Are We Polytheists?

Rethinking God as a Divine Family

In a recent conversation about the nature of God, someone asked me a pointed question:
“So, are you a polytheist?”

It’s a fair question—and an important one. After all, if you believe, as I do, that the Father and the Son are two distinct divine beings, it might appear to conflict with traditional Christian monotheism.

But here’s the crucial point: the Bible never teaches that Jesus was created. Nor does it portray the Father and Son as rival gods. Instead, it presents both as eternal—distinct in identity, yet united in Spirit, purpose, and character.

The Hebrew word for “God,” Elohim, is plural in form. It often functions like a family name—shared among divine members who are perfectly one. Rather than depicting God as a solitary being, Scripture consistently presents a divine family at the center of reality.

Monotheism, Polytheism, and a Different Model

Traditional Trinitarian monotheism teaches that one God exists as three co-equal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Polytheism, on the other hand, posits multiple, independent gods.

The Bible offers a third view: It describes the Father and the Son as distinct personalities, yet completely unified in will, character, and divine nature (John 1:1; John 10:30). There’s no rivalry, no competition—only perfect relational unity.

Some theologians have called this binitarian monotheism—or more simply, a divine family. It’s not a contradiction of monotheism, but a refinement: one God-family, consisting of two eternal beings.

Sharing One Spirit

Trinitarian theology speaks of a shared “essence” among Father, Son, and Spirit. But the Bible uses different language—one of shared Spirit.

Just as humans have a spirit (Job 32:8; 1 Corinthians 2:11), God’s Spirit is His own presence, power, and life-force. It flows from both the Father and the Son (John 15:26), connecting and uniting them.

This Spirit is not a third person but the shared presence of the divine—revealing a unity based on character, will, and divine power.

John 1:1 captures this beautifully:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
The Son is distinct from the Father but fully divine—because they share the same eternal Spirit.

A Hierarchy Without Division

The Bible presents divine order, not division. The Father holds supreme authority, and the Son willingly submits (John 14:28; 1 Corinthians 15:24–28). This isn’t inferiority—it’s a picture of love and trust.

Jesus’ submission reflects relational unity, much like a son honors his father while being fully human. It models the same unity God seeks with His children: order without oppression and authority without ego.

A Kingdom Analogy: One Throne, One Royal Family

Think of a traditional monarchy: one king sits on the throne, but his son, the prince, acts on his behalf. When people bow to the prince, they honor the king—because the prince bears his name, authority, and seal.

This doesn’t make them two kings. It reveals one royal family. Likewise, Jesus carries out the Father’s will, ruling under His authority. And when the plan is complete, Scripture says:
“The Son Himself will also be subjected to Him who put all things in subjection under Him, that God may be all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28).

This is not polytheism—it’s a divine family, with one throne, one Spirit, and perfect unity.

The Family Model at the Heart of Creation

God’s purpose has always centered around family. Ephesians 3:14–15 speaks of “the family in heaven and on earth” named after the Father. Genesis 1:26 reveals we were created in the image of God—male and female—to reflect relational unity.

Before His death, Jesus prayed that His followers “may be one, just as We are one” (John 17:21–22). He didn’t mean we lose individuality, but that we achieve oneness of Spirit, just as He shares with the Father.

God isn’t building a group of subjects—He’s creating a family of children who share His nature.

How This Differs from Traditional Models

This view differs from:

• Classical Trinitarianism, which posits three co-equal persons in one being.
  
• Polytheism, which suggests multiple, competing gods.
  

Instead, it presents a relational hierarchy—Father and Son, distinct and eternal, bound in love, sharing one Spirit, and building a family.

This doesn’t diminish God’s majesty—it magnifies it. God’s greatness isn’t found in incomprehensible abstraction, but in the intimacy of shared love and divine relationship.

Final Thoughts: Not Polytheists—But Children of a Divine Family

So, are we polytheists?

No. We don’t worship competing gods. We worship a divine Father and Son, united by one Spirit, ruling from one throne, and inviting us into the same oneness.

Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9), reinforcing the structure and love that defines God’s relationship with us.

Yes, this view may differ from mainstream Christian theology—but it aligns deeply with Scripture. The Bible reveals not just a God to obey—but a family to join.And from the very beginning, family has always been at the center of His plan.