The polytheistic aspect of Hinduism was one of the reasons I was first drawn to the religion, but the more I think about it, the less I am able to explain why I find polytheism to be more reassuring. 

On a logical level, it seems I should be more comfortable with a single god that never errs than with multiple gods that do make mistakes.  The example that comes to mind is when Shiva beheads his son Ganesh before he realizes who he is.  I still cannot figure out why I find the Hindu pantheon, who make mistakes such as this to be more reassuring than a single, omniscient being.  Perhaps it is because the Hindu gods and goddesses appear more human through their mistakes.  Perhaps I have an easier time connecting with deities who act in ways that I have experienced, because I am better able to understand their actions.  Perhaps my greatest issue with strict monotheism is that I cannot visualize what such an entity would be like, so I have a hard time connecting to it.  I find I have an easier time believing in the existence of deities whose actions, and mistakes, make them more human, even though with that humanity comes the greater potential for error.

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