Final answer:
A) Yes, animism is a widespread concept in world religions which attributes spiritual significance to non-human entities, and is often considered an early form of religious belief. It is a common element in various cultures and its influence can be seen in many religious practices. Therefore, animism is indeed common in world religions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Do I think animism is common in world religions? The answer to this would be A) Yes. Animism is a worldview that attributes spiritual significance to non-human entities including plants, animals, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena.
This belief is seen throughout many cultures and is considered to be one of the oldest forms of religious belief. Sir Edward Burnett Tylor, a pioneer in the field of anthropology, suggested that animism was the earliest form of religion from which more complex religious systems evolved. The concept of animism is evident in various cultures around the world; for instance, the Baka people center their religion around these beliefs, viewing objects, places, and creatures as possessing their own spirits.
Animism can be identified in traditional religious beliefs and practices. It’s not solely a feature of past or indigenous cultures; elements of animism can be found within modern religions as well, often coexisting with other religious beliefs such as polytheism or monotheism. Thus, while it may not be the primary belief system of major world religions today, its influence and presence are undeniable in many religious and spiritual traditions globally.