What is the belief in multiple gods called?

The belief in multiple gods is termed polytheism. This concept is foundational to many ancient religions, where a pantheon of deities is worshipped, each often representing different aspects of life, nature, or human experience. Polytheism contrasts with monotheism, which is the belief in a single, all-powerful deity.

In contexts where polytheism appears, it often illustrates a society's understanding of the universe, spiritual matters, and ethics, reflecting complex relationships between the divine and the mortal.

The other options do not relate to the belief in multiple gods: monotheism pertains to the worship of one deity; secularism involves a separation of religious influence from public and political life; and dualism typically refers to a philosophical concept that two fundamental substances or realities exist, often regarding good and evil but not specifically about deities.