Which Religion Has the Most Gods? A Comparative Analysis

The question of which religion has the most gods is not a straightforward one and often requires a careful examination of the beliefs of each tradition. This piece aims to explore the varying theological perspectives on the number of gods in different religions, with a focus on Mormonism and Hinduism, while also touching on Christianity and other polytheistic systems.

Mormonism: An Infinite Regress of Deities

Mormonism presents a unique perspective on the divine, where the belief system posits a potentially infinite regress of gods. According to Mormon doctrine, the Godhead is not a singular entity but a family, and it is believed that we can all eventually become gods like those who came before us. This belief system is often described as a cosmic 19th-century sex opera, reflecting the dramatic and expansive nature of its theo-philosophy.

Key aspects of Mormon theology include:

Heavenly mothers, who are part of the Godhead and play a crucial role in the eternal structure of the family of God. Councils of gods, where multiple deities collaborate in the creation and governance of the cosmos. The potential for exaltation, where individuals can become gods themselves through a process of divine reclamation and eternal progression.

Other Theistic Branches

Rather than a competition over the number of gods, the question of what branch of Theism has the most gods/deities can be more accurately addressed through the lens of polytheism and monotheism. Polytheism, or the belief in multiple gods, is a fundamental aspect of many ancient and modern religions, including Hinduism and some forms of paganism.

Polytheism, as identified in religions such as Hinduism, acknowledges a pantheon of deities. This is in contrast to monotheism, where there is a singular God who is the creator and sovereign of the universe. In Hinduism, for example, the number of gods is vast, ranging from the well-known deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, and Saraswati to countless minor and major deities.

Christianity: A Limited Pantheon

While Christianity does not traditionally embrace a pantheon of gods, it does affirm the existence of multiple divine beings. Christianity recognizes one true God (typically identified as Jehovah or the Father in the trinity), along with the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. This trinity is sometimes described as having 111 divine beings, with 1 being the God (Jehovah), 2 being lesser gods, and 12 being major goddesses/gods, all of which are in pairs (twins).

Hinduism: The Pantheon of Gods

Hinduism is often cited as having the most gods among religions, with a rich and diverse pantheon. The belief in multitude deities reflects a polytheistic worldview, where each god or goddess has a specific role and domain. This is in stark contrast to monotheistic beliefs that emphasize the singularity and exclusivity of the divine.

Key Points About Hinduism:

Hindu deities include major gods like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, complemented by major goddesses like Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The pantheon includes countless minor deities, each with specific functions and areas of influence. Recognizing the vast number of gods, it's described that Hinduism has a cosmic celebration or potlatch (celestial potlucks) where deities gather, possibly comparing the guest lists of such gatherings to that of the epic Mahabharata.

Theological Wars and Conservative Approaches

The competition for the number of gods can sometimes be seen as a theological war, with some traditions emphasizing the singularity of the divine. However, this is more of an intellectual exercise than a genuine theological conflict. Many religions, however, maintain that their singular God is the only true God, as seen in Christianity, which asserts the name of Jehovah as the only true God.

Some highlights include:

Mormons’ perspective on becoming a god, where individuals can potentially achieve divine status through eternal progression. Hindus’ belief in a pantheon of gods, where each deity has a specific role, leading to a diverse and complex cosmology. Christians’ belief in a trinity with 111 divine beings, showcasing a more structured but still expansive view. The concept of polytheism as the key distinguisher between different theological frameworks.

Thus, when comparing the number of gods across religions, it's essential to understand the theological context and the specific theological beliefs that underpin the beliefs of each religion. While Mormonism and Hinduism, with their expansive cosmologies, may appear to offer the most gods, the concept of a singular God is still central in many theistic traditions.