Polytheismus

The worship of multiple gods, which the Bible consistently opposes. The surrounding cultures of Canaan, Egypt, Babylon, Greece, and Rome practiced polytheism with elaborate pantheons. The first commandment — 'You shall have no other gods before me' (Exodus 20:3) — established Israel's radical monotheism. Elijah confronted Baal worship on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). Isaiah satirized idol-making (Isaiah 44:9-20). Paul encountered polytheism in Athens (Acts 17:16-23) and Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41). The consistent biblical witness is that the gods of the nations are 'idols' (Psalm 96:5) and that the Lord alone is God (Deuteronomy 4:35).