It is one of those distinctions worth thinking about, the one between
monotheism and
monolatry. James L. Kugel points out in his book
How to Read the Bible (p. 243) that monotheism means that there is just one God. Monolatry means that there are many gods, but we worship just one. According to the Old Testament, the Hebrews practiced monolatry not monotheism. They "believed" that there are many gods, but they worshipped only Yahweh (a.k.a. Elohim and other names). In the early 21st century, is it not possible to accept the fact of many religions, most of which are good and as real to their faithful as ours is to us? Is it not possible to respect the faiths of others and not consign them to hellfire (whatever we
think the Bible says)? Is it not possible for us today to practice a modern version of monolatry rather than monotheism? Or, maybe, the better way of saying that is to meld the two terms and advocate the practice of a monolatrous monotheism, by which I mean that we acknowledge that there is just one God but also acknowledge that there are many paths toward God and ways to worship God.
I am not a Buddhist, but I see much good in Buddhism. In its description of the Dharma, I sense the presence of the God we Christians worship as the One God. My experience of Buddhists is that their religious discipline and philosophy can craft (some of) them into very good people, just as Christian faith and beliefs can craft (some of) us into good people. My respect for another faith doesn't mean I worship God, trust Christ, and struggle to hear the Spirit less. Indeed, exposure to Buddhism has enriched my faith—helped me to get a still better focus on my faith. So, monolatrous monotheism. You heard it here first.
