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Are there any current religions that still practice polytheism, and if so, how do they compare to ancient polytheistic religions?

Myles Mum

Yes, there are still some current religions that practice polytheism. Some of them are Hinduism, Shintoism, and various African traditional religions. However, these modern polytheistic religions have some differences in how they practice their polytheism compared to the ancient polytheistic religions.

One of the significant differences is the relationship between the deities and humans. In ancient polytheistic religions, the gods were seen as powerful and generally unapproachable beings who required elaborate rituals and sacrifices to appease them. In contrast, modern polytheistic religions tend to have a more personal relationship between humans and the deities, with prayer and offerings playing a more significant role in their worship.

Another difference is the role of the central authority in these religions. Ancient polytheistic religions often had a priestly class that was responsible for interpreting the will of the gods and performing the necessary rituals. In contrast, modern polytheistic religions tend to have a decentralized structure. Each practitioner is responsible for their own relationship with the deities.

Furthermore, modern polytheistic religions also tend to be more inclusive and accepting of diversity. For example, Hinduism has a long history of absorbing and adapting the religious beliefs and practices of other cultures. This is also true of many African traditional religions, where the worship of local spirits and ancestors is often integrated with the veneration of more powerful deities.

In conclusion, while modern polytheistic religions share some similarities with ancient polytheistic religions, they have evolved to reflect the changing social and cultural contexts in which they exist. These modern polytheistic religions tend to have a more personal relationship with the deities, decentralized structures, and a more inclusive and adaptive approach to incorporating new beliefs and practices.