God against the Gods: The History of Monotheism and Polytheism

Overview

Survey the variety of religious experiences, from Hindu polytheism to the monotheism of the Abrahamic faiths, to see what unites us in a common humanity. Religion is foundational to the human experience, offering insights into our quest for meaning that dates back to the earliest civilizations.

In this course, you will explore how different cultures have approached the concept of divinity. This series of 12 engaging lectures by Professor Robert Garland investigates the deep philosophical questions surrounding the nature of existence, the roles of deities, and the significance of belief systems from ancient to modern times.

Video Lessons

01: A Human Instinct

Introduce the major themes of religion and the origins of polytheism and monotheism.

Length: 35 min

02: The Many and the One

Unpack general principles that define religion, reflecting on historical views of the divine.

Length: 36 min

03: A World Full of Defunct Gods

Survey polytheistic religious systems that have lost followers, including those of ancient Mesopotamia and Greece.

Length: 34 min

04: A World Full of Living Gods

Explore modern polytheistic beliefs, particularly Hinduism, and its implications for religious classification.

Length: 36 min

05: The Beginnings of Monotheism

Delve into the emergence of monotheistic beliefs, focusing on the Abrahamic faiths and their foundational roles.

Length: 34 min

06: How to Contact Your God

Examine the various ways humans have sought to communicate with gods through prayer and rituals.

Length: 32 min

07: Women, Sex, and Sexuality

Explore the role of fertility goddesses and how sexuality has shaped religious experiences and norms.

Length: 34 min

08: Intolerance and Persecution

Investigate the historical violence and persecution that have occurred among differing faiths and beliefs.

Length: 35 min

09: Divine Intervention

Consider examples of divine intervention in historical events, analyzing their significance and implications.

Length: 35 min

10: Death and the Afterlife

Explore how different religions perceive mortality and the afterlife, including burial rites and beliefs.

Length: 34 min

11: Good and Evil

Discuss the existence of good and evil within religious contexts and their implications for morality.

Length: 32 min

12: God and the Gods

Conclude with reflections on the enduring tension between monotheism and polytheism and its relevance today.

Length: 39 min