Which belief systems are neither monotheistic nor polytheistic?

• A. Hinduism
• B. Christianity
• C. Islam
• D. Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is which belief systems aren’t organized around belief in one single god or many gods. Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism fit because they’re not centered on a monotheistic or polytheistic framework. Buddhism focuses on the path to enlightenment and ethical practice rather than worship of a creator god. Confucianism is primarily a system of ethics, social harmony, and ritual conduct, with religion playing a secondary role to moral and civic life. Taoism centers on living in accord with the Tao, the underlying principle of the universe, rather than worship of deities in a monotheistic or polytheistic sense. In contrast, Hinduism is typically polytheistic (or henotheistic in many practices), while Christianity and Islam are clearly monotheistic.