Animism is the belief that all objects in the world such as animals, plants, rivers and the moon each have a spirit that can offer help or harm to humans. Each of these spirits must be worshiped or appeased through Animists offering sacrifices, prayers, dances and other forms of showing devotion to these spirits. It is known that if a spirit has not been worshipped properly or disrespected, then natural disasters would destroy the tribes and so this is what kept Animists trying to keep the spirits pleased. Anamist's use magic, spells, enchantments, superstitions, amulets, talismans and charms, virtually anything that they believe will help to protect them from the evil spirits and keep the good spirits happy which are found everywhere and in everything.
Animism is known to have been practiced since the ancient times and is known to have been mentioned in the bible by the apostle Paul in the new testament. He teaches that the idols which is one of the ways Animists would worship these spirits do not have a real existence and there is no God but one. Today Animism still exists in most tribal religions of the world such as the Japanese religion Shinto, Buddhism, Hinduism and in Pagan and Neopagan religions. In addition to believing inanimate objects have spirits, many believe in revering the spirits of ancestors who have an influence on those who are living. This is a well known practice in Shinto and forms of Native American spirituality. This link has some great Animistic believers quotations: http://www.jamesshuggins.com/h/quo1/quotations_native_americans.htm This link provides information about what Animists believe and has the bible's view on Animists and their beliefs: http://www.compellingtruth.org/animism.html This link has some great pictures and short interesting pieces of information: http://www.britannica.com/topic/animism This link has excellent information about Animism and its relevance in modern Christianity: http://www.christiananimism.com/ |
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