Divinity: Encyclopedia II - Divinity - Divinity as entity

Divinity - Divinity as entity

A divinity, or divine being, is a deity or godlike entity. When used to refer to a single, supreme being, it usually takes the definite article and a capital: the Divinity. Although the term "divinity" is sometimes simply used as a synonym for "god",⁽¹⁾ it is also used to refer to types of entity in (non-Abrahamic) religions who fall between the usual notions of a god and of saints. For example, some branches of Buddhism involve beliefs in beings who are not human, and who have some supernatural status and religious significance, but who do not fall naturally under the concept of a god. ⁽²⁾

Similarly, some societies have considered their human rulers to be divinities (objects of worship, and with a superhuman status), but have been careful to distinguish them from the gods and goddesses of their religions' main pantheons.⁽³⁾

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Divinity as entity", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki