Thanks for those constructive criticisms.
I'd say there's no chasm between polytheism and monotheism since the two are linked by history (by henotheism or monolatry). The God of Genesis didn't create the universe either, but (implicitly) defeated the chaos dragon that lived in deep waters.
But sure, monotheism differs from polytheism. My point was to rebut Shapiro's claim that Jews were profoundly original in saying that God is “unified” and that “a master plan stood behind everything." Zeus had a master plan too (or he worked with the Fates), and he always got the better of the other gods and restored balance, just as Yahweh is supposed to outsmart Satan. Ra was an even more supreme deity.
The difference between monotheism and polytheism is one of degree since monotheists just conceptualize the other domestic and foreign gods as angels and demons.
The pagan persecution of early Christians has been exaggerated for propagandistic purposes. But yes, Christians didn't get to spend their inheritance right away, as it were. Compare those few centuries with the millennia of Jewish lowliness, though. That was my point.
I agree that some philosophy is uplifting. Anyway, true philosophers learn to love the darkness and the alienation. But overall, philosophy shatters the delusions that sustain mass contentment, making philosophy uniquely off-putting to the unreflective masses. Granted, this isn't exactly an objective assessment. Philosophy's ultimate negativity is a judgment call based on my experience and reading. (I studied philosophy up to and including the Ph.D. level.)
I'm Jewish by upbringing, by the way. You might be interested in my articles on Judaism:
