Frank Zappa seems to be right in his assessment that music is the only religion that gives the goods and it has no dogma that one must follow. It is also the one "religion" that doesn't have Animism at its foundation.
I know most of the religious folks out there are going, "whoa, wait a minute, my religion is original and its foundation is in God." Ok, chill out, here have some hash because I am sure this would be an interesting read on hash, lol. The rest are going, "What the fuck is Animism?" Well Animism is considered by some scholars to be the foundation for religions.
The one thing that all religions believe in is the belief in a soul. Well Animism comes from the Latin word Anima, which means soul. So basically Animisim refers to the belief system that attributes souls to animals, plants, and other entities, which would of course include humans. If I remember correctly, Judaism believes that everything has a soul, whether it be animate or inanimate. Whether this is true is unknowable.
Still, I find is reasonable to believe that modern religions which include the major three, are based off of Animism. Most would disagree, but the similarites between all religions logically means that a precursor must have existed. Animism isn't a religions per se, but it is a fundamental philosophical foundation for all religions, whether you'd rather hide your eyes or let them open up a little more.
Word of advice. Don't give me low ratings if you don't agree with me. Only give me low ratings if my writing is bad. Thanks.
I leave this comment not for points but for everytime that I write a blog like this, people give me low ratings because they don't agree with my belief, so don't be pricks alright guys.
"I leave this comment not for points..."
Can you even get points? You have that little "U" bubble, which signifies that your affiliated with ProgressiveU, and doesn't that prevent you from being part of the competition?
(I gave you a 4)
The little bubble means that he's an Alumni Association member (the same with me and my little bubble). As long as he doesn't decide to volunteer as a mod, he can still earn points.
-- quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
What does Alumni Association member mean?
http://www.progressiveu.org/node/37559
-- quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
I think you're right in the Judeo-Christian sense, but is animism also the basis for eastern religions, like Buddhism, Jainism and such? If so, I'd be interested in hearing why.
Jainism, yes. Buddhism, I think.
In Jainism, there is the belief that everything has a soul, even inanimate objects, some even have two souls.
Since Buddhism believes in reincarnation, I would assume it would also have the same Animist basis, since reincarnation is not possible without a soul to reincarnate to different bodies.
-- quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Honestly, I agree with you. I think that all religions are pretty much stemming off from each other (obviously there are a few ones that don't really fit the pattern that most go by, but generally)So it makes sense that all religions seem to be based in some way on one base one. I don't know much about it though, I'm just basing this on what you are saying. Religion is a man-made thing, whether you believe in it or not, and as humans (as i've noticed) we like to build off other ideas. However, one thing remains true, every religion I've heard of has some form of a soul, so you could very well be right
Animism is the most primitive foundation that has been found so far. You have to start somewhere, and it wouldn't surprise me that animism is the foundation. Then our beliefs stem off from it and it is built upon and eventually forgotten.
I just have a question for everyone and no one in particular.
Is Animisim the reason for religious wars?
I love your reference to Frank Zappa and music being the ultimate religion. All of this kind of reminds me of a scene from the movie Dogma. Its at almost the very end of the movie when Rufus and Bethany are talking about belief. Every terrible thing in the name of religion has been brought about by "belief". Rufus asks Bethany if she now "Believes". And she says no, but she has a good idea.
No, Animism is not the reason for religious wars. Religious dogma is usually the reason behind religious wars. Animism, if it is a religion is probably the most peaceful because everyone accepts it, lol.
I actually learned in my Intro to Sociology class that Animism is in fact the oldest religion known. And yes, all the major religions stemed off of it. It only makes sense anyways, that one religion was the path to the rest.
I am positive people will argue with what I just said, but there are always different learnings in different places, so please don't attack me. Thanks.
I think of animism as more of a philosophy than an actual religion, but I see how it could be a religion and it would be the oldest.
No one is going to argue because deep down they know that what we're saying is true, lol.
Haha well hopefully that is the case! And yes, it could be more of a philosophy but that is what I learned. :]
I wonder how you qualify something as a religion or not...hmm
Animism is a characteristic of most religion, not the basis of all religions.
[Krst]
http://writing.progressiveu.org/story/casualty-letter
My Dr. Seuss Contest entry ^^
It is a foundation. If Animism hadn't existed, then the theory on souls wouldn't exist because no one would have thought it up. It is also odd that every single religion is Animistic, yet you're gonna chaulk it up to an amazing characteristic even though logically it is more plausiable that religions are built up on it.
I'm not sure you can contribute the foundations of religion down to one philosophy. So much more went into the foundation of many religions, and you can consider a tangible reason, like the distance between areas that doesn't account for religions of all areas stemming from one belief. Animism is obviously a trait in Eastern religions, and it seems to be a trait of Western religions, yet I can only see the foundations of religion in practical reasoning. This sounds overly simplistic, but people need a reason for things to happen. They need motivation to act according to the laws of society, and they need something/someone to pray to in order to assure karma. (I use karma ironically, but it's meant to be disassociated to Hinduism.)
Cheers from Union Jane
"I have only ever made one prayer a very short one: "God, make my enemies ridiculous." And God made it so." --Voltaire
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." --Eleanor Roosevelt
Well now, here is a strange face to the new contestants on Progressive U. How've you been?
No, I am sure you're right, but I think we can say that this is a very strong foundation. I agree with what you say about people needing a reason.
I've been decent, and having a gander at the new blogs that inevitably cropped up in my absence. Animism as a very strong foundation I can agree to...I would be interested to track how animism began, and helped develop the religions of today. Basically, the beginning and end of the idea. I'll get back to you on this, surely.
Cheers from Union Jane
"I have only ever made one prayer a very short one: "God, make my enemies ridiculous." And God made it so." --Voltaire
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." --Eleanor Roosevelt
I think you'll find some interesting blogs but mostly more of the same, lol. We really need new issues to debate on here...or, er i mean discuss.
I'm interested as well into how Animism began. Animism is the beginning and end for religions I believe, whether we want to accept that or not, sure there are other beginnings and endings but this is a crucial one. I just don't know how yet.
A funny coincidence, but I think I'm going to include thoughts on animism on a project I have to do for my humanities class. I'm supposed to be creating a presentation on early Christianity from Roman times until medieval times. As soon as I heard that, I thought of animism and the development of Christianity into medieval times.
As for the quality of the new blogs, I can dig it. Last time I was a regular, it seemed like it was only people who had been on here forever had something worth reading. But being away allowed to get a fresh perspective. Of course, you still have blogs that cause to be simultaneously morally outraged and laughing at the same time. (Not laughing at the content, just at how shocking they are sometimes. I suppose it's not a humor laugh.)
Cheers from Union Jane
"I have only ever made one prayer a very short one: "God, make my enemies ridiculous." And God made it so." --Voltaire
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." --Eleanor Roosevelt
Sweet.
Hmm, which of my blogs have done that? But I am pretty blunt in my blogs and comments, but sometimes being morally outraged and laughing at the bluntness is a good thing. That's why I don't write so many blogs anymore, haha.
I'll try and remembe the one that got me the most...It was before I had read any of your blogs, and you posted ne that involved the differences between the sexes. I don't remember if you were on about being politically correct when talking about the sexes, or treatment in general, but I think it was the latter. I remember thinking your blog was incredibly crass, taking no consideration for any perspective but your own.
That is honestly what I originally thought. I also believe I commented something of the kind, and other people who wrote on your blog ganged up on me. Perhaps that's my misinterpretation of it. Since then, I realized that you frequently write about inflammatory material and I need to be less sensitive.
I'm also siding against your argument that you don't write blogs as often anymore. If anything, you've gotten more virulent. Also, your link to the videos about Iraqi soldier abuse of an animal isn't working anymore. :/
Cheers from Union Jane
"I have only ever made one prayer a very short one: "God, make my enemies ridiculous." And God made it so." --Voltaire
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." --Eleanor Roosevelt
Bah, I must go talk with Ogrish about that link.
Yeah, I remember that blog. It is from my own perspective, but also it is a condemnation of our cuture. I love condeming cultural faux pas. The more inflamatory the better especially if it is rarely talked about because it makes you think...a lot.
Virulent?
Hmm. Virulent is the first word that came to my mind in describing your blogs. But...hmm...perhaps that was a bad word choice. Voracious. Another v-word. Speaking of virulent, have you read that blog on progress recently? It's worth a gander. Honestly, I don't remember what exactly was so bad about the original blog, but it's probably worth checking out so I can understand it better, since you still stand by that belief.
As for being inflammatory, I feel like it's overrated, like everything else. Thought for thought's sake causes thinking to lose its importance. That feels odd to believe, but...what is the point of writing inflammatory posts just to upset?
Cheers from Union Jane
"I have only ever made one prayer a very short one: "God, make my enemies ridiculous." And God made it so." --Voltaire
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." --Eleanor Roosevelt