ISLAM AND ANIMISM

Now we find that Islam, in Arabia itself and in the older Muslim lands, was not able to shake itself free from similar beliefs and practices. To understand these correctly in their origin and character, it is necessary first of all to know something of what we mean by "Animism." Animism is the belief that a great part, if not all, of the inanimate kingdom of nature, as well as all animated beings, are endowed with reason, intelligence, and volition identical with man's. Kennedy defines it as "both a religion, a system of philosophy, and a system of medicine. As a religious system, it denotes the worship of spirits as distinguished from that of the gods." Kennedy, "Animism" (Westminster, 1914). Warneck says: "It would seem as if Animism were the primitive form of heathenism, maintaining itself, as in China and India to this hour, amid all the refinements of civilization. The study of Greek and old German religions exhibits the same animistic features. The essence of heathenism seems to be not the denial of God, but complete estrangement from Him. The existence of God is everywhere known, and a certain veneration given Him. But He is far away, and is therefore all but ruled out of the religious life. His place is taken by demons, who are feared and worshipped." Warneck, "Living Christ and Dying Heathenism," p. 7.