Religion = Depression

[BigJohn]

Originally Posted by Happy Wanderer

BigJohn, post #24, 'Animism', what a lovely term! And what a wonderful antidote to the fear and depression meted out by 'religions'. If mankind could see the spark of the divine (or whatever your term is for 'God') in ALL things, and stop considering that mankind is the be all and end all, maybe it would treat the earth (Gaia?) with more respect, IMHO.

Thanks................

In the West, it is extremely hard to find anybody interesedt or who knows about Animism but in the East, it resonates 'all over'.

[Altair]

Originally Posted by BigJohn

In the West, it is extremely hard to find anybody interesedt or who knows about Animism but in the East, it resonates 'all over'.

Used to be different. Original European religions were polytheistic and had animistic elements. Similarly, Native Americans (north and south). Then Christianity happened...

[Miss Hepburn]

Animism: Animism is the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence.

Animism:
belief in innumerable spiritual beings concerned with human affairs and capable of helping or harming human interests.

Animism:
the belief that natural objects, natural phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls. the belief that natural objects
have souls that may exist apart from their material bodies. ...
belief in spiritual beings or agencies.
.......

OK, got it :) - I believe many people believe all of these - but never stamped a label onto their beliefs.
S0, you have a lot of company, BJ, that don't realize there is a word for their beliefs!

[BigJohn]

Originally Posted by Miss Hepburn

Animism: Animism is the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence.

Animism:
belief in innumerable spiritual beings concerned with human affairs and capable of helping or harming human interests.

Animism:
the belief that natural objects, natural phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls. the belief that natural objects
have souls that may exist apart from their material bodies. ...
belief in spiritual beings or agencies.
.......

OK, got it :) - I believe many people believe all of these - but never stamped a label onto their beliefs.
S0, you have a lot of company, BJ, that don't realize there is a word for their beliefs!

Animism, is considered by many, to be the oldest belief system. I look at it simply as spirit is in everything.

In the West, the word is almost unknown.
Those from the West who go to the East, 'discover' what Animism is, and for the most part, still do not like Animism.

[SpiritualFreedom]

Is not more religion what the world needs,
but more ehics and morality that are fair to everyone in the world

[BigJohn]

Originally Posted by SpiritualFreedom

Is not more religion what the world needs,
but more ehics and morality that are fair to everyone in the world

.........yet, if you look at Animism, you find Animism virtually in all religions.

[Happy Wanderer]

Originally Posted by BigJohn

Animism, is considered by many, to be the oldest belief system. I look at it simply as spirit is in everything.

In the West, the word is almost unknown.
Those from the West who go to the East, 'discover' what Animism is, and for the most part, still do not like Animism.

I don't know why people would not like animism. I think it is partly why so many people (here in the UK anyway, I can't comment on other countries) are finding a state of peace and serenity whilst communing with nature during C19-imposed lockdowns. They can't help but be positively charged by the divine in each natural object they pass. I do a lot of walking with my dog; lots more people out on the public footpaths, beaches, in the woods etc, and without exception they all appear to be at peace with themselves in the natural environment, all acknowledging each other with a smile and a cheery
greeting. I have always felt an affinity with nature, ever since being a child, climbing trees etc., but then I had the advantage of growing up in the countryside.

BigJohn, re: post #60, Haha! Perhaps you could cut me a spare while you're there! When my friend told me I wouldn't be accepted into the kingdom of heaven (for various reasons to do with her church, not my spiritual status) I told her I didn't like her god very much anyway, thank you!

Astralsuzy #58 Unfortunately some people don't get to choose whether to accept the religion into which they have been indoctrinated, it is forced upon them. By the time they are old enough to practice free will they are reluctant to let go of their 'faith' as by then they are using it not just as a prop, but to justify their strange and sometimes unspiritual opinions and behaviours.

Isn't it strange that my friend feels she needs to pray for me, to save my soul from eternal damnation (really?!) and I feel the need to pray for her to be released from her indoctrinated thoughts and practices!

[BigJohn]

Originally Posted by Happy Wanderer

BigJohn, re: post #60, Haha! Perhaps you could cut me a spare while you're there! When my friend told me I wouldn't be accepted into the kingdom of heaven (for various reasons to do with her church, not my spiritual status) I told her I didn't like her god very much anyway, thank you!

Because you noticed that post, I am sending you two spare keys I made to the Kingdom of Heaven. I am also included a round trip pass so you can leave and come back to Heaven at your own pleasure as many times as you want.

I liked your comments on Animism. Conversing with a tree, cloud, rock, etc. brings a person into a close, personal relationship with our environment.

[HoliPsychCo]

[quote=Altair]Yes.. I can sympathize. I too end up in a worse place if I follow someone else.
I always am my own man and need to make my own path..

Note that many religions (Dharmic, and Abrahamic originally too) were created in collectivist societies. Many people need an authority to tell them what to do, think and believe. For free-spirited people that wish to express themselves beyond the boundaries it simply doesn't work. They feel suffocated by the norms and the predictability.

Though, I do respect these established formal religions for their cultural impact, charity, and all the great works of art/architecture.





I can relate so much to that. It makes a lot of sense when you think about it.

[quote=HoliPsychCo]

Originally Posted by Altair

Note that many religions (Dharmic, and Abrahamic originally too) were created in collectivist societies. Many people need an authority to tell them what to do, think and believe. For free-spirited people that wish to express themselves beyond the boundaries it simply doesn't work. They feel suffocated by the norms and the predictability.

Though, I do respect these established formal religions for their cultural impact, charity, and all the great works of art/architecture.

I can relate so much to that. It makes a lot of sense when you think about it.

HoliPsychCo,

Thanks....I appreciate your balanced outlook. Especially for acknowledging what religion has brought to the table. In addition to the specific things that you mentioned the promotion of education and the establishment of institutions of higher learning could possibly be at the top of the list. The progress of this nation and this world was, in large part, due to the advance of education.

It is quite common on these forums for people to express great bitterness towards religion.....not remembering that relgion has played a prominent role in developing their very ability to bring reason and light to the very things they advocate.

There is definitely a place for those who separate themselves from religion....the question might be asked what do they bring to the table in the way of contribution to society ? It might be as visible as what religion has done.....and in many cases....has been made possible by the very things that they castigate.