Monotheism, revered by billions as the pinnacle of spiritual evolution, is also one of the most destructive concepts ever devised. How did humanity, which for millennia worshiped many gods, become obsessed with the notion of a single, omnipotent deity? And how did this idea—supposedly liberating—become a source of endless conflict, intolerance, and suffering?
Monotheism as a Tool of Power
Let’s start with ancient Egypt. In the 14th century BCE, Pharaoh Akhenaten initiated the worship of Aten, the sun god. On the surface, it seemed like a spiritual revolution, but in reality, it was an attempt to consolidate power. One God = One Ruler. Akhenaten understood that by controlling the sole deity, he could control the entire nation. Was this the beginning of the idea that religion is, above all, about power, and only then about spirituality?
However, Egypt wasn’t ready for monotheism, and after Akhenaten’s death, Egyptians quickly returned to their many gods, and the cult of Aten collapsed. But the idea did not vanish—it found fertile ground elsewhere and was used for even more complex purposes.
Israel: From Tribal Gods to Universal Ruler
Move forward to ancient Israel, where Judaism was born. Initially, Yahweh was just one of many gods worshiped by the Hebrews, but over time, he became their only God. But was this really a pure spiritual evolution? Or was it a reaction to political and military threats that forced the Israelites to unite under one banner—one God who would protect and lead them to victory?
During the Babylonian exile (586–538 BCE), when Yahweh was supposed to protect his people from destruction, he became an omnipresent God, not confined to any temple or land. No longer a tribal god—he became the God of all. But how did this God, who was supposed to bring salvation, become a tool for controlling the people through fear and obedience?
Christianity and Islam: Perfecting the Art of Power
In the 1st century CE, in the Roman province of Palestine, a new religion emerged—Christianity. Jesus, preaching love and peace, became the central figure, but his teachings were quickly co-opted by the Church, which turned him into a tool of power. The Holy Trinity—a concept meant to reconcile the unity of God with the divinity of Jesus—became a theological puzzle intended to maintain the unity of the Church. But was the Trinity more a political tool than a spiritual one?
Islam, which emerged in the 7th century, emphasized the absolute unity of God (tawhid). The Quran, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad between 610 and 632 CE, repeatedly emphasizes that God is one, indivisible, and omnipotent, and Muhammad is his final prophet, bringing the ultimate revelation to humanity. But was this pure spirituality, or a clever use of religion as a justification for expansion?
Monotheism: Oasis of Peace or Source of Conflict?
Monotheism brought the world not only the idea of one God but also the idea of one truth. It is this concept that led to crusades, inquisitions, religious wars, and contemporary conflicts on religious grounds. When one God is the only truth, anyone who believes otherwise becomes a threat. In the name of this God, the most horrific crimes were committed.
Scholasticism, developed in medieval Europe by thinkers like Thomas Aquinas, tried to reconcile faith with reason. But wasn’t this just another way to maintain control over people’s minds? In the Muslim world, great philosophers like Al-Ghazali tried to reconcile faith with science. But were these attempts genuinely about seeking truth, or were they about preventing the collapse of religious hegemony?
Monotheism in the Modern Age
Today, as science and technology challenge old truths, monotheism faces new challenges. But instead of adapting to new realities, it often resorts to fundamentalism, seeking answers in the past to contemporary questions. Is monotheism ready for the future, or is it becoming an outdated tool of power that cannot survive in the modern world?
The history of monotheism is not just a history of faith—it’s a history of power, control, and conflict. It’s the history of an idea that was meant to liberate, but often ended up enslaving. And while the future of monotheism is uncertain, one thing is clear: its impact on the world remains one of the most controversial and fascinating chapters in human history.
This post raises questions that could spark heated debate. Monotheism is presented not as a sacred cow, but as an idea full of paradoxes and contradictions—an idea that has united and divided, inspired and destroyed. Will readers agree with this interpretation? Time will tell.
