Monotheism & Imperialism

[Sgeir]

I was reading a book by James Breasted (I've forgotten which one, though) and saw an interesting quote:

"Monotheism is but imperialism in religion"

(Imperialism: "The policy of extending a nation's authority by territorial acquisition or by the establishment of economic and political hegemony over other nations." American Heritage Dictionary)

I thought that might make quite an interesting topic for discussion. Is monotheism necessarily imperialistic? I can't think of any polytheistic societies which sought to convert others as a means of empowering their religion, after all, but with monotheistic religions, they do seem to see the acquisition of land or converts as either something ordered by God or a means to show that their God is supreme.

Any thoughts?

[Raevyn]

The Romans come to mind. The Greeks too (in fact, Isis is kind of a Graeco-version of the original Kemetic Goddess). The Greeks came in and mixed Egyptian and Greek beliefs together though, which might be seen as a gentler version of what you're talking about, whereas the Romans said "enough of that business". The Romans also tried to get rid of Christianity too though, no?

[Valnorran]

It has long been my theory that monotheistic cultures are more prone to using forced conversions than polytheistic ones. The only instance I can think of where a polytheistic faith forced itself on a monotheistic one is the treatment of the Sikhs in India. Polytheistic cultures will fight and dominate one another, but I've never heard of them doing it for primarily religious reasons ("primarily" being the key word here). I think people of polytheistic faiths have more practice with the concept of multiple god forms, so when they meet people who worship different gods, it's no big deal to them. However, when someone who's been taught his entire life that his one god is the only god and that all others are false meets someone who worships different gods, he feels greater impact. I think monotheists are more easily outraged over the possibility that they may be wrong. When they meet an entire culture whose way of life insinuates to the monotheist, "Hey, you could be wrong, you know. Your god might not be the only one." it is easy for them to come unhinged. Monotheists arguing about who's god is the true god always reminded me of two little boys arguing over which superhero is the best.

[Raevyn]

"Primarily religious reasons" could be arguable - there are instances wherein that could be a large reason, or it could be a reason that was used to cover up other reasons.

Now I'm sure Mithrea will correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe all polytheists naturally believe Gods of other religions are "ok". It's possible to believe in many Gods but only those of your own culture. I'm not sure it's reasonable to assume ancient polytheists were any more tolerant of other religions then monotheists.

[Valnorran]

Never said they were. Just theorizing that being reared with the idea of multiple gods could render one more adaptable.

[FLipsiDE]

Hrm.... I think that Polytheistic nations have a much easier time accepting and tolerating other religions. The Romans had a great tolerance of other religions... as long as you were willing to acknowledge theirs also. I know that many native americans happily adopted Christ but the missionaries kept having to remind them not to also worship their old spirits and demons.

I thik having a Monotheistic state religion, or maybe more specifically, having a black and white "One way or the highway" view of the world, certainly doesn't hold back the dogs of war.

I think that Imperialism is much MORE fueled by greed and a lack of respect about those who live where you want resources from. Regardless of your religion, if you want their land/wood/oil/gold/fish bad enough to discount the rights of the people who live there then you will be branded Imperialistic regardless of Mono/Poly.

As far as historic, I wonder if the wars of Babylon, Sumeria, Egypt would really count as Imperialistic. All were Polytheistic (ok. Short spell in Egypt doesn't count) and all had Empires that founght and raided from one another.

But when I think of Imperialistic I think of Colonizing a place solely for resources. If you assimilate the land into your empire then I would say expansionistic. When I think of Imperialism I think of England and India, Portugal and the Dutch with their colonies for exotic goods. Not really expanding, just using.