Traditions

In an Abrahamic prophetic tradition, it is necessary to be neither polytheist nor atheist but monotheist whereas, in an Indian contemplative tradition, it is possible to be polytheist, monotheist or atheist and also to advance from polytheism to monotheism or monism by reinterpreting many gods as aspects of a single personal or impersonal reality.

Traditions

prophetic: monotheist

contemplative: polytheist, monotheist, atheist or monist

There is contemplation in some prophetic traditions and monotheism in some contemplative traditions where monotheism may also be monistic or transitional to monism. 

Prophecy is specific and exclusive whereas contemplation is comprehensive and inclusive. Prophecy and prayer presuppose a deity whereas contemplation presupposes only consciousness and reality and therefore is expressed through diverse theories of:

many individual souls;

one universal soul;

no soul.

I was educated in a prophetic tradition but now meditate in a contemplative tradition. My philosophy is monist but materialist, not idealist. Therefore, I accept neither soul pluralist reincarnation nor no-soulist rebirth. Being has become conscious and each psychophysical organism is a distinct individual subject of consciousness.

The Jade Emperor

The Jade Emperor condescended to take an indulgent view. “These creatures in the world below,” he said, “were compounded of the essence of heaven and earth, and nothing that goes on there should surprise us.”

-copied from here.

A Chinese student who attends our meditation group told me that, in his home town, there is a temple to Kanzeon but that it is obligatory to worship the Jade Emperor first!

I trust that I may take an indulgent view of the Jade Emperor. I will pay my respects to an idol only as a lead in to just sitting meditation. The Jade Emperor must defer to the Enlightened One.

The gambler's philosophy: "Thus year, the Jade Emperor's turn; next year, mine."

The Bodhisattva Ideal: "The Buddhahood of every blade of grass."

My Pantheon: The Nine

1. Krishna taught karma yoga, nonattached action.

2. The Buddha taught meditation: a teacher of gods and men.

3. Jesus proclaimed the kingdom: a new society and a new consciousness.

4. Indra released rain from heaven. He personifies the beneficent aspect of nature.

5. Prometheus stole fire from heaven. He personifies human action on nature, control of natural forces, technology, "Prometheanism."

6. Odin sacrificed an eye and himself to seek wisdom.

7. Thor killed frost giants with his hammer, thus protecting mankind from the hostile aspect of nature.

8. The Triple Goddess: Maiden, Mother, Crone.

9. The sea god: Neptune, Poseidon, Lir, Njord (sea giant). The sea is the source of life and the Biblical pre-cosmic chaos.

Krishna and the Buddha are avatars of the comprehensive deity, Vishnu.

Addendum: Since the Sun is the source of light and life, the Nine should include a solar deity. However, I think that Krishna fulfills this role among many others.