What term describes the belief in one God?

Monotheism is the term that specifically refers to the belief in a single, all-powerful God. This concept is foundational to several major world religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. In monotheistic belief systems, God is often viewed as the creator and sustainer of the universe, possessing attributes of omniscience, omnipotence, and benevolence. The singularity of God emphasizes a personal relationship between the believer and the divine, which can significantly shape moral and ethical frameworks within these religious traditions.

The other terms represent different theological beliefs: polytheism refers to the belief in multiple gods, typically seen in religions such as Hinduism and ancient Greek practices. Paganism generally encompasses a variety of polytheistic traditions and often refers to earth-based religions that worship multiple deities. Animism describes a belief system where souls or spirits exist in natural objects and phenomena, seeing the world as alive with spiritual essence. Each of these belief systems offers a distinct approach to understanding the divine and the nature of existence, contrasting with the concept of a singular, unified God found in monotheism.