Egypt needs attention in the quest for the origins of the belief systems of today, because some of the fundamental doctrines were borrowed from there. In that sense the first real attempt at monotheism in Egypt by Akh-en-aten, and the Memphite theology are very important.
The roots of monotheism in Egypt could be found in earlier times. During the reign of Amenhotep III (The father of Akh-en-Aton) worship of the Sun-god seems to have achieved some degree of popularity. A very ancient name of the Sun-god, Aten or Aton has regained importance and the young king Amenhotep IV (later changed his name to Akh-en-aten/Akh-en-aton) became a loyal follower.
- Akh-en-Aten worshipped the sun not as an object but as a symbol of a divine being whose energy is manifested as rays of light;
- Akh-en-Aten described himself as the "first prophet of Re-Horakhte";
- The high priest of Aton was called the "greatest of seers".
- Akh-en-Aten has introduced for the first time the "exclusion principle" which transformed the doctrine of a universal god into monotheism. In one of the hymns he says: "O, sole god, there's no other god beside you!" (An identical impression could be found in the next belief system).
- According to Akh-en-aten, what was said about the other gods were all lies, and deception.
- He has totally rejected the illusion of life after death.
- Aton/Aten's belief system has banned everything connected to myths, magic, and witchcraft.
- Jinns, satans, monsters, spirits, demi-gods, demons, (even Osiris) were burned to ashes.
- There was no other representation or a personal image of the Sun-god Aten/Aton. Akh-en-aton did not allow the making of the idols or images of the Sun-god
- The real god has no form.
