One interesting thing about hierarchies is that they tend to enforce conformity. The personality of the leaders tends to be emulated at lower levels -- an understandable thing, because those lower levels are keen on "fitting in" and gaining the favor of higher-level entries in the hierarchy.
I think it's for this reason that when dealing with a "monotheist" person, it is important to find out how that person views her/his god. I believe that such a person will be making ever effort to emulate that view of that god, either as part of a conscious effort or by some sort of pack instinct.
I have religious friends who see God as a loving father figure who wants his children to live in peace and harmony with everyone. These folks are the best ones to get to know. They tend to be loving people, and developing relationships with them is a joy.
I've unfortunately run across others (more so recently than in the past) who see God as a vindictive, power-greedy monster who's only goal is to control the minds and lives of every one of its creations, like a master puppeteer. These people, trying to emulate this sort of god, are nasty beyond belief and impossible to talk with. Life is better without having any contact with such folks, IMO. There's little to be had there but pain.
But this does tend (so far as personal experience is concerned) to verify my thesis -- you can generally judge a man by finding out what he thinks of his God. Sometimes, it's quicker and easier than going through the bother of trying to develop a relationship through the old-fashioned method of holding conversations...
