The key difference between animism and animatism is that animism is the belief that spirits exist in natural objects, while animatism is the belief that there is power in all forces around us. Both terms are found in anthropology and have their own distinct characteristics.
Key Takeaways
- Animism refers to the belief in spirits inhabiting natural objects, with each spirit assigned a specific personality.
- Animatism is the belief in a supernatural power existing in all forces, both animate and inanimate objects, but without a specific personality.
- Animism speaks of various individual spiritual beings, while animatism speaks of a singular supernatural force that exists everywhere.
What is Animism?
Animism is the belief that spirits exist in natural objects. This word comes from the Latin term ‘anima’ which refers to the soul. There are mainly two beliefs in animism: that the same spirit inhabits all natural objects, or that different spirits inhabit various natural objects such as rocks, trees, and rivers. Spirits are usually assigned specific personalities, including various qualities, gender, and behavior. Some spirits are considered good, while others are considered evil. In most primitive societies, people are concerned whether their actions would offend or displease a spirit, as they believe that spirits have the power to harm people if offended.
What is Animatism?
Animatism is the belief that there is power in all forces around us, considered a supernatural power. However, this power is not part of a supernatural being. According to animatism, power is everywhere and is impersonal. This belief can especially be seen in small-scale societies where power is inherent in various degrees in both animate and inanimate objects, such as rocks, plants, animals, and even people.
Difference between Animism and Animatism
- Individual spiritual beings: Animism speaks of individual spiritual beings, while animatism does not.
- Supernatural Force: Animism does not speak of a singular supernatural force but various spiritual beings, whereas animatism speaks of a supernatural force that exists everywhere in both inanimate and animated objects.
- Personality: In animism, supernatural forces have personalities, while in animatism, the supernatural force does not have a particular personality.
