Canaanite Phoenician Religion

Religions of Ancient Millennia

During the early millennia (1st and 2nd centuries B.C.) gods were often referred to titles or names which were not always consistent. It is often difficult to ascertain their relationship to other deities and to determine their individuality. It appears that there was a tendency to concentrate all divine power in one deity even though various gods where believed to rule varieties of domains in heaven and on earth.

Canaanite Phoenician Paganism

Phoenician paganism was inspired by the powers and processes of nature. Many of the gods they worshiped, however, were localized and are now known only under their local names. A pantheon was presided over by the father of the gods, but a goddess was the principal figure in the Phoenician pantheon. This faith system influenced and was influenced by other religions of conquerors and cultures. Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek, and Roman gods found their way into Phoenician temples and were often worshiped side by side with Canaanite gods.

Phoenician Christians

Jesus Christ started his ministry among Jews and they were the first to accept his message. However, the Phoenicians where among the first gentiles to accept the Christian faith. Among the earliest references in the Bible of a gentile convert was the woman from Sidon for whom Jesus performed a miracle because of her great faith. In later centuries, they suffered many persecutions for their faith.

Phoenician Theology, Theogony and Creation Story

For essays on Phoenician theology, theogony (god-idea) and the Phoenician creation story, please use the related links.

Additional references, sources and bibliography
Phoenicia, A Bequest Unearthed -- Phoenician Encyclopedia