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So, now that I believe in God, I have two fundamental choices.  Am I a polytheist or monotheist?  How I answer this question is critical.  This is the question that got Socrates in trouble.  As a Greek, in a Greek polytheist culture, and as a philosopher he concluded there could only be one God, why? 

First, logic.  Since there is form and order, design and complexity - it cannot be held to the whims of god’s that war with each other or jockey for power and control.  Forget man blowing himself up, the gods will do it for him! 

Second, laws of nature.  There is a consistency in science and all knowledge where there is a sense of a universal knowledge and power that’s holding it all together.  There is supreme consistent design, without which the world and humanity could not exist or have any forward motion. 

Third, the consistent development of humanity historically, scientifically, and culturally that says that man has a destiny and that history is leading to something intentional. 

Fourth, forgiveness, salvation, and redemption are found in which god and how?  Enlightenment may help you understand yourself better, but how do the masses achieve this and what hope is there.  Whatever faith - or no faith - you choose, it must be for the masses, if it’s not it can’t be G(g)od.  If there is consistent scientific and moral law - then there must also be consistent spiritual law and redemption. 

In fairness to my Hindu and Buddhist friends - some of them would say there is one God, the other gods are lesser, and some would go so far as to say Buddhism is more a philosophy of life not purely a religion.  I have a friend who was a Buddhist and he has told me Buddhism is a lot like Christianity - you empty yourself, die to self - but that you don’t fill yourself up with Christ - that’s the difference according to him. 

So, if this is why monotheism is critical - why am I a Christian - out of the choices of Judaism, Christianity, & Islam?  That’s tomorrow.