Animism

“ The attribution of a living soul to plants, inanimate objects and natural phenomena” 

Animism is the belief that a spirit or divinity resides within every object, controlling its existence and influencing human life and events in the natural world. Animistic religious beliefs are widespread among primitive societies, particularly among those in which many different spiritual beings are believed to control different aspects of the natural and social environment.

What does life essentially mean according animism?

From the viewpoint of animism, they view the universe as a community of living persons, a network of life.  Everything is valued and recognized as sacred. 

Why does animism mean?

The English word animism has Latin roots of “soul” and “life”. It is related to other English words like “animal”.

 

Where does life come from?

Animism is regarded as the most primitive stage in the evolution of religion. It is suggested that the contemplation of dreams and trances and the observation of death led primitive peoples to conceive of the Soul and of human spirits, and that these spiritual conceptions were then projected onto the natural world. 

Where did Animism originate?

Animism originated in Africa. It is also the oldest of all religions ever. It is very traditional. Animism is practiced in many cultures, not just one specific culture, although most of this religion is practiced in Africa today.

 

What does Animism believe in?

Animism believes in spirits and souls. They also believe that animals, rocks, wind, clouds, stars and rain also have souls as well. They are deeply connected to the world and all living people, animals and objects. 

A quote from an Animist

“The Ash tree near my front door is a living person, who possesses a worldview, culture, and language distinct from my own.  Because I live within such a vital world, I try my best to live respectfully as a member of the diverse community of living persons”

 This means he respects each and every part of the universe as equally as humans.  Animists give names animals and plants such as “grass-persons, worm-persons, and ant-persons”