This is an detailed analysis of how things might have happened. To begin with - Hinduism - Is not polytheism as people perceive . The tenets of hinduism is - God takes human form when ever evil commands the world . In baghvath gita it is mentioned that , there is a supreme above - shiva, vishnu, brahma. which has not form , shape . perhaps it is sound - OM.
christians - consider jesus as the son or messenger of God , who came to rescue .
Muslims - mohhammed is a messenger of God.
If we analyse things in a historical perspective. Right through ages, we have noticed that any individual who does good to society is worshiped.
Keeping this in view, we can give a chronological order- 17000 years ago - Lord Ram ( vishnu avatar) 2500 BC - Lord Krishna ( vishnu avatar) 4 BC - Jesus 64 AD - Mohhammed.
Scientific analysis - God is nothing but flow of energy, for universal existence - we need sun- which is the source of energy. Under the influence of Sun rays - mutations, sterlisation, solar energy, vit d production etc - happen. so, the practice of worshiping sun is based on these principles.
If one closely studies the principles of hinduism. Everything is based on scientific principle, like - the use of tulasi ( sacred plant)for medicinal use and many more examples.
this space is not sufficient for a detailed explanation- so a cursory details are provided. mails are entertained - rbose_16@yahoo.co.in