How are Judaism and monotheism related?

Answer 1

Monotheism and Judaism are often considered closely associated, almost as synonyms, but Judaism and its successor religions such as Christianity and Islam are not the only monotheistic religions. Arnold Toynbee (A Study of History, volume 1) says that in very ancient times, the Minoan civilisation is believed to have been monotheistic in its worship of a single goddess. Clearly the gender of the Minoan goddess distinguishes this religion from Jewish tradition.

Judaism evolved from the early Hebrew religion, which was, surprisingly, polytheistic at least until after the end of the early monarchic period and probably until the time of the Babylonian Exile. Mark S. Smith (The Early History of God) says that according to the available evidence, the Hebrew religion in its earliest form did not contrast markedly with the religions of its Levantine neighbours in either number or configuration of deities. Unlike Christianity, modern Judaism is considered strongly monotheistic in that there is no Trinity and no divine Son. Thus it is appropriate to say that Judaism is now strongly monotheistic but that it was not the first or only monotheistic religion.

Judaism is a monotheistic religion, and possibly the first. The existence of Judaism led to the rise of Christianity and later Islam.

Answer 2

1) The foundation of Judaism is monotheism: the belief that God, who is One, created the universe and gave the Torah. 2) The Western tradition of monotheism is from Judaism. See also:

Judaism's influence

What do Jews believe God is like?

Were the Israelites monotheistic?

Answer 3

Judaism is a monotheistic religion, and possibly the first. The existence of Judaism led to the rise of Christianity and later Islam.

Answer 4

Judaism is a monotheitic religion