As a subject matter expert in the field of religious studies, I am well-versed in the history and development of various religious traditions. It is a fascinating journey to explore the origins and evolution of religious beliefs, especially those that center around the concept of monotheism—the belief in a single, supreme deity.

The oldest monotheistic religion in the world is a topic of considerable debate among scholars. However, the most widely accepted view is that Judaism is the oldest monotheistic faith. It is believed to have originated in the second millennium BCE, specifically around the time of the patriarchs, such as Abraham, who is considered the father of monotheism in Jewish tradition.

Judaism's monotheistic nature is characterized by a strict adherence to the belief in one God, who is described as an absolute, indivisible, and incomparable being. This deity is considered the ultimate cause of all existence and is often referred to as Yahweh in the Hebrew Bible. The Jewish understanding of God is deeply rooted in the concept of a covenantal relationship, where God enters into a binding agreement with the Jewish people, as exemplified by the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

The development of monotheism in Judaism was not a straightforward process. It evolved over time, with early Israelites likely worshipping multiple deities before gradually moving towards a more exclusive monotheism. This transition is evident in the Hebrew Bible itself, which contains references to other gods alongside the God of Israel.

It is important to note that while Judaism is considered the oldest monotheistic religion, other ancient civilizations also had beliefs that could be interpreted as monotheistic or proto-monotheistic. For example, the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten is known for promoting the worship of a single god, the Aten, in the 14th century BCE. However, this religious reform was short-lived and did not develop into a lasting monotheistic tradition.

Another contender for the title of the world's oldest monotheistic religion is Zoroastrianism, which originated in ancient Persia around the 6th century BCE. Zoroastrianism worships Ahura Mazda as the supreme deity and emphasizes the struggle between good and evil. However, its origins are later than those of Judaism, making Judaism the older of the two.

In conclusion, while there are various perspectives on the oldest monotheistic religion, Judaism stands out as the most enduring and influential monotheistic tradition, with its roots stretching back thousands of years. Its impact on subsequent monotheistic religions, such as Christianity and Islam, is undeniable, and its teachings continue to shape the spiritual lives of millions around the world.

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Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world. God in Judaism is strictly monotheistic, an absolute one, indivisible, and incomparable being who is the ultimate cause of all existence.read more >>