What is the earliest form of religion characterized by a belief in a spiritual force?

The earliest form of religion characterized by a belief in a spiritual force is animatism. This concept refers to the belief in a generalized, impersonal force that pervades the world and affects both natural entities and human existence. Animatism typically does not center around specific deities or spirits but rather emphasizes the existence of a power that can influence individuals and their surroundings.

In many early cultures, people would attribute various forces to the environment, considering things like wind, water, and stones to possess this spiritual essence. This belief system is foundational and often predates more structured religious systems, such as polytheism or monotheism, where specific gods or a singular god are worshipped.

Animist belief, while similar, often involves the veneration of specific spirits or deities associated with natural elements, making it a more complex framework than that of animatism. Monotheism and polytheism represent more developed religious structures with distinct gods and doctrines that emerged later in human cultural evolution.