The United States can certainly be considered to be a henotheistic society in that, while there is no official state religion, Christianity absolutely takes a dominant place as the central religion in the nation and its governing structures. The Pledge of Allegiance includes the phrase "one nation under God, indivisible," and this phrase refers specifically to the Christian God, absolutely a monotheistic god. While other forms of religions are not outlawed in the United States, Christianity and its holidays and traditions are central in our society. For example, Christmas, a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of a Christian savior, is a national holiday, whereas the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad is not a national holiday. Easter, another Christian holiday, is also a national holiday, whereas Kwanzaa, a celebration recognized by Black folks across the African diaspora, including in America, is not a national holiday.
Henotheism refers to a religious practice in which one God is considered central but in which the existence of other gods is recognized. Earlier scholars used this term to characterize religions such as Hinduism and Zoroastrianism, which were seen as progressing towards monotheism, or the belief in one God, while still allowing for the existence of other gods in a form of syncretism, or the integration of pre-existing beliefs, including deities, with new beliefs.
To some degree, the mass American religious culture could be considered henotheistic. The monotheistic Judeo-Christian tradition has guided the development of the culture, and, to the degree that many people are religious, they adhere to a belief in a Judeo-Christian God. However, as the society becomes more and more diverse, there are more and more variations of Christianity as well as the practice of other religions such as Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and others.
While the greatest number of people still define themselves as Christian, the society is increasingly secular and increasingly pluralistic in that the society recognizes the truth and validity of other religions. In other words, the society is not only tolerant but also pluralistic. The society is tolerant in that religions other than mainstream Christianity are largely able to practice their own religions, and the American society is pluralistic in that the society also recognizes that truth can be found in other religions. Therefore, the society is henotheistic, in that, while there is one God, there is also a recognition of other deities and truths.
For further reading, check out the link below or the following citation:
Eck, Diana L. A New Religious America: How a "Christian Country" Has Become the World's Most Religiously Diverse Nation. Harper San Francisco, 2002.
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