What term describes the belief that one god exists among many gods, with this one being the most significant?

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Study for the University of Central Florida REL2300 World Religions Exam with questions to test your knowledge. Engage with multiple choice and flashcards designed to enhance your understanding and readiness for the exam.

The term that describes the belief in one god among many, with that particular god considered the most significant, is henotheism. This concept allows for the acknowledgment of multiple deities but elevates one deity above the others in terms of importance, worship, or reverence. In henotheism, followers may recognize the existence of other gods without denying the central role of their chosen god.

For example, a henotheistic belief system might involve worshiping a chief deity while still respecting the existence of other gods and their particular domains or influences. This distinguishes henotheism from monotheism, which posits the existence of only one god, and polytheism, which involves the worship of multiple gods without hierarchy. Nontheistic beliefs, on the other hand, do not involve worshiping gods at all. Thus, henotheism specifically highlights the relationship between the belief in multiple gods and the prioritization of one above the rest.