M. Heisers Paper Evolution From Polytheism to Monotheism
Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 10:20 pm
Michael Heiser's paper "Does Divine Plurality in the Hebrew Bible Demonstrate an Evolution From Polytheism to Monotheism in Israelite Religion?" is available on his site now
http://www.thedivinecouncil.com/
"In conclusion, the purpose of this paper was to highlight the major arguments used to assert the evolution of Israelite religion from polytheism to monotheism. I advocate rejecting this view because the arguments are based on flawed presuppositions brought to terms like אלהים and passages like Deut 32:8-9 and Psalm 82. My own view is that the biblical writers affirmed an unseen world filled with אלהים , but that term is not to be linked to a specific set of attributes that would result in a denial of the ontological uniqueness of Yahweh and his exclusive worship—and that this was the theology of the biblical writers throughout the time of their writing. However, I would not say that all Israelites or even a majority believed this at many points in Israelite history. Both the Hebrew Bible and the archaeological remains inform us that there was a broad spectrum of beliefs about Yahweh and his nature among the people. As is the case today, despite the fact that all Jews and Christians have full access to the books they consider canonical, there is still diversity of belief about God. How much more in ancient Israel?"
http://www.thedivinecouncil.com/
"In conclusion, the purpose of this paper was to highlight the major arguments used to assert the evolution of Israelite religion from polytheism to monotheism. I advocate rejecting this view because the arguments are based on flawed presuppositions brought to terms like אלהים and passages like Deut 32:8-9 and Psalm 82. My own view is that the biblical writers affirmed an unseen world filled with אלהים , but that term is not to be linked to a specific set of attributes that would result in a denial of the ontological uniqueness of Yahweh and his exclusive worship—and that this was the theology of the biblical writers throughout the time of their writing. However, I would not say that all Israelites or even a majority believed this at many points in Israelite history. Both the Hebrew Bible and the archaeological remains inform us that there was a broad spectrum of beliefs about Yahweh and his nature among the people. As is the case today, despite the fact that all Jews and Christians have full access to the books they consider canonical, there is still diversity of belief about God. How much more in ancient Israel?"