What are the Roots of Christian Monotheism?

The Greek general Ptolemy designated himself as an Egyptian pharaoh and obtained the title of "Soter" or "Savior." As the sharp ruler, Ptolemy comprehended the political advantage of developing an official religion. 

A single, composite divinity, a single god, one widely-inclusive arrangement of spiritual beliefs, in hopes of combining an assorted, often opposing religious groups throughout his kingdom and reinforce their commitment to that God's natural image. Ptolemy Himself.

 

 

As the first Greco-Egyptian pharaoh, Ptolemy needed a solitary, composite god to unify an assortment of subjects. As a prime example of the process of syncretism (an amalgamation of different religions), the characteristics and characters of multiple ancient gods were combined and became the Frankenstein god Serapis.

 

Of all the Egypto–Greek gods/goddesses, Serapis had the longest run, all the way into the Roman era. By infusing the characteristics of various ancient deities into Serapis, the tradition of monotheism (worship of one god) gained gradual acceptance in Alexandria over a period of several hundred years.

 

Serapis would embody aspects of many ancient deities, including Osiris and Apis and the Greek Dionysus and Hades, the Greek god of the Underworld. The Ptolemies decided that Serapis must possess universal features in an increasingly integrated nation. In consequence, Serapis possessed over 200 localized names/titles, which included (according to the Synod of Emperor Hadrian) Jesus Christ!

 

In the 3rd century BC, State-sponsored worship of Serapis became the Official religion of Egypt. However, due to the Roman conquest, the sponsored cult would spread throughout the Roman Empire.

 

For Serapis to enjoy universal acceptance and commitment, Serapis would be required to possess all the traits of earlier gods. Furthermore, to fashion together a grand union – in a process that anticipated the dominance of Roman Emperor Constantine several centuries later – Ptolemy permanently placed all state resources behind the sponsorship/promotion of an official state religion. Magnificent temples or churches of the god were built throughout Alexandria and Memphis. The Serapeum (a temple or other religious institution dedicated to the syncretic Greco-Egyptian deity Serapis)in Alexandria, blended aspects of Egyptian gigantism with graceful features of the Hellenic style. The temple expanded into a super complex, and one of the grandest monuments of pagan civilization.

 

Here is a link to see the history and current ruins of the Serapeum of Alexandria:

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/egypt/alexandria-serapeum