Around the world there are many people who have a strong belief in things they cannot see. Though not an organized religion, animism is a descriptive word that brings together many different groups and practices that focus on the unseen world. Learn more and find ways to share God's love and power.
Animists believe that the unseen spiritual world is closely connected to everyday life. They often believe that spirits inhabit natural objects such as trees, rivers, mountains, animals, and even certain places. Many also believe the spirits of ancestors or other supernatural beings can influence health, crops, weather, success, and misfortune. Because of this, they may offer sacrifices, prayers, or rituals to seek protection, blessing, or guidance from these spirits.
Animists are sometimes found among remote tribal peoples who have not adopted one of the world's major religions. However, animistic beliefs are also common within many major religions. For example, a person may identify as Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, or even Christian, yet still practice rituals intended to appease local spirits or ancestors. A Thai Buddhist who offers flowers or incense to a spirit house for protection is practicing an animistic tradition alongside Buddhism.
You are likely to meet Animists not only in jungles, mountain tops, or cities in far-off places, but In North America and other places where refugees and immigrants have moved. Learn more about them, pray for them, and watch so you can befriend and share Jesus in meaningful ways. Here are some resources to get started.
Animism - Journal of Adventist Mission Studies
Learn more about Animism and how to share the gospel in this profile from International Students Inc.
The following resources are specifically for dealing with evil spirits.
Ellen White on Confrontation with Evil Spiritual Powers by Marc Coleman
Spiritual Warfare and the Occult - Journal of Adventist Mission Studies
Adventist Responses to Witchcraft - Journal of Adventist Mission Studies
Set Free In Christ Institute - Gaining freedom in Christ from Satan's snares
Fallen Angels: One Man’s True Encounters with Evil - Tim Maddocks shares his experiences from ministry in Cambodia
Finding Deliverance in Christ - A deliverance ministry manual sponsored by Adventist Frontier Missions and the Department of World Mission at Andrews University
Spiritualism, Witchcraft, and Overcoming Demons. There are several playlists to explore at Little Light Studio.
Spiritual Warfare. David Ng presentation of 6 parts.
Spiritual Warfare Series with Tim Maddocks.
The inclusion of a website on this post does not necessarily mean a recommendation by Home for All Nations.
