Which belief system infuses the universe with an impersonal spiritual force?

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Enhance Your Knowledge for UCF's ANT2410 Exam. Prepare with quiz questions on cultural anthropology, explore humanity's rich tapestry, and increase your chances of excelling at the University of Central Florida.

The belief system that infuses the universe with an impersonal spiritual force is animatism. This concept posits that there is a spiritual essence or life force that is present in all aspects of the natural world, but it does not have personality or anthropomorphic features. In animatism, this force is not deity-like or tied to specific gods, but rather exists as a pervasive energy that can influence the environment and the lives of individuals.

In contrast, animism typically involves beliefs that spirits inhabit specific entities such as animals, plants, and natural features, giving them lifelike qualities and personalities. Monotheism and polytheism are centered around the belief in one or multiple deities, respectively, who are often narrative figures with human-like attributes and personal relationships with followers. Animatism's focus on an impersonal force distinguishes it from these other belief systems, which attribute spiritual significance to defined, sentient beings.