Ditheism and bitheism are terms used to describe beliefs systems that posit the existence of two distinct gods. Specifically, ditheism refers to the belief in two equally powerful but opposing gods, while bitheism refers to the worship of two gods without the assumption that they are in conflict.
The Bible unambiguously presents a monotheistic view of God, affirming there is only one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4). However, some groups throughout history have adopted forms of ditheism or bitheism, often by elevating other spiritual beings to the level of gods.
Ditheism in the Bible
There are no examples of pure ditheistic belief systems in the Bible. However, some groups held beliefs that bore similarities to forms of ditheism.
Some Gnostic groups in the 1st and 2nd centuries believed the material world was created by a lesser, evil god called the Demiurge. They believed the supreme spiritual God was entirely separate from the Demiurge. This could be seen as a form of dualism that verges on ditheism, though most scholars consider Gnostic beliefs to be fundamentally monotheistic with incorrect ideas about God’s nature (Hebrews 1:1-3).
Likewise, some forms of Zoroastrianism posit two powerful spiritual beings – Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu – locked in cosmic battle. This has similarities to a ditheistic view, though Zoroastrianism still maintains Ahura Mazda as supreme. The Bible rejects any idea of God having equals or rivals (Isaiah 44:6).
Bitheism in the Bible
There are a few examples in the Old Testament of Israelites worshipping multiple gods, though exact details are scarce. The worship of Baal alongside Yahweh appears to resemble bitheism (1 Kings 18:21). The Bible condemns any form of polytheism or bitheism as sinful idolatry.
Some scholars categorize ancient Israelite religion before the Babylonian exile as henotheistic. Henotheism is the worship of one particular god without denying the existence of others. This is related to, but still distinct from, bitheism.
Overall, the Bible rejects any form of polytheism that elevates other beings to the status of Yahweh. God demands exclusive devotion (Exodus 20:3). However, the existence of supernatural beings like angels is acknowledged, though they are not to be worshipped (Colossians 2:18).
Reasons Ditheism and Bitheism are Rejected
The Bible’s view of God as one supreme being excludes any possibility of ditheism or bitheism. There are several reasons for this:
- God’s oneness and uniqueness is repeatedly emphasized (Deuteronomy 4:35,39; Isaiah 44:6; 1 Corinthians 8:4).
- The universe and human life are presented as the deliberate work of one Creator (Genesis 1-2; Isaiah 45:18).
- God’s eternal purposes and sovereign plans would be undermined by an opposing deity (Isaiah 14:24; 46:10).
- The worship of multiple gods is associated with human rebellion and idolatry (Romans 1:18-25).
- Jesus affirmed God’s oneness and his own unity with the Father (John 10:30; 17:3).
Belief in more than one God introduces division in his nature and competition in the cosmos he created. The Bible leaves no room for such views.
What the Bible Says About Dualism
Dualism refers to the concept that reality consists of two opposing fundamental principles, such as good and evil or spirit and matter. Ditheism is one possible expression of a dualistic worldview.
The Bible frequently portrays real-life dualisms between concepts like light/darkness, life/death, righteousness/sin, truth/falsehood, etc. However, it does not affirm any kind of absolute dualism between two gods, spirits, or impersonal cosmic forces (1 Corinthians 8:6).
The Bible teaches:
- God alone is the eternal, self-existing Creator who is the source of all life and truth (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2; John 14:6).
- God declares his own uniqueness and oneness (Isaiah 44:6; 1 Timothy 1:17).
- While Satan embodies opposition to God, he is still a contingent created being under God’s judgment, not an equal power (John 12:31; Colossians 1:13-14)
- Evil and suffering stem from creaturely rebellion against God within the good creation he made (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12).
- God continues to sustain and rule over all things he has made, even evil powers (Colossians 1:16-17; Revelation 20:2).
- God works through all circumstances to accomplish his sovereign redemptive purposes in history (Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:11).
The Bible recognizes distinctions between God and humanity, spirit and flesh, light and darkness, truth and lies, righteousness and sin. But it subordinates these realities under the rule of the one true God (1 Corinthians 15:25-28). It allows no room for speculation about opposing divine powers.
Ancient Ditheism and Bitheism
Some ancient religions incorporated ditheistic or bitheistic beliefs:
- Zoroastrianism: Centered on the gods Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu as twin spirits representing good and evil.
- Manichaeism: Taught the equal existence of God and an evil anti-god.
- Mazdaism: The worship of Ahura Mazda paired with another god, such as Mithra.
- Canaanite religions: Worshipped pantheons including Baal, Asherah and El.
- Greco-Roman religion: Believed in pantheons like the Olympian gods under Zeus.
- Some Gnostic groups: Viewed the God of the Old Testament as inferior to the supreme New Testament God.
Ancient ditheism or bitheism arose from distorted ideas about God, spirit beings, and the nature of good and evil. The Bible subverts these errors by revealing the one true God over all (1 Timothy 2:5).
Ditheism, Bitheism and God’s Nature
Ditheism and bitheism fundamentally contradict God’s revelation of his own nature in Scripture. The Bible teaches that God is:
- Eternal – without beginning or end (Psalm 90:2). Multiple gods would imply division in eternity.
- Self-existent – life in himself, not contingent (Exodus 3:14). No gods can exist independently alongside God.
- Sovereign – in complete authoritative control (Psalm 115:3). No other gods can exert authority.
- Omnipotent – all powerful (Jeremiah 32:17). No beings can oppose God’s power.
- Omniscient – all knowing (Psalm 147:5). No knowledge is hidden from God.
- Omnipresent – present everywhere (Proverbs 15:3). No realm is outside of God’s presence.
- One – unique and unified (Deuteronomy 6:4). Gods by definition cannot be one.
Speculating about multiple gods calls into question God’s absoluteness and perfection revealed in Scripture. It implies limits, divisions, and knowledge gaps unworthy of the biblical God.
Ditheism, Bitheism and Idolatry
The worship of other gods alongside or in opposition to the true God is categorized in Scripture as idolatry – exchanging God’s truth for a lie (Romans 1:25). Idolatry is a serious sin:
- The first two of the Ten Commandments forbid idolatry (Exodus 20:3-4).
- Idolatry provokes God to jealousy and invites his judgment (Psalm 78:58).
- Idols cannot save, only God can (Isaiah 45:20).
- Idolatry enslaves people in spiritual darkness (Galatians 4:8).
- Idolaters will face God’s wrath unless they repent (Revelation 9:20).
Ditheism and bitheism should be rejected as unbiblical idolatry that dishonors the one true God.
Ditheism, Bitheism and Spirit Beings
The Bible affirms the existence of angels, demons and other spiritual powers. However, they are creatures under God’s authority (Colossians 1:16). Elevating any spiritual being to the status of God is idolatrous.
Angels:
- Angels worship God, they are not worshipped (Hebrews 1:6).
- Jesus is superior to angels, not equal (Hebrews 1:4-5).
- Angels are servants of God’s redemptive plan (Hebrews 1:14).
Satan and demons:
- Not equal opposites to God, but rebels under his judgment (1 John 3:8).
- Defeated through Christ’s sacrificial death (Colossians 2:15).
- Doomed to eternal punishment (Matthew 25:41).
No spiritual being shares divine qualities and worship. Elevating angels or demons to god-status is unbiblical.
Ditheism, Bitheism and God’s Unity with Christ
The Bible also rules out ditheism or bitheism within the Godhead:
- God is three co-equal persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – not separate gods (Matthew 28:19).
- Jesus is fully God and fully united to the Father (John 10:30).
- The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus and the Father alone (John 16:14).
- There is perfect unity and relationship within the Trinity (John 17:11).
The doctrine of the Trinity precludes speculation about divisions or competing wills among the Persons of the Godhead. God eternally exists as three Persons united as one in divine essence.
Ditheism, Bitheism, and God’s Plans
Ditheism and bitheism imply limits on God’s sovereign rule and plans:
- God works all things according to his purposes (Ephesians 1:11).
- No one can oppose God’s overall decrees (Isaiah 14:27).
- History is moving towards God’s new creation (Revelation 21-22).
- God has foretold the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10).
- Every knee will bow to Jesus (Philippians 2:10).
Speculating about other gods, powers or decrees outside of God’s sovereignty is nonsensical. God alone ordains the course of history for his glory.
Ditheism, Bitheism and Human Nature
Ditheism and bitheism imply false views of human nature and sin:
- Humans are made in God’s image, not that of false gods (Genesis 1:27).
- Sin originated from human rebellion, not rival gods (Genesis 3).
- Salvation is found in Christ alone (Acts 4:12).
- God mercifully regenerates sinners to repentance (Titus 3:5).
- Heaven will glorify the one true God alone (Revelation 21:22-23).
Ditheism and bitheism lead to confusion about why humans exist and how sin entered the world. The Bible roots our identity and salvation in the one true God alone.
Examples of Ditheism and Bitheism Today
Certain modern belief systems incorporate elements of ditheism or bitheism:
- Some New Age philosophies posit equal but opposite forces of light and darkness.
- Wicca and witchcraft invoke both a Horned God and Moon Goddess.
- Satanism elevates Lucifer and Satan to god-like status.
- Some radical feminists worship the Divine Feminine alongside or above God.
- Mormonism teaches that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are three separate gods.
Any modern form of polytheism exalts false gods and should be rejected as unbiblical idolatry. There are not multiple ways to God, but one way through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
Key Takeaways on Ditheism and Bitheism
- Ditheism posits two gods in conflict, bitheism two gods in cooperation.
- The Bible affirms only one true God over all (Deuteronomy 6:4).
- Ancient religions sometimes incorporated elements of ditheism or bitheism.
- God’s unity excludes ditheism and bitheism within the Trinity.
- Worshipping other gods as idols is forbidden (Exodus 20:3).
- Ditheism and bitheism contradict God’s unique identity.
- Jesus Christ alone is the way to salvation (John 14:6).
- Biblical Christianity is incompatible with all forms of polytheism.
The Bible leaves no room for the existence of multiple gods, either in conflict or cooperation. God alone is supreme, without rival or equal. Any ideology that posits two gods or more should be recognized as fundamentally unbiblical.