Ancient Egyptian Monotheism is the belief in a single God. In fact, one could argue that Ancient Egyptians were not only the first people to embrace monotheism but also influenced its growth throughout history. They worshiped many gods and goddesses as part of their daily life and religious practices.Ancient Egypt was a fascinating civilization that has long captured the imaginations of scholars and laymen alike.
One of the most prominent aspects of ancient Egyptian culture was its religion, which centered around one god – Aten. The concept of monotheism had never been so vividly presented in any other culture before. The Egyptian Book of the Dead demonstrates that the Egyptian people originally believed in one great God and not many.
Maspero admitted that the Egyptians applied the epithets, "one God" and "only God" to several gods, even when the god was associated with a goddess and a son, but he adds "ce dieu Un n'etait jamais DIEU tout court"; the "only god" is the only god Amen, or the only god Ptah, or the only god Osiris, that is to say, a being determinate possessing a personality, name, attributes, apparel, members, a family, a man infinitely more perfect than men.
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| Ancient Egypt Monotheism |
Akhenaten showed no interest in promulgating his faith -- not until it
became to his political advantage to do so. Akhenaten raised Aten to the
position of sole god, bringing monotheism to Egypt. He and his family
are frequently shown worshipping Aten by reaching out to him.
The time leading up to Akhenaten showed "a progressive increase" in the regard for the sun god, and a view of Re as a universal god. The 18th dynasty saw a rise of "Heliopolitan" cults and a "solarization" of the principal gods of Egypt.
Akhenaten's monotheism, in line with this view, was neither evangelical nor exclusive.
The Ancient Egyptian definition of Ra is the perfect representation of the Unity that comprises the putting together of the many diverse entities, i.e. The One Who is the All. The Litany of Ra describes the aspects of the creative principle: being recognized as the neteru (gods) whose actions and interactions in turn created the universe.
Certain animals were chosen as symbols for that particular aspect of divinity. When a total animal is depicted in Ancient Egypt, it represents a particular function/attribute in its purest form. When an animal-headed figure is depicted, it conveys that particular function/attribute in the human being.
Akhenaten's monotheism, in line with this view, was neither evangelical nor exclusive.
The Ancient Egyptian definition of Ra is the perfect representation of the Unity that comprises the putting together of the many diverse entities, i.e. The One Who is the All. The Litany of Ra describes the aspects of the creative principle: being recognized as the neteru (gods) whose actions and interactions in turn created the universe.
Certain animals were chosen as symbols for that particular aspect of divinity. When a total animal is depicted in Ancient Egypt, it represents a particular function/attribute in its purest form. When an animal-headed figure is depicted, it conveys that particular function/attribute in the human being.