It is unknown where Animism began in indigenous culture since many tribes around the world have some form of Animism in their religion. The term Animism was first coined in 1720 by the German scientist Gorg Ernst Stahl. Stahl research into Animism led him to believe that the existence of life and disease were all traced back to spiritual causes. The term was re purposed by the anthropologist Sir Edward Tylor (image above) in his 1871 book Primitive Culture where he defined it as the general principle of souls and other spiritual beings in general.
Tylor believed that animistic beliefs were childish and typical of underdevelopment in humans and that it was therefore common in primitive and indigenous people such as those living in hunter and gatherer societies. As society has become more educated and scientific evidence has informed beliefs, people's views have according to Tylor developed. Although, interestingly some animistic beliefs have survived, such as the popular belief of the power and protection in stones and crystal healing. The popularity of clairvoyance and fortune telling. Even many modern day superstitions have their links to an ancient animistic belief, such as a black cat crossing you path being bad luck (see the website link below for more). For more information check out these websites: This site compares Christian creation beliefs such as the concept of how God created the world and Adam and Eve and the Animistic creation beliefs: http://www.utexas.edu/courses/sami/diehtu/siida/religion/creationmyth.htm This site gives some factual information regarding Burnett Tylor, especially his view of "Progressive Development": http://www.britannica.com/biography/Edward-Burnett-Tylor This link below lists some modern day superstitions. Many of which have animistic links: http://thespiritscience.net/2014/11/15/25-common-superstitions-and-their-origins/ |