thread: 2005-08-09 : The New Open House 2: Religion
On 2005-09-21, Green wrote:
Someone asked me to clarify what I meant when I described myself as Animist, so here I will explain as clearly as I can. I will begin by saying that the things I express here are difficult at best to verbalize, and it is probably extremely foolish of my to try, but in the interest of fostering understanding, I'll do my best.
Animism, as I have come to understand it, means that all things that exist in the physical world is a manifestation of spirit, that this spirit is autonomous of its material form, and that is has a nature that is unique to it.
Aside from that, I can only offer speculations about exactly what spirit is and how it does what it does. I strive to remain open to the possibilities, for I am skeptical about my ability to know and perceive "The Truth" to any great extent.
It's hard to say how Animism influences my thinking because as I said earlier, Animism wasn't so much a decision as it is a recognition. Yet, I can speak of how certain attitudes and behaviors reflect an Animist sensibility. If I could say that Animism provides moral guidance, it only lies in how I strive to honor the spirit of each thing, be it my dog, my car, my computer, a tree, a rock, a fellow human being, or myself. Sometimes that means keeping a place in my home for a beloved pet who passed away a few years ago. At other times it is stepping aside and letting things fall as they may. Then at times a little judicious discord is just the thing. Yet it is all done with a certain respect that rests not on ceremony, but on a genuine appreciation for the spirit in every thing.
This makes NInJ go "How do you show that respect?"
Do you use ritual - however small - to pay that respect?
This makes Green go "Not particularly"
Like I said, it's not something based in ceremony. The things I do, if they have an element of ritual at all, are as ritualistic as a handshake.
This makes NInJ go "Pretty rockin'."
I think this is the way religion should be practiced: personally, as exploration.
This makes Green go "Interesting"
Perhaps you should post something about that idea. I'd be interested in seeing why you prefer religious practice as exploration rather than . . . establishment.
This makes NInJ go "This isn't the right format for that...."
I'll post something on my blog in the near future. Come over and comment!
