Animistic Religion (Spencer Mottley)

    A majority of the religions we have discussed over the course of this class (Buddhism (partially), 

European Paganism, Aboriginal Religion, and Traditional Native American religions) have been animistic 

religions. Animistic religions account for some of the oldest religions in the world. With certain 

Animalistic religions have their roots as far back as the Stone Age. Animistic religions are distinct from 

other religions in the fact that they believe all things, both boitic and non-boitic, have a spirit and soul, and 

that all things are alive. Believers of animalistic religions also often assign personhood to non-human 

animals, plants, and even to places and objects. The origin of the word animism originates from the Latin 

word anima, which means breath, life, and spirit. These religions also almost always have certain prayers 

and or rituals that are carried out to ward off evil spirits that they believe cause harm to people or the 

community as a whole. After researching Animistic religion, I was left with a question and an answer to 

that question. My question was, does animistic religion promote sustainability? My answer to that 
question is yes, it does, because it attaches intrinsic value and worth to non-human lifeforms and objects. 

which encourages their admiration and protection. 


 Sources 



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