Can monotheism be proven?
Monotheism: A Graduate-Level Study in Baptist Theology
Monotheism, derived from the Greek words monos (“single”) and theos (“God”), is the belief in one true God who is the Creator, Sustainer, and Judge of all creation. This foundational doctrine of the Christian faith is not only scripturally affirmed but also philosophically robust and historically evident. Unlike henotheism, which acknowledges many gods but elevates one as supreme, or polytheism, which posits multiple gods, monotheism insists that there is only one God who possesses ultimate sovereignty and authority.
This study explores biblical, historical, and philosophical arguments for monotheism, demonstrating its coherence and consistency within Baptist theology.
I. Biblical Arguments for Monotheism
The Bible unequivocally teaches the existence of one true God, and this doctrine forms the bedrock of Christian theology.
Key Old Testament Affirmations
God’s Unique Sovereignty:
“To you it was shown, that you might know that the Lord Himself is God; there is none other besides Him.” (Deuteronomy 4:35, NKJV).
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!” (Deuteronomy 6:4, NKJV).
These verses affirm that God is unique in His being and alone deserves worship and allegiance. His oneness is a declaration of His exclusivity and supremacy.
The Creator and Sustainer:
“Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us?” (Malachi 2:10a, NKJV).
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1, NKJV).
These passages highlight God’s role as the singular Creator, whose creative power and authority establish His divine sovereignty.
Key New Testament Affirmations
One God in Redemption:
“Yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.” (1 Corinthians 8:6, NKJV).
“One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:6, NKJV).
The New Testament reinforces the Old Testament’s teaching by connecting monotheism to God’s redemptive work through Christ.
Monotheism and Salvation:
“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5, NKJV).
“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” (James 2:19, NKJV).
Monotheism is central to the gospel, affirming that salvation comes from the one true God through the one Mediator, Jesus Christ.
II. Historical Arguments for Monotheism
1. Monotheism in Early Human History
The Bible presents humanity as originally monotheistic, worshiping the one true God. Over time, sin and rebellion led to the proliferation of false gods and idolatry:
“Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.” (Romans 1:22-23, NKJV).
Historical anthropology aligns with this biblical perspective, as most ancient religions show vestiges of monotheism before devolving into polytheism. For example:
Ancient cultures often spoke of a supreme deity, even in polytheistic contexts.
Polytheistic systems frequently demonstrate functional monotheism, where one god is seen as sovereign over others.
2. Devolution of Religion
Rather than evolving from polytheism to monotheism, as some anthropologists suggest, evidence points to the opposite:
Monotheism in ancient cultures often preceded their transition to polytheism, animism, or magic.
Even within polytheistic systems, a supreme deity often dominates, reflecting a latent monotheistic origin.
III. Philosophical and Theological Arguments for Monotheism
Philosophical reasoning provides additional support for monotheism. Below are three classical arguments that affirm the impossibility of multiple gods:
1. The Argument from Unity and Order
If there were more than one god, the universe would reflect disorder and conflict due to competing creators and authorities.
Yet, the observable order and unity of the cosmos point to a single sovereign Creator:
“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33a, NKJV).
2. The Argument from Perfection
God is by definition a perfect being. For there to be multiple gods, one must differ from another.
Any difference would imply a lack, which contradicts the notion of perfection. Therefore, there can only be one perfect God:
“As for God, His way is perfect.” (Psalm 18:30a, NKJV).
3. The Argument from Infinity
God, being infinite, cannot have parts or be divided. Two infinite beings cannot coexist, as one would limit the other.
Thus, there can only be one infinite, self-existent God:
“Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:24b, NKJV).
IV. Practical Implications of Monotheism
1. Worship
Monotheism calls for exclusive worship of the one true God. Idolatry is not merely the worship of false gods but the failure to honor the one true God as supreme:
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3, NKJV).
2. Salvation
Monotheism is central to the gospel message. The exclusivity of one God leads to the exclusivity of salvation through Christ:
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12, NKJV).
3. Moral Accountability
Monotheism establishes a universal standard of morality, as all people are accountable to the one Creator:
“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12, NKJV).
4. Unity in the Church
The oneness of God serves as a model for unity among believers:
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6, NKJV).
Conclusion
Monotheism is not only scripturally affirmed but also philosophically and historically coherent. The Bible’s consistent testimony, the patterns of religious history, and sound philosophical reasoning all converge to demonstrate the existence of one true God. For the believer, this truth compels worship, obedience, and the proclamation of the gospel to a world in need of reconciliation with its Creator:
“To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17, NKJV).
The Immutability of Monotheism
Monotheism inherently affirms the immutability of God—His unchanging nature. In a universe with one supreme Creator, the constancy of God's character ensures stability and order:
Scriptural Basis:
“For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.” (Malachi 3:6, NKJV).
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17, NKJV).
This immutability contrasts with polytheistic systems, where gods are often capricious, inconsistent, or evolve over time.
Monotheism and God's Self-Existence (Aseity)
God’s aseity, or self-existence, is uniquely affirmed in monotheism. Unlike polytheistic deities, who often depend on external forces or contexts, the one true God is entirely self-sufficient:
Scriptural Affirmation:
“And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you.”’” (Exodus 3:14, NKJV).
This declaration emphasizes God’s eternal, independent existence, making Him the source of all life and being:
“For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself.” (John 5:26, NKJV).
The Uniqueness of Monotheism in Revelation
Monotheism stands apart in its method of divine revelation. In polytheistic systems, divine truths are often fragmentary, tied to specific deities. By contrast, monotheism provides a unified and cohesive revelation through the Word of God:
General Revelation: The natural world reflects the singular Creator’s glory:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1, NKJV).Special Revelation: God’s character, will, and redemptive plan are revealed in Scripture and through Jesus Christ:
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.” (Hebrews 1:1-2, NKJV).
Monotheism and the Moral Foundation of Society
The monotheistic view of God as the source of absolute truth provides an objective moral standard. In contrast, polytheism often results in conflicting moral codes, as different deities demand allegiance to differing values:
Moral Universality:
“The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.” (Psalm 119:160, NKJV).
God’s unchanging nature ensures that His moral standards are consistent and universal, applicable to all people across all times.
The Exclusivity of Worship in Monotheism
Monotheism demands exclusive devotion, which underpins much of the ethical and theological framework of Baptist theology. Worshiping any other entity constitutes idolatry, as only God is worthy of ultimate allegiance:
Exclusive Worship Commanded:
“You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” (Matthew 4:10b, NKJV).
“I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images.” (Isaiah 42:8, NKJV).
Monotheism and the Teleological Argument
The order and purpose evident in creation point to a single intelligent Designer, affirming monotheism through the teleological argument:
Purpose in Creation: The intricate balance of the universe reflects intentionality and unity:
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible... All things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16, NKJV).Unified Design: A singular Creator ensures harmony in natural laws and the universe’s ultimate purpose.
Monotheism as the Basis for Prayer and Relationship
Monotheism uniquely establishes a personal relationship between humanity and the one true God. Prayer is not dispersed among multiple deities but directed to a singular, sovereign God who hears and responds:
Intimacy in Prayer:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6, NKJV).God’s Accessibility: Unlike the gods of polytheism, who are often distant or uninterested, the one true God invites personal communion with His people:
“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18, NKJV).
Monotheism’s Role in Baptist Eschatology
In eschatological contexts, monotheism emphasizes the singular authority of God over history and His ultimate plan for redemption:
God’s Sovereignty Over Time:
“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.’” (Isaiah 46:10, NKJV).The Final Worship of One God:
“And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be—‘The Lord is one, and His name one.’” (Zechariah 14:9, NKJV).
Conclusion
Monotheism stands as the theological, philosophical, and moral foundation of Christian faith. Its implications permeate every aspect of doctrine and practice, shaping worship, ethics, and hope for the future. The singularity and sovereignty of God provide clarity, purpose, and ultimate truth, calling all believers to worship, trust, and serve the one true God.
