Animism is the belief that natural objects, natural phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls. Animism is likely one of the oldest forms of religious belief. It originated in primitive tribal societies where indigenous people believed that souls or spirits existed not only in humans but also in animals, plants, rocks, geographical features such as mountains or rivers, or other entities of the natural environment like thunder, wind, shadows. Animism is found in Earliest prehistoric religions, early polytheistic religions, and in various New Age religions. In June 2019, the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief referred to animism as the world’s largest religious group.
The Bible does not explicitly use the term “animism” but it clearly addresses beliefs and practices associated with animism. The Bible firmly rejects all forms of animism because they go against the worship of the one true God. Instead of worshiping the Creator, animists worship parts of His creation. The Bible makes it clear that God alone is divine and worthy of worship.
Examples of Animism
Some examples of animistic beliefs include:
- Nature worship – Worshiping the sun, moon, stars, trees, rivers, etc.
- Anthropomorphism – Attributing human characteristics or behaviors to nonhuman things like animals, plants, or natural objects.
- Totemism – Believing that a group shares spiritual kinship with a particular animal, plant, or natural object.
- Shamanism – Believing that religious leaders or shamans can communicate with the spirit world through altered states of consciousness.
- Ancestor worship – Believing that deceased ancestors have power to influence the living.
- Fetishism – Believing that objects have supernatural powers and can bring good luck.
What Does the Bible Say About Animism?
There is Only One True God
The Bible clearly teaches that there is only one true and living God who created all things (Deuteronomy 4:35,39; Isaiah 44:6,8). He alone is divine and worthy of worship. Animism goes against this by suggesting that spiritual power and divinity can be found throughout the natural world.
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior.” (Isaiah 43:10-11)
Worshiping Creation Rather than Creator is Idolatry
Animism typically involves worshiping aspects of God’s creation like animals, plants, or natural objects. But the Bible clearly prohibits worshiping anything in creation rather than the Creator himself. To worship parts of creation as divine is idolatry.
“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25)
Consulting Mediums and Spiritists is Forbidden
Some animistic practices rely on shamans and mediums who claim to communicate messages from the spirit world. But the Bible explicitly prohibits trying to communicate with spirits or consult the dead. Mediums are deceitful and God condemns spiritism of any kind.
“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:31)
Only God has Power Over Life and Death
Animists often believe that ancestors or spirits of dead relatives continue to influence the living. But the Bible says that only God has power over life and death, not human spirits. Consulting the dead shows lack of faith in God’s sovereign power.
“See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.” (Deuteronomy 32:39)
Fear God, Not Lesser Spirits
Animists live in fear of upsetting or displeasing the spirits they believe inhabit the world around them. But the Bible makes clear believers should fear God alone, not lesser spirits.
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)
Dangers and Effects of Animistic Beliefs
Submitting to animistic beliefs and practices can be extremely dangerous and harmful:
- Leads to idolatry rather than worshiping God
- Enslaves people through fear of spirits and taboos
- Mediums, shamans, and witch doctors have power through deception
- Prevents people from knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
- Offers no assurance of salvation or eternal life
The one true living God offers hope, truth, freedom and salvation to all who turn from worthless idols to serve Him. We must avoid all animistic beliefs and practices that dishonor God and enslave people in spiritual darkness.
How Should Christians Respond to Animism?
Animism is fundamentally incompatible with Christian belief in one sovereign, creator God. But how should Christians respond to the prevalence of animism?
- Recognize animists’ desire for spiritual things and introduce them to God the Creator.
- Lovingly show them thatADDONS and spirits cannot deliver or save, only Jesus can.
- Avoid animistic practices and do not incorporate them into Christian worship.
- Pray for animists to be freed from spiritual darkness by coming to Jesus.
- Rely on the Holy Spirit’s power, not amulets, charms or fetishes.
Most importantly, Christians should be ready to share the gospel with animists, so that by hearing the good news of Jesus Christ they can turn from worthless idols to serve the living God (1 Thessalonians 1:9).
The spiritual worldview behind animism is fundamentally incompatible with biblical Christianity. But through faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, animists can be freed from slavery to evil spirits and begin a personal relationship with the one true and living God.
