Which belief system recognises life in all natural things?

The recognition of life in all natural things is a core tenet of animism. This belief system views not just people and animals, but also plants, rocks, rivers, and other elements of nature as having spiritual essence or life force. Followers of animism believe that these entities can engage in relationships with humans, communicate, and have their own spirits or consciousness. This worldview fosters a deep respect for nature and the environment, as everything is interconnected.

In contrast, theism is centered around belief in a singular or multiple gods, but does not necessarily attribute life or consciousness to non-human entities in nature. Totemism involves associating groups or individuals with a particular animal or plant that serves as a symbol of that group, emphasizing identity rather than a recognition of life in all natural things. Shamanism is often linked to specific practices for healing or communicating with spirits, but it does not broadly encompass the belief that all aspects of nature possess life. Thus, animism stands out as the belief system that universally acknowledges life in all natural things.