What does "animism" refer to in religious studies?

Animism refers to the belief that non-human entities, such as animals, plants, natural phenomena, and inanimate objects, possess a spiritual essence or soul. This concept suggests that the world is filled with spiritual beings and forces that influence human life and the environment. In many animistic traditions, there is a deep connection between the spiritual and physical worlds, where each element of nature is acknowledged as having its own spirit or life force. This understanding fosters respect and reverence for nature and its various components.

The other choices represent distinct religious beliefs that do not align with the definition of animism. The belief in many gods describes polytheism, which is different from the animistic view focusing on spiritual essences in non-human entities. The belief in a single god pertains to monotheism, while the belief in the afterlife is a separate concept related to what happens post-mortem, but it does not encompass the essence of animism, which emphasizes the spiritual presence in the natural world.