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The Search for Monotheism

The Search for Monotheism

Last updated on: June 22, 2026 at 10:53 pm by Rebecca Wallace Keene

The Search for Monotheism 2026-06-22T22:53:09-04:00 Rebecca Wallace Keene

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Search for Monotheism Created by Rebecca Keene with Chatgpt

Search for Monotheism

My search for monotheism has spanned many years. That search led me through the religions of the ancient world in pursuit of monotheism’s earliest roots. Such a search often leads scholars back to ancient Persia and Zoroastrianism. This is because of the religion’s purported influence on Judaism and Christianity. However, as I study those influences and Zoroastrianism, it has become clear that Judaism was the first truly monotheistic religion.

Zoroastrian Influence

It is true that there appears to have been some influence from Zoroastrianism on Judaism. Scholars point to similarities on topics such as an afterlife, good versus evil, and angels and demons. The Jewish Encyclopedia explains:

“The points of resemblance between Zoroastrianism and Judaism, and hence also between the former and Christianity, are many and striking. Ahuramazda, the supreme lord of Iran, omniscient, omnipresent, and eternal, endowed with creative power, which he exercises especially through the medium of his Spenta Mainyu (“Holy Spirit”), and governing the universe through the instrumentality of angels and archangels, presents the nearest parallel to Yhwh that is found in antiquity. But Ormuzd’s power is hampered by his adversary, Ahriman, whose dominion, however, like Satan’s, shall be destroyed at the end of the world.”

Search for Monotheism in Exile

This is because the Jewish people were exposed to Zoroastrianism during their exile in Babylon. Hannah M. G. Shapero argued, “It was during the end of the Exile, among the Jews now living in the Persian Empire, that the first significant contact was made between the Jewish and Iranian cultures. And it is evident in the Bible that Jewish thinking changed after the Exile.” However, Judaism ultimately came to a much different conclusion than Zoroastrianism.

True Monotheism vs Dualism

The biggest difference lies in the nature of good and evil. In Judaism, evil is never a force equal to G-d. Even by Jews who believe in satan as a literal entity, he never has equal footing in the world with G-d. satan remains subordinate to G-d’s will. Nothing in creation possesses power equal to the Creator. It is this refusal to grant ultimate authority to any force other than G-d that, in my view, marks the beginning of true monotheism. Thus, the search for monotheism does not lead back to ancient Persia, but to ancient Israel.

Good vs Evil

Zoroastrianism is more of a dualistic religion with a focus on two equal deities, one of good and of evil. The Jewish Encyclopedia notes, “Ahuramazda, or Ormuzd (“the Wise Lord”), leads the forces of good; Angra-Mainyu, or Ahriman (“the Spiritual Enemy”), heads the hosts of evil. Bands of angels and archangels follow the divine leader, while troops of demons and archfiends hasten after the evil lord.” Judaism, however, is much more monotheistic in that satan never becomes a true adversary of G-d. He remains under G-d’s will. Thinking Torah explains, “The satan operates in the world in various aspects. He is able to seduce a person and then accuse that person of sinning. However, his actions are all constrained by the permission granted to him by God.”

satan As a Metaphor

Further, much of modern Judaism often views the idea of satan as a metaphor. Judaism does not see satan as an actual deity competing with G-d. Learning Religions states, “In Judaism “satan” is not a sentient being but a metaphor for the evil inclination – the yetzer hara – that exists in every person and tempts us to do wrong.” While some Jews may carry the belief that an adversary named satan and demons exist, that is not the most common interpretation. In fact, ha-satan, or the satan, which is the term most often used to describe a sentient being satan, appears only three times in The Torah as stated by Thinking Torah.

Search for Monotheism Ends with Judaism

My search ultimately ended with Judaism because it alone maintained that evil, however powerful it may appear, remains subordinate to the will of G-d. Zoroastrianism’s dualistic nature, in my view, disqualifies it as a true monotheism. Though Judaism may have been influenced by the ancient Persian religion, it is the first religion that refused to give anything authority equal to G-d’s. Learning Religions explains, “In conclusion, Judaism is so strictly monotheistic that the rabbis resisted the temptation to characterize anyone other than God with authority.” Thus, it is Judaism where we find the earliest monotheistic religion.

Editor’s note: The word satan is not capitalized intentionally. This is a theological argument that he is not equal to G-d.

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About Rebecca Keene

The author, Rebecca Keene, has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Religion. She graduated from the University of Pikeville as Religion Honor Student in 2014. Currently, she is studying for a MA in Women, Gender, Spirituality, and Social Justice at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Also, Rebecca is the author of FAITH UNDER THE RAINBOW: RECLAIMING THE TRUTH ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY AND THE BIBLE. In addition, she founded and independently runs the social media community, Reclaiming the Truth. Therefore, you should visit Rebecca's author page and purchase her books at: Amazon Author Page or: Publication Page Rebecca is currently in her 3rd year of Kabbalah study. She is ordained to perform LGBT weddings and is certified in Hypnotherapy. Rebecca lives in Kentucky with her two adult children. She practices Non-Denominational Judaism. She is passionate about social justice and fiercely advocates for the marginalized in society and religion. When not with her children or writing, Rebecca enjoys spending time in nature, with G-d, or in a good book. She also enjoys making and selling art which you can find at Art by Rebecca. Rebecca will try to answer all correspondence, but please be patient, as life is busy for us all. You can read more about the author here.

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