polytheism and monotheism to the variety of religions in the world today, Professor Garland approaches his subject with respect, humility, and an analytical mind as he seeks to explore an ancient human phenomenon.

Before delving into specific world religions, this lecture unpacks some general principles about what makes a religion in the first place. Reflect on how humans throughout history have viewed their God or gods. Then turn to the major sacred literature to explore the foundations of religious experience.

Go back to the ancient world to survey “defunct” polytheistic religious systems—that is, religions with few followers today. Your study includes polytheism in Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, and ancient Rome. Professor Garland introduces you to the major gods and offers insight into their relationship to everyday people.

Shift your attention to polytheism in the world today, beginning with an in-depth look at Hinduism. You’ll explore the major tenets and Hindu gods, and then consider whether Hinduism is truly a polytheistic religion. The lecture rounds out with a survey of folk religions in Sub-Saharan Africa and among Native Americans.

How did monotheism emerge in the human brain? Tackle this fascinating question by reflecting on a blip of monotheism in ancient Egypt followed by the global rise of monotheism in the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Consider what differentiates these faiths—and more importantly, what might tie them together.

The ability to contact a god is a crucial component of religion. Here, Professor Garland walks you through prayer, sacrifice, and votive offerings as three common ways humans have reached out to their God or gods. Travel the world and across time to examine everything from holy meditations to ghastly human sacrifices.

Anxiety about offspring abounded in ancient societies; so, it should be no surprise that fertility goddesses played a major role in their religions. Delve into the world of women and sex to meet some of the prominent female deities in world religions. Your exploration also includes a rich discussion of the role of women in society throughout history.

There is a reason polite conversation eschews talk of religion and politics. World history is replete with violence and persecution of one religion against another. Here you will examine the darker side of what human beings have done—and continue to do—in the name of a deity.

One sharp distinction between monotheism and polytheism is in how divine beings intervene in human affairs. Step back to ancient Mesopotamia to witness the flood that may have inspired the Epic of Gilgamesh and the story of Noah. Was that divine punishment? Did a god or gods have anything to do with the weather? Tune in to see!

Death is universal to human life, and the way humans dispose of bodies says something about how we view life and the possibility of an afterlife. What does death mean? What happens next? Venture into the unknown to see how a variety of religious traditions have dealt with these thorny questions.

Do good and evil exist or do we live in a world of moral ambiguity? Is a deity in charge? Is God good? Monotheism and polytheism offer different answers about morality, sin, and how we might cleanse our polluted souls. Dive into the world of divine crime and punishment in this thought-provoking lecture.

Throughout this course, you have explored the tension between monotheism and polytheism, a God versus many gods. You may wonder: Who wins? In this final lecture, Professor Garland revisits the tension among religions and within human culture. You might discover more common ground than you expect.