RE: When speculation becomes fact... you've likely seen it...
The Council of Nicea (325 AD) was to settle two issues. 1) What books would be in the Bible. 2) The divinity of Christ. Prior to Constantine's ephiney Christianity was comprised of many underground sects (churches) spread throughout the Roman Empire. Representatives of these sects comprised the Council. The question of divinity had two camps Arians, and those who believed that Jesus is divine. Arianism centered on the belief that God created everything and everything else (including Jesus) was a creation. The Council decided that Jesus is divine. In the Nicean Creed when it speaks of the holy catholic church it refers to the group of sects all of whom believe in Christianity. The word catholic means universal therefore, in this context, it does not refer to Roman Catholicism, but the body of Christian Churches. When Martin Luther held his council they deleted 9 books from the Vulgate. Luther wanted to delete James, Hebrews and Revelations but was outvoted. The Catholic Church is monotheistic, we do not worship saints or Mary for that matter. Mary is recognized because she is the mother of Jesus. When we pray the Hail Mary, it is only to ask her to intercede on our behalf. The word pray, literally, means to ask. Most of the early saints were martyrs and are recognized for their contributions, nothing more...they are not considered divine.
Some people do pray to the saints. Some people likely do not. One thing I noticed when sitting on a pew, is that no two Christians on that pew believed 100% the same thing.
The Polythesism Aspect that could be inferred from saints (often as graven images) that are held, revered, and prayed to. I have no doubt that some people SEE past this, yet I assure you not everyone does.
In fact, it was this aspect of Catholicism that gave the African slaves in places like Haiti a way to transpose their tribal Gods into the aspect of Catholicism. This is where Vodoun came from. They were able to continue their polytheism (tied to spirits an Loas) by slight tweaks to Catholicism. It also made it easier for them to coexist with the Catholics.
I dispute that any religion that does the Good vs Evil with two sides is Monotheism. That is a dualistic system. They may believe one is superior to the other, but this was like I said true of ancient polytheistic religions as well.
During early Judaism (before mingling with Zoroastrians) Judaism was indeed most definitely monotheistic.
I think it is debateable whether it remained monotheistic after taking on the traits of the DUALISTIC system of Zoroastrianism.
Praying is not worshipping... it's only asking someone close to God for help.
I'll concede that is an accurate statement. Yet this is a good time to ask. What is your definition of worship?
I would have to equate it with rendering COMPLETE obedience to without hesitation. Something I reserve for God alone.