kathenotheism means belief that multiple deities exist, and different deities are supreme among them at different times. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.
Why “kathenotheism” is a great word
KATHENOTHEISM — [Noun] The belief that multiple deities exist, but that different deities are considered supreme at different times or in different contexts. Coined in the 19th century by Max Müller from the Greek phrase καθ’ ἕνα (kath’ héna, "one by one") and θεός (theós, "god"), following the model of theism and henotheism. Unlike henotheism (which involves worshipping one god while acknowledging others, but without a necessary rotation of focus) or monolatry (which is the consistent, exclusive worship of one chosen god from a pantheon), kathenotheism is a divine spotlight that moves with ritual or season. It is the Vedic hymn elevating Indra today, only to crown Agni tomorrow; the libation poured to a local river god before battle, then to a harvest god after victory; the liturgical calendar that meticulously rotates its supreme object of devotion. It is a theology of provisional loyalty, acknowledging that ultimate power, like attention, is a fleeting thing.
Etymology
Coined 19th century by Max Müller from the phrase Ancient Greek καθ’ ἕνα (kath’ héna, “one by one”) and the word θεός (theós, “god”), following theism, extending the prior coinage henotheism by Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph von Schelling which he had himself popularised.
noun
- Belief that multiple deities exist, and different deities are supreme among them at different times.