There Cannot Be Many Gods

For we must not think that there is more than one ruler and maker of creation. It belongs to right and true religion to believe that its Craftsman is one, and creation itself clearly points to this. The fact that there is only one universe and not more is conclusive proof that its Maker is one. For if there were many gods, there would also have to be more universes than one. It would not be reasonable for more than one God to make a single universe, nor for the one universe to be made by more than one, because of the absurdities that would follow. [a]

First, if the one universe were made by many gods, that would mean weakness in those who made it, since many contributed to a single result; and that would be strong proof that each one’s creative skill was imperfect. For if one were enough, the many would not be making up for one another’s lack. But to say that there is any lack in God is not only ungodly; it goes beyond all sacrilege. Even among human beings, one would not call a workman perfect if he could not finish his work, a single piece, by himself and without the help of several others. But suppose each one was able to accomplish the whole, and yet all worked at it in order to claim a share in the result. Then we reach the laughable conclusion that each one worked for his reputation, so as not to be suspected of being unable. But, once more, it is utterly grotesque to credit gods with a love of empty glory. Again, if each one were sufficient to create the whole, what need is there of more than one, when one is enough for the universe? Moreover, it would plainly be ungodly and grotesque to make the thing created one while the creators were many and different, since it is a principle of natural philosophy that what is one and complete is higher than things that are diverse.

And you must know this too: if the universe had been made by many gods, its movements would be varied and inconsistent, for they would differ according to each one of its makers. But such difference, again, as was said before, would mean disarray and general disorder. Not even a ship will sail straight if many steer her, unless one pilot holds the steering oars; nor will a lyre struck by many make a tuneful sound, unless there is one musician who strikes it. Since, then, creation is one, the universe one, and its order one, we must perceive that its King and Craftsman is also one. This is why the Craftsman himself made the whole universe one: so that no one would suppose, from more than one universe existing side by side, that there were many makers, but that, as the work is one, its Maker too might be believed to be One. Nor does it follow from the oneness of the Maker that the universe must be one, for God might have made others as well. But because the universe that has been made is one, we must believe that its Maker also is one.