Multiple Gods?

Question

I have a question in response to the “one G-d” question below.
It’s true. As monotheists, we believe that only one G-d exists. But within the world’s population, there are lots of entities that at least some people recognize in their beliefs as gods. That being the case, the world has multiple entities considered by the population to be gods. In other words, it’s as if there are multiple gods, even if one does not believe they have divine powers.
The language (Hebrew and other languages) uses the same words to describe them as gods. Even the Torah uses some of the same words for Hashem and the false gods of other nations. How do we reckon with that?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    I am not quite sure that I understand the premise of your question. The fact that there are nations and religions who have believed in the past, and who still believe today, in multiple gods, does not have any impact or bearing on the truth. There is only One God. The God who created the world and who sustains it continuously. The fact that some have made the mistaken decision to attribute powers to individual details within the world that we inhabit does not mean that they actually have any independent power. It simply means that they are looking at the world through a distorted theology.

    Regarding the language question, our Sages note that “other gods” are called “elohim acherim” whereas Hashem, the one true God, is called “Elohim.” The additional description of the idols being called “acherim” does not mean “other” in a true sense. Rather, our Sages explain, it means that that the idols “act” as if they are “otherly and strangers” to us: People pray to them and they do not answer. They are “strangers.” Hashem, on the other hand, hears our prays and responds, even if we do not always understand or like the response.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team